Page 3 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Have you found anything yet?”
Ryder offered a single nod and a small smile.
“I’ve signed a lease on a rental house along the Lehigh River, just north of the resort. I don’t want to take on a mortgage until I’ve found a nice piece of property to build on. And before you say anything, I think it’s past time to give you some space and let you live your life without a shadow.”
Dash didn’t completely agree with the statement, though he knew there was some truth to it.
“Just so you know, I’ve never felt that way. Maybe this move will be good for both of us.”
Ryder stood to go and placed a meaty hand on Dash’s shoulder.
“I think it will be, my friend.”
Chapter 2
Last week of February, City Hall
Since Ryder had been there before, Dash simply followed him into the century-old brick building for their meeting with DeeDee Tillman. While his nose told him the place was old and well-used, his practiced eye noted the beautiful woodwork, elegant light fixtures, and gleaming floors. A modern elevator delivered them to the Mayor’s office suite, which they found on the left through an ornately carved oak door. Inside, the antechamber served as a workspace for DeeDee’s Administrative Assistant, Carmen Perez. She stood to greet them with a sparkling smile.
“Welcome, gentlemen. It’s good to see you again, Mr. Sinclair, and this must be Mr. Hawthorn. If you’ll follow me, please, Mayor Tillman is waiting.”
Perez hid her reaction well for a human, but her scent revealed a mix of curiosity, attraction, and delight. Apparently, it was something of a coup to be the first one in Bear Creek to meet the mysterious and much-talked-about Dashiell Hawthorn in the flesh. Of course, reactions like this were expected due to Dash’s penchant for privacy, but Ryder knew that living in a small town inhabited by shifters meant far fewer secrets could be kept. Whether Dash realized it yet or not was another matter.
Perez led them to a wide, heavy door where she knocked once, opened it, and walked in. The Honorable Mayor of Bear Creek rose from the chair behind her desk, reaching her visitors in a few broad steps. There was nothing special about her looks, but even a casual observer couldn’t help but notice the crackling energy and authority in her presence—no doubt valuable traits in the business of governing. She addressed Perez before acknowledging her guests.
“No calls or visitors for the time being, Carmen, and hold off on the refreshments for a few minutes, please.”
Perez nodded and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Meanwhile, DeeDee gave Ryder a cursory sniff before leaning in to scent Dash thoroughly. He did the same, wondering if the woman before him would match the person he’d already spoken to on the phone. The Mayor cocked her head, assessing the near stranger before extending her hand with a warm smile.
“DeeDee Tillman. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I operate on a first-name basis here. Is it Dashiell or Dash?”
A mild growl of surprise slipped free as Hawthorn gathered his wits.
“I prefer Dash, thank you.”
“Welcome to Bear Creek, Dash. I understand you purchased the old Wellman place by Buttermilk Falls. It’s a lovely spot, and I’m sure your bear will enjoy the property.”
Tillman gestured them towards a comfy sitting area in the corner even as she spoke.
“Have a seat, boys, and let’s get better acquainted.”
DeeDee chose a sturdy, overstuffed chair while Ryder and Dash sat facing her on a small couch. A sudden change in the woman’s scent alerted both men she was about to say something potentially awkward. DeeDee ignored Ryder and zeroed in on Dash.
“I’m not one to beat around the bush. I know who you are and what happened over a decade ago.”
Ryder tensed, growling at DeeDee, even as Dash stared her down. Most shifters who knew of his past were polite enough to leave it there instead of flinging it in his face. She had to have guessed he wouldn’t react kindly to such a painful and personal intrusion by someone he hardly knew.
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, Mayor Tillman, but my life history is not up for discussion. If you intended to intimidate, I have no interest in playing power games with you or anyone else in Bear Creek.”
Taken aback, DeeDee held up a placating hand.
“My apologies, Dash. You misunderstand me, I’m afraid. A shifter in my position stays abreast of news that affects our people. Your mate’s unfortunate death and the resulting lawsuit were widely reported and closely followed. I have admired your business career and philanthropy through the years and only wish to say that I fully understand why you guard your privacy so carefully. I count it a privilege to work with you, and will do my best to shut down speculation on your personal life.”
Now it was Dash’s turn to be surprised, and he encouraged Ryder to stand down with a tiny shake of his head. Before he could respond, however, Carmen re-entered the office carrying a large tray, placing it on the coffee table between them. Her presence broke the tension and added the cloying scent of something sweet to the air. Next to the carafes of cold water and hot coffee was an enormous plate of chocolates. The rich, sugary aroma had the Mayor and her guests salivating and their bears eager for a taste. DeeDee reached out to snatch one of the uneven, lumpy morsels and then encouraged her guests to do the same.
“These are called Nut Bombs and come fromDelicious, one of our local shops. Aiden Romero owns the place, and I guarantee you’ll find almost everything he makes irresistible. I encourage you to visit him and try the Bear Brownies—something he created exclusively for the local shifter population. My mate, Sunny, and I can’t get enough of them.”
While the Mayor didn’t know that chocolate was Dash's Achilles heel, Ryder did, and it amused him to see his friend’s attempt at moderation. Dash hurriedly stuffed a confection inhis mouth, closed his eyes, and began a low rumbling purr of contentment. He snarfed down three more before realizing he was being watched. He looked up to find Ryder suppressing a laugh and DeeDee wearing a smug grin. Fortunately, the resulting blush remained mostly hidden by his neatly trimmed beard.
