Page 47 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden let the mixer do its work for a moment, eyes unfocused as the thought settled in.
“That’s agreatidea, and I’d much rather sell it to you than a stranger. If you get pre-approved for a mortgage now, we can get the sales contract written up and close whenever the bank sets a date. Come to think of it, Skip is still looking for a place and might be interested in your apartment. Most of my stuff is still there, but you could move into the condo right away, leaving the apartment for Skip when he arrives. Text him and see what he says.”
Excited, Leo wiped his hands and began texting—thumbs flying as the message took shape. Since he would transition to the production facility at the end of next week, he and Aiden had already interviewed and hired Skip Mulqueen to be his new full-time assistant at D2. He was recommended by one of their mutual friends, and Skip turned out to be experienced, easygoing, funny, and a team player. He was already familiar with shifters and looked forward to living in a mixed community.
Leo’s phone vibrated with a return message, which Leo read aloud.
>I’ll take it! Get me an application and I’ll send it ASAP. Looking forward to working with all of you soon.
The men continued creating different varieties of fudge in both dark and milk chocolate. Meanwhile, Serena got busy decorating for Father’s Day, which was less than two weeks away. Before hiring his assistant managers, Aiden lacked the time to gussy up the shop for anything except Christmas and Valentine’s Day. When he discovered Serena’s creative turn of mind, she was handed the job of promoting holidays and adding seasonal bling to the website.
Along with heavy online orders, customers filtered in and out all morning, keeping both the front and back of the shop busy. Shortly after eleven o’clock, Dash shuffled into the kitchen to lick and snuffle Aiden’s neck. Rumbly and obviously aroused, Aiden tugged him into the breakroom and out of sight. The poor man trembled with need, hands everywhere and lost in a pheromonal fog. Aiden gently extracted himself and kissed Dash on the nose.
“Why don’t you get ready to go, love, while I talk to the staff for a minute? I’ll meet you by the back door.”
Eyes flashing, Dash growled, but let him go without another word. Aiden headed for the front of the shop, crooking a finger at Leo on his way past. He was relieved to find no customers at the moment and began their impromptu meeting with alacrity.
“For this week and maybe next, I’ll be here in the mornings with Dash and gone for the rest of the day. If you need anything, just call and I’ll find a way to be here if necessary. Sorry for the disruption, but, well, mating is serious business with shifters, and Dash needs me.”
None of them were unsettled by the announcement, and Blanche seemed to sum up what they were all thinking.
“The shop is in good hands, so don’t worry about a thing. We’ll explain it to Toby when he comes in, too. You must know that we’re all thrilled for you.”
Dash’s growls could be heard moments before he appeared to collect his missing mate, tugging the man through the kitchen and out the back door with a loudwhump. Leo, Serena, and Blanche burst into affectionate laughter and resumed their duties. None of them knew what the next week or two might bring, but it was bound to be interesting.
####
Ninety minutes later, Pocono Ridge Resort
Dash pulled into his designated parking spot, shut off the car, and leaned over to kiss his wonderful mate. Their mid-day meal proved to be more loving than lunching, leaving Aiden tender and achy—in the best way, of course. Dash sent Ryder a text announcing their arrival, leading Aiden into the building through a private entrance in the back. It opened to a small vestibule with two unmarked, locked doors; one on the left and another on the right. Dash keyed open the right-hand door, ushering them into what he described as his office suite.
Passing through, Aiden only got a quick look, since they were running a bit late for their first meeting. Ryder met them in the outer office area, leaning in to give Aiden a cursory sniff. Apparently, even that was too much for Dash’s comfort, and heopenly growled at his friend while yanking Aiden possessively to his side. Ryder wasn’t a threat, and he took no offense at the knee-jerk reaction of a newly mated shifter. Aiden, on the other hand, looked confused and a bit miffed at Dash. Ryder simply arched an eyebrow and backed away.
“No worries, Aiden. I’d like to keep my balls where they are if you please. Allow me to offer my congratulations on your mating. The inspectors are waiting for us in the water park.”
Dash issued a sharply growled command to Ryder as they began walking.
“Make sure no one touches my mate!”
Ryder grunted an acknowledgment, and Aiden let the comment pass unchallenged—even if his mate sounded just a tad rude. It would never have been uttered if he and Dash were ensconced at home where they belonged. Newlymates were rarely seen in public for the first week or so, and this situation was not only unusual but extremely stressful for Dash. Aiden squeezed the man’s hand and pecked him on the cheek.
“Try to relax, love. Let Ryder take the lead, and you and I will just observe. I’ll stay right by your side the whole time.”
Dash’s bear wasn’t mollified in the least, though his human half appreciated Aiden’s words. As far as he knew, the inspectors were all human and understood nothing about shifters—newly mated or not. Ryder knew the score and would play interference without seeming too obvious. After all, he’d protected Dash from their very first meeting, and never really stopped in the intervening years. He made a mental note to find a suitable thank you for Ryder’s dedication. Maybe Aiden could help him think of something after the bond settled down.
When they arrived at the enormous, domed water park, Ryder stepped in front of the couple and led the circuitous way to the four waiting inspectors. With his all-business attorney face firmly affixed, Ryder began the introductions.
“I apologize for the wait, gentlemen. I’m Ryder Sinclair, and this is the property owner, Mr. Hawthorn, and his new mate, Aiden Romero. Where would you like to start?”
Three of the inspectors offered Dash and Aiden odd looks but said nothing. The fourth seemed to understand the situation and merely gave the couple a small smile and a polite nod. He must have encountered other shifters in his line of work or learned of them another way. Dash kept a sharp eye on all of them and never once let go of Aiden’s hand. He asked and answered questions as the inspection team consulted the plans, jotted down information, and took appropriate measurements across the vast water playground.
Meanwhile, Aiden gawked at the plethora of fun features scattered about the facility. One section was devoted to young children, using a mock African theme with lots of colorful animals. A wave pool beckoned on the far side of the dome, while the center sported slides, fountains, waterfalls, and an artificial “river” for tubing that wound its way through the entire lower level. Aiden had never been to a water park before and was eager to visit once the resort opened. During a lull, he leaned over to whisper in Dash’s ear.
“I hope you have a bathing suit. I can’t wait to play in here with you.”
Dash groaned at the thought of his sexy mate, all wet and nearly naked.
“Damn! You’ve got me hard again, and the inspection isn’t over yet.”
