Page 78 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Wow. So good. This would make a great spread, too.”
Dash pulled Aiden in for honey-flavored kisses.
“Thank you, love. You’re going to have to get me some more, though, because these won’t last long.”
Aiden flashed him a sweet smile.
“You’re welcome, and I already placed an order for more. He’ll have it ready by the time we get back.”
Dash gave him an appreciative growl and handed him his gift. The lumpy, uneven wrapping revealed little about the thin, heavy item inside. The paper dropped away to reveal an old candy cookbook with a wooden, hand-painted cover entitledCandy Book. Published in 1938, it was a first printing in mint condition, containing a hundred and fifty illustrated recipes from chocolates to taffy. Aiden was thrilled.
“It looks almost new! I can’t wait to see if there are any cool recipe ideas in here I can use. This is perfect, babe. Thank you.”
The pair worked together to clean up the kitchen and pack for their mini-vacation. It was after eleven by the time they left for the resort, and Aiden seemed unusually quiet as they headed south. Dash placed a meaty hand on his mate’s thigh and gave it a squeeze.
“What’s on your mind? Worried about spending three days with a bunch of bears?”
Aiden just laughed and patted Dash’s hand.
“No, it’s not that. I’ve been thinking about Ashton and some things he said. Two major problems have come up in my life, and both could have been avoided if people would have had easy access to mental health care. I don’t think the issue is taken seriously by most employers, and I want to see what we can do forDelicious. If somebody needs help, they should be able to get it without breaking the bank.”
Dash growled softly to himself for a few moments, thinking it over.
“I agree. I’ll ask my human resources group to do some research; not just for you, but for the resort, too. I’m sure we can find a way to care for any employee who needs it, even if we pay for it ourselves. Maybe some good will come out of the bad things that happened to you. I just wish I could have protected you from them.”
Aiden nodded silently and reached across the center console to brush fingertips over Dash’s bearded cheek.
“I love you. So much.”
####
Dash and Aiden were staying in one of the combination rooms, equipped for mixed couples. At check-in, they answered questions about their meal preferences and then received key cards hanging from long stretchy cords. The card allowed thempassage into their unit and the shifter wing—a world unto itself with individual rooms, communal play spaces, and dining facilities. Even the hallways were made to look like tunnels carved from stone.
The reason for their odd key cards became obvious when they spotted bears wearing them around their thick necks. Apparently, the card activated the room entrance when they pressed a large flat metal button engraved with a paw print. Since they were just arriving and Dash hadn’t shifted yet, he stepped on the activator and waved his key card in front of the scanning beam. The solid wood door slid to the side, allowing entry, and closed again behind them.
Aiden was already impressed, and he’d hardly seen anything yet. The space was warmly lit with concealed fixtures, showcasing real plants, earth tone colors, natural wood, stone accents, and even a section of tree trunk for marking or back scratches. The overall den-like appearance was low-ceilinged and subtly divided into regions without the use of solid walls or right angles.
Beneath their feet was authentic-looking artificial turf; soft to the touch when Aiden reached down to rustle his fingers through it. A soft breeze flowed through, smelling fresh and outdoorsy, and the sounds of nature could be heard coming from hidden speakers.
The only difference between this room and most of the others in the shifter wing was the nod to human guests. A small bathroom was tucked away behind a rock wall, a kitchenette blocked by a plethora of potted plants, and a raised bed platform on the far side of the padded sleeping area. Even the drawers, closet, and phone were cleverly camouflaged to maintain the appearance of being outdoors.
Aside from a padded chair, a small side table, and a breakfast bar stool, there was no traditional human furniture. Loungingand sleeping places, however, were scattered throughout, with comfy nooks and crannies where large ursine guests could curl up or stretch without impediment. If requested, food was delivered to the room by pressing a marked button on the wall, or one could simply walk down to the foodpark.
Dash’s family had arrived last night and were all settled in by now. For Aiden’s benefit, the plan included some daily activities in human form, such as the water park, shopping, shared meals, or time on the ski slopes. They were set to meet with Dash and Aiden for lunch at the Delaware room in less than ten minutes, requiring haste. While the family could have reserved one of the party rooms, they chose to spread out for lunch.
The restaurant was nearly full when they arrived, and Dash’s parents met them at the door. Scenting and hugs came first, and then Lamont explained.
“Today, you’re to sit with your brother and sisters and their mates. They’re waiting over by the far wall. Your mother and I get our turn tomorrow, and the kids will eat with you on Tuesday. Aiden, will you be joining us at the Watershed this afternoon?”
The Watershed was a shifter version of the human water park, constructed especially for bears. He’d probably be the only non-shifter in attendance, but it didn’t matter.
“I’ll be there. I’ve heard bears love swimming but have never seen it. Sounds like fun!”
Jean and Lamont cracked up, and then she caught Dash’s eye.
“Son, we absolutelylovethe shifter wing! I couldn’t have imagined a place like this, and you deserve the credit for creating it. We’re all having such fun, and I want you to know how much we appreciate the free rooms. This getaway won’t soon be forgotten.”
Dash blushed at his mother’s praise.
