Page 12 of Wrong Turn, Right Bear
He does but I like it. I’ll like it better when he’s our mate. My beast wanted Theo to stay close.
“We both need to shower.” I checked my watch. “Is one hour enough time to get cleaned up?”
He grinned. “I think I’ll manage. I don’t have that many dips and curves to wash.”
Now it was my turn to blush. My cheeks burned and my bear complained I should be doused with cold water. How I wished I could explore Theo’s secret places with my fingers, lips and tongue. Goosebumps spiraled over my skin as I inhaled his unique aroma and imagined how much more potent it would be when we were skin to skin.
Theo peered at me, a furrowed line ceasing between his brows. “Are you all right? You don’t have a fever, do you?” He touched my arm. “Oh gosh, you’re hot.”
“I am.” Okay that was awkward. Now mythoughts were tumbling over one another as I squirmed and concentrated on how to get out of this dilemma.
He offered a tentative smile, as if he wasn’t sure whether to expand or delete it.
“What I was trying to say was?—”
“You’re hot.” Theo giggled and I joined him.
“One hour.” That was all I could manage to get out. But tonight wasn’t just a date, I should counsel him on the aftermath of being confronted by a wild animal.
How do you do that? my beast asked.
Not sure. If Theo was ever to be my mate, I would have to show him my bear.
But I pushed that out of my head. Tonight we’d dine together and tomorrow we’d picnic. I’d consider how to reveal my true self after that.
Fifteen minutes later and I was in the shower, scrubbing off the dust and grime. Before meeting up with Theo, I had to call Chuck, and ask who might have been in the woods. That shifter needed a telling off.
But I spent too much time deliberating on what to wear and took off for the hotel before making the call.
Wow! Theo scrubbed up well. He wore a pair of dark slacks and a button down shirt with a blazer. And he smelled amazing. I couldn’t detectany cologne, it was just him, his natural scent and his magnetism. It took all my strength not to jump him.
His scent filled the inside of the car, making it hard to concentrate on the winding road.
We made small talk until we reached the restaurant, perched close to the lake.
“This is lovely.”
It was a warm night but I’d booked a table inside, unsure if Theo could tolerate the temperature.
We ordered. Theo was an omnivore like my bear, whereas I was a vegetarian.
While we waited for the food, I attempted to ask him how he was doing in the aftermath of what happened on the hiking path.
“I’m okay.” He shrugged. “I’ll tell you again tomorrow morning because I might have nightmares.”
We have to watch over him. My bear was worried about Theo tossing and turning in the night. But while I could stay outside the hotel all night, there was little else I could do.
I can’t break into his room. I’d be arrested.
“If it makes you feel any better, the wolf was probably curious. And wary. Instinct tells them to beware of the unknown.”
“That’s an excellent life skill for a wolf. And there are times when humans should follow that rule. We’realways being told to embrace the new and exciting. Jump in with both feet.”
Hmmm that didn’t bode well for introducing him to the world of shifters.
‘Is that what you’ve done regarding work?”
“Mmmm and my personal life. Got burned a few times.” Theo fiddled with his cutlery.
