Page 11 of The Bear's Forever Mat
It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. Both the part where he was ogling an employee and the fact that mere legs shouldn’t send his orderly, controlled world into chaos.
I bet she’s got cute toes.
You’re not helping matters,Cooper told his bear bluntly.
You’re moving too slow, and you’re useless when you’re this distracted,the beast retorted.Perhaps you need to do a little more thinking about her toes and the rest of her. Naked toes. Nakedher.
Do you mind?Cooper snapped, hideously disappointed with himself as a vivid image of Amber sans clothing appeared in his brain.We’ve gone over why the logical reason is to wait for at least another year.
Yada, yada, yada. His bear snarled the words.Logic, schmogic.
Thank goodness Cooper had a huge distraction waiting for him at the end of the day. Amber had taken off before he was done. He closed down the office then headed straight over to his grandparents’ home.
He left his car at the side of the driveway and slipped into the cool comfort of the massive log building. Polished wooden floors were warm underfoot, and the air carried the sound of voices along with delicate music and the scent of his grandmother’s cooking. A homey, comfortable sensation to stave off all the other conflicting emotions.
“Good to see you, bro.” James offered him a firm pat on the back followed quickly by a hefty glass of scotch. He eyed Cooper. “Good thing it’s nearly the holidays. You’re looking a little tired.”
“Year-end is always busy,” Cooper offered as an excuse. He slipped over to where his grandmother was stirring something at the stove and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Your invitation to dinner was unexpected, but as usual, it smells like a million dollars in here.”
“I don’t think I can get quite that much for my gravy, but thanks, sweetheart.” Grandmother Laureen adjusted her position so she could press her hand against his cheek. “You’re working too hard. You should plan a bit of a getaway soon. Give yourself a chance to refresh and get your feet under you.”
Considering the warning signs were there for the arrival of mating fever, having her offer an excuse to make himself scarce in the coming days was exactly what he was looking for. “I think I might just do that. But I’ll definitely be around for the family holiday events.”
Kaylee and Lara dodged past to grab plates and set the table for dinner.
Grandmother waved a hand at him. “Of course Iwantto see you all here for Christmas, but only if it works out. Sometimes the best laid plans have to be put aside when something else comes up.”
He eyed her closely. The comment about plans hit a little too close to home, but she wasn’t even looking at him. Instead she gave a final stir to whatever was in the pot before tossing orders at his brothers and sisters-in-law. They each came to claim a heavily laden bowl to set on the table.
Grandmother Laureen whirled on Alex, pointing to a platter heaped high with steaks. “Those to the table, please. I’ll bring the buns, and that will be everything. Oh, and Cooper, please be a darling and track down your grandfather. I have no idea where he’s gotten to.”
Cooper headed out in search of the family patriarch. The old man wasn’t that hard to find, his deep chuckle echoing from near the front door.
“Grandfather. It’s time for dinner—”
Cooper rounded the corner and stumbled to a stop. Grandfather was helping Amber out of her coat.
She twisted toward him and offered a shy smile.
Oh baby,his bear rumbled happily.
Stop that. You’re so annoying.
She looks delicious.
What part ofstopdon’t you understand?
The part where I think you want to lick her from the bottom of her toes to the tip of her—
His grandfather interrupted his childish mental chatter, an impossibly serious expression on his face as he motioned to Cooper. “She’s such a delight. Why, I just barely mentioned to Amber I hoped I could read over those year-end reports, and look. She’s here with them. I think she should join us for dinner.”
“Oh no.” Amber blinked then stuttered briefly. “I mean,yes, I did bring the reports, but I thought I had been invited…”
She trailed off, obviously embarrassed.
Cooper stepped forward quickly to reassure her. “Grandfather’s right. You should stay. There’s plenty from what I just saw—Grandmother cooks enough for an army of bears, and I know the girls would love to visit with you.”
She blinked before lifting her gaze to meet his firmly. “Thank you. It’s very kind of you all to welcome me.”
