Page 23 of The Bear's Forever Mat
Amber’s gaze remained fixed on his. “Your grandparents.”
“Yes. And considering how long they’ve been together, I’m pretty sure your being human isn’t going to be a problem.”
He really wanted to keep talking, but it’d been nearly fifteen minutes since he’d made her squirm, and with the mating fever burning through him, that was a good fourteen minutes too long.
Besides, it seemed she’d erased most of the bullet points on his Items To Be Dealt With list in one fell swoop.
Not even twenty-four hours later, Amber took control of their food and drink situation. She’d slipped out of the shower ahead of him, and somehow by the time he reentered the main room, she was hauling a massive pile of boxes through the door.
“What’s this?” He hurried to help her bring in her haul, humming in approval as the rich scent of ribs from his favourite barbecue house drifted on the air. “Oh my God, you got takeout.”
“I don’t know what you were thinking when you packed those coolers, but you didn’t bring in enough calories for a mouse, let alone the two of us.” She gestured to the porch with an imperative wave. “Go get the rest of them.”
Cooper chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t you give me sass,” she warned, “or you’ll be doing a whole lot moreyes, ma’am-ing.”
“Promises, promises.” He snapped at the bun she threw at his head, snagging it between his teeth then growling lustily as he shook it.
Amber regally ignored him.
He moved to haul in the rest of the supplies, pausing only when she poked him with her fist. The one holding an oversized robe she’d grabbed from somewhere.
“Put this on. I like how naked looks on you, but we don’t want to make anyone wandering past the cabin jealous. You’re all mine.”
He liked how possessive that comment sounded.
After they’d filled their bellies, he reconsidered the idea of keeping her naked all the time and ordered her to pull on some clothes. “We both need to get outside for a while.”
The sunshine pouring in the windows of the cabin was calling, and the few moments of stepping into the crisp cool December day while he was grabbing the boxes had been enough to briefly break through the mating fever.
Cooper liked being outside. Even with his desk job, he usually spent a couple of hours daily wandering in his fur, and while Amber had been a fine distraction, they both could use some fresh air.
Stretch your legs?he offered his inner bear.
Cautious interest bounced back.This wouldn’t be me breaking my promise?
Definitely not. We’re shifting to be with Amber, not to avoid her.
His bear shrugged.You’re the one with the rules.
Cooper glanced at Amber. She had her back to him, standing in front of the mirror beside the door as she adjusted the toque on her head. She was already dressed in her boots and coat, with warm mittens sticking out of her pocket.
Perfect timing. He tossed aside his robe and shifted, stretching lazily to work out the kinks.
Amber rotated. Then she flailed backward and screamed loud enough the windows rattled.
OceanofPDF.com
10
Cooper sat back on his heels in utter shock.
It took a second, but Amber found her balance, back pressed to the door, hand over her chest as if she were trying to stop her heart from escaping. “Dammit, Cooper. Next time, warn a girl.”
He tilted his head to the side and debated shifting back. She was still trembling. Her heart pounded loud enough he could hear it across the distance separating them, and the sharp scent of fear sliced through the air like an emergency beacon.
Inside, his bear let out a massive sigh.
