Had he offended her when he’d just taken off like that? She knew what he was, so he could have stuck around and told her that when shifters got excited like that, they had to run afterwards. If she was ever going to find a shifter mate, she’d have to learn about things like that.
Chloe and another shifter. He suddenly didn’t like the idea of that. Not the human/shifter thing, but her with another man, any man, shifter or human.
He took off running again, then stopped by a tree, went up on his hind legs, and rubbed himself against it. A typical male bear thing when they felt like they were the only ones that had the right to mate with a female.
Let this be warning to the rest of you. He rubbed himself again.
He had no idea what time it was, but it must be getting late because the light was fading fast. Ash ran at top speed and came to the opening in the woods where he’d shifted. He relaxed his muscles, his jaw, shoulders, and stomach, and slowly shifted back into his human half.
Damn, it was cold. He quickly got dressed and walked back to his car. He picked up his cell phone. He needed to apologize for running out like that. No, he’d go one better. He’d go in person and explain what had happened.
****
Chloe had wandered down into the café when Sophie had woken up. She needed some company and, luckily, Hannah had been putting the flatware on the table, ready for the evening crowd.
“Have you always wanted to run a restaurant?” Chloe asked her as she lit the candles on each table.
“No, it’s something that happened by mistake. I came here, sort of looking for Sam’s father, saw this place was for sale, and thought why not give it a try?”
“And you obviously like it.”
“It’s a great way to meet people.”
“Ash is going to take me to take me to look at cars at Liam’s place. That’s your son’s uncle, right?”
Hannah nodded. “Good thing you’re going to meet him now and not, say, six months ago. He was…well, how should I put it? An asshole.”
Chloe burst out laughing.
“I will never say that while Sam’s around, but he was the biggest pain in the butt you could wish to meet. Hated humans until he found out about Sam, and then the lovely Lucy walked into his life and now he’s a different man.”
“You really think we can change men?”
“Oh yes, although they’ll never admit to such a thing. Speaking of men, here comes Brady Walsh.”
Chloe looked out of the window to see a tall, dark-haired man getting out of a Range Rover. He was cute, but not half as cute as Ash. “Who is he?”
“A bear shifter who is one of the richest men in Montana. He’s been living out in Seattle and on Vancouver Island for about five years. Bear knows him well. He’s single, by the way, but problem is, he knows what he wants and gets want he wants, and I don’t think there’s a woman who he thinks is good enough for him. Here he comes, so be pre-warned he’s a flirt with a capital F.”
The bell tinged and Brady walked in. He took off his leather gloves and slapped his hands together.
“Hannah, who is this beautiful young woman?”
Hannah kicked the side of Chloe’s shoe. “This is Chloe, and she’s just joined our community.”
“Chloe, such a beautiful name.” He walked over to her. She offered him her hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it and kissed the back of it. His eyes were a deep shade of blue.
“You want the table near the fire?” Hannah asked him.
“That would be perfect.” He took off his coat and placed it on one of the chairs before sitting at another one.
“So, you back in town permanently now?” Hannah asked as she handed him a menu.
“Yes, I’m having a house built on the other side of Flathead. I’m staying at my cabin until it’s ready.” He took the menu and opened it up. “I’m opening an office here, too.”
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Beer, no glass,” said Brady.
Hannah walked away, leaving Chloe to finish lighting the rest of the candles.
“How are you liking the area?” Brady asked her.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Sure is.” He put his nose in the air and sniffed. “And you’re not a shifter, although Hannah said you’re part of our community.”
“It’s a long story,” said Hannah, returning with the beer. She winked at Chloe.
“I like long stories. Perhaps you’d like to come to my cabin and have some dinner with me.”
“Afraid she can’t do that because she’s with me.”
Chloe hadn’t heard Ash come into the café. He must have entered through the back door.
Brady lifted up his hand. “Sorry, Ash, had no idea. You know I’m not the type to venture into another bear’s territory.”
Chloe looked at Ash. Did he mean that? He was actually back. That had to be a good thing, right?
“Are you here to eat or to see Chloe?” asked Hannah.
“Both, and I’m buying her supper if you want to bring two menus over here.”
Ash pulled out a chair for Chloe.
“Is it okay with you if I put Sophie in her carrier next to me?”
Ash took the carrier from her, pulled out a chair, and placed Sophie onto it. She was fast asleep. Ash touched her nose. “A baby has a lovely life. I mean sleeping when you feel like it,” he said.
“Do you hibernate in winter?” asked Chloe, pulling her chair in close to Sophie.
“No, don’t know any shifter who does.”
Hannah took Brady’s order and then walked over to them.
“A beer for me.”
“Soda for me, but I feel like I should be helping you get those.”
Hannah put her hand on her shoulder. “You’re a paying guest tonight. Well, at least Ash is, so you sit and enjoy your meal. I’ll go get the drinks and you can look over the menu.”
“I saw the chicken pot pie being made earlier today and it looked and smelled delicious, so I think I’m going to try that,” said Chloe.
“Sounds good to me,” said Ash, closing up the menu.
Hannah returned with the drinks and put them down on the table.
“Two chicken pot pies with all the trimmings,” said Ash.
“That’s popular tonight. Brady’s ordered the same,” said Hannah.
“Not a big, juicy raw steak?” said Ash.
Brady turned around and lifted his beer bottle to Ash. Ash raised his in response.
“I’ll get these orders in and I don’t want to see you and Brady fighting by the time I come back out here,” Hannah whispered to Ash.
Ash took a swig of the beer. “Good thing I came in here when I did.”
“You’re assuming I would have said yes to his offer,” said Chloe, keeping her voice low and quickly realizing, with his bear’s sense of hearing, Brady probably knew everything they were saying.
“Would you have?”
Was he jealous? Chloe sensed that he might be. “I’m not sure. Will I have to date only shifters, or can I date humans?” She wanted to see his reaction to the question she’d posed.
He tapped the table and bit his lip as Hannah took Brady’s pot pie and mashed potatoes over to him.
“This looks like a dream come true,” he said.
Ash looked over at him and then back at Chloe. “We can’t tell you who to be attracted to or even who to fall in love with.”
“And about earlier today when I…”
Ash lifted up his hand. “That’s okay. It was my fault for touching your…” He lowered his voice. “Your nipple. I have a thing for nipples. Never met one I didn’t adore.” He stopped talking when Hannah brought their meals to the table.
“Here you go. Enjoy,” said Hannah.
“It’s okay. It was my fault,” said Chloe. “I don’t know what came over me.” She made a hole in the middle of the pastry and dived into it. She had to admit, she was starving. And somehow, the thought of eating
alone hadn’t exactly thrilled her. She had Sophie. She glanced over at her. Still asleep. Still as cute as could be. She was thinking how wonderful it would be when she started to talk and they could have a conversation, but she knew Sophie probably wouldn’t reach those sorts of milestones as quickly as other children. That was just fine with her. She’d take extra time with her daughter and give her all the attention that she needed.
Ash put his hand on top of hers. “It’s going to be okay.”
She looked at him. “Can you figure out what I’m thinking? Because, if you can, it’s sort of scary.”
Ash shook his head. “I can communicate with other shifters without talking. Well, at least the ones who have kept up that skill, but you, no. I read you face and you looked sad.”
“Not sad, just thinking about Sophie and if I’ll be able to give her all the help she’ll need.”
“You have a whole community to do that with you. You want to take a picnic to the park after you’ve been for your check-up?”
“This time of the year?”
“Last chance before winter sets in.”
“Okay.”
She hadn’t thought about the winters, the snow, and being inside. Still, she had her studying to do. Sophie to snuggle with.
Brady’s cell phone broke the silence and Sophie woke and began crying.
“Sorry, folks, so sorry,” he said before answering it.
“Here, let me take her. You continue eating,” said Ash.
Ash was the gentlest person she’d ever known. He lifted Sophie out like she was made of porcelain. He rubbed her back as he walked with her and, suddenly, her cries turned to little sobs.
Brady finished his call. “Hi, little one,” he said, waving to Sophie. “I had no idea you had a baby,” he said to Ash.
“No, Sophie’s not mine. She’s Chloe’s daughter.”
“Sophie, that’s a pretty name, and I’m so sorry my phone woke you from your nap.”
“So, what are you up to these days?” asked Ash.
“Trying to buy some land south of Glacier and going to build some condos and apartments.” Brady walked over to Ash.
“You know when they’ll be ready? Because I’m in rented accommodation right now,” said Ash, walking up and down with Sophie, who was now cuddled into his shoulder.
“I can’t say for sure, but I can give you these brochures telling you all about them and the features.” Brady went back to his table picked up a folder and handed one to Ash.
“I’ll look these over.”
“You looking for one, two bedrooms? More maybe?” He looked at Sophie and then at Chloe.
“Two or more, I would think.”
“I can give you a good deal if you’re interested,” said Brady.
“Okay, give me a call when you have a model ready to view.” Ash walked back and sat. The poor guy had drool on his sweatshirt.
Chloe took a napkin, dipped it into the water, and wiped it.
“She spit up on me.”
“No, you made her drool,” said Chloe.
“All the girls do that for him,” said Hannah, refilling Chloe’s soda.
Yeah, she bet they did.
“You thinking of moving?” she asked, looking at the brochure he’d set on the plate.
“Eventually. Nice to get someplace of my own.”
“You’ll soon discover that these bears are very independent,” said Hannah.
****
“You really don’t have to do this,” Hannah told her.
“I know, but cleaning down the tables keeps me occupied.”
The café had closed an hour ago, Ash was now long gone, and she knew Hannah probably wanted to get home to Bear and her son, so the quicker they got things cleared away, the better. Plus, it was someone to talk to. Once Hannah left, Chloe would be all alone.
She looked at Sophie who was asleep again.
“Is that normal? I mean that she sleeps so much,” asked Chloe.
Hannah nodded. “Sam slept for hours on end the first couple of weeks I brought him home from the hospital and then, well, he let me know he had a great pair of lungs on him.”
“I’m just worried that there’s something wrong that I’m not seeing.”
“She’s fine, really she is, and we’re all just a call away.”
Chloe nodded. “So do you think Ash will ever settle down?”
Hannah stopped wiping the table. “It’s okay, you don’t have to pretend. I guessed you had a thing for him and I think it’s mutual. The bears can be stubborn. I guess it’s in their nature, but when they find their mate, well, the human part of them says fight it, but the bear part conflicts with that and they sort of send you mixed messages.”
“So Bear did that to you?”
“Well, he had every female shifter pursuing him and I wasn’t interested, so I guess that’s what he liked about me. Plus, Sam sort of got us together.”
“We’re going on a picnic tomorrow,” said Chloe.
“See, I told you the feeling was mutual.”
****
“Chloe’s your first patient of the day,” said Bear, handing him her folder.
Ash handed it back to him. “The OB/GYN stuff is your thing.”
“I know, but I have my morning clinic. I have Lilly Renner coming in for her first ultrasound, and also Emily Burgress, who’s getting close to her due date.”
“But I can’t do that sort of examination on Chloe.”
“Are you two…or should I say have you two…?”
Ash shook his head.
“So there’s no problem with you giving her a post-natal exam.”
There was no way Ash could give her a pelvic exam and not embarrass both of them. “You do it, and I’ll see to Lilly and Emily.” He pushed the folder into Bear’s belly and left before he could hear any further arguments.
Ash tapped on the door and went in to find Christopher and Lilly all set for her ultrasound.
“We thought Bear was doing this,” said Christopher.
“He was, but he’s checking on Chloe.”
“I can’t wait to meet her,” said Lilly.
“Are you bringing her to Liam’s wedding?” asked Christopher.
Ash hadn’t thought about that. Perfect place to introduce her to lots of members of the group. “That’s given me a great idea,” he said.
“I hear she’s pretty,” said Lilly as Mia rolled in the ultrasound machine.
“Hi, everyone. I thought—”
“Bear was doing this,” said Ash. “He’s checking on Chloe. You guys don’t mind me doing this?”
Lilly shook her head.
“Fine with me,” said Christopher.
Ash washed his hands and then lifted Lilly’s top and smeared the gel over her belly.
“Is Kaitlin excited about being a big sister?” asked Mia, handing the wand to Ash.
“I think she has mixed feelings about it,” said Christopher. “She’s figured out she won’t have us all to herself.”
“Okay, let’s take a look here,” said Ash, placing the wand across Lilly’s belly.
“How’s the morning sickness?” asked Mia.
“It’s getting better. I’ve had a lot more than when I was pregnant with Kaitlin.”
“Everything looks perfect. You want to know the sex?” asked Ash.
Lilly and Christopher looked at one another.
“We thought we did, but now we want to wait,” said Christopher.
“You want to see the screen and take print out home with you?”
“Absolutely,” said Lilly.
“Don’t go looking too closely at it or you’ll probably figure out the sex of the baby,” said Ash, turning the screen around for them to see.
“Hey, that’s our little baby. We made that together,” said Christopher. He squeezed Lilly’s hand.
There was a knock on the door and Bear walked in. “Hi, everyone, sorry I’m late.”
“No problem, Ash has almost finished
with my ultrasound,” said Lilly.
Ash took the wand away and wiped her belly.
“I’m done examining Chloe and she’s waiting to see you, Ash.”
“I’d love to meet her if she can hold on about another ten minutes,” said Lilly, sitting up and pulling down her top.
“Sure, we’ll be in reception,” said Ash.
Ash walked out to see Chloe carrying Sophie in her baby carrier. She was standing talking to Trent and Emily, who looked like she was about to tip over.
“Triplets,” said Chloe. “Did you take fertility drugs?”
“Nope, just happened,” said Emily.
“And when are you due?” asked Chloe.
“About another month. I’m scheduled for a C-section.”
Chloe turned around to look at Ash.
Trent put out his hand and slapped him on the back. “Glad to see you back in town. Are you going to Liam’s wedding?”
“Yes, how about you?”
“We’d love to, but Emily’s on bed rest now until her due date.”
“Then could you do me a favor?”
“Sure,” said Trent.
“Could you babysit Sophie while Chloe and I attend?”
“We’d love to,” said Emily.
Chloe turned to look at him.
“That okay with you?”
“I don’t have anything to wear to a wedding,” she said.
“Then it’s a great excuse to go shopping,” said Emily.
“Look who is here,” said Trent, pointing to Christopher and Lilly.
“Lilly, Christopher, this is Chloe and her daughter, Sophie. Chloe, this is Aiden’s brother and his wife.”
“I’ve heard so much about you,” said Lilly. “And you sweet little thing.” Lilly knelt down and stroked the back of Sophie’s hand.
“So, boy or girl?” asked Emily, pointing to Lilly’s stomach.
“We decided to wait,” said Christopher.
“Well if you guys can excuse me, I have to get back to work. Don’t suppose you and Lilly could give Chloe a ride back to Hannah’s café?” asked Ash.
“Sure, why don’t we pick up Kaitlin on the way, and we might as well have lunch there too,” said Christopher.
****
Kaitlin reminded Chloe a lot of the girl who lived next door to the house where she grew up. Talked non-stop and had dimples like her, too. She held Sophie’s hand as they rode toward the café.
Protected by the Bear Page 7
