Lilly raised her hand. “No, absolutely not. I didn’t get to clean for her so you don’t owe me a penny.”
“But you still had to pay for gas to drive here.”
Yes, she was on a really tight budget but under these circumstances she wouldn’t feel right even taking money to fill up the tank “No, really. I couldn’t.”
He nodded. “I do have one favor to ask you. As I’m heading out of town I need to find someone to look after Barney here. I don’t suppose you could?”
Lilly loved animals and havinga furry creature around would be great company, but the decision wasn’t hers. “I’d love to, but the apartment that I’m renting doesn’t allow pets.” She no longer had her own place and it made her feel sad but it was hopefully only a temporary situation.
Lifting Barney up higher Mrs. Nelson’s son turned to Christopher.
“Me…I don’t know the first thing about looking after dogs,” said Christopher.
Lilly looked at him and smiled. He had the most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen and his smile. Well, it made her want to smile too. “Oh, all right then, if it’s just while you’re away I suppose Barney won’t be any trouble.”
Mrs. Nelson’s son handed him to Christopher who put him down on the ground and the dog ran around sniffing in the corners of the room making a sort of growling sound.
“Now Barney, you behave yourself. I have to be running along. Oh, and Mother’s funeral will be sometime next week if you want to attend.”
“Sure, let me know the exact day and time,” said Christopher walking him out of the living room.
Barney sniffed the couch and then ran around one of the chairs. The poor thing would probably miss his owner.
“Here Barney.” Lilly sat on the floor and stroked the pooch as Christopher walked back into the room. She looked up at him. The dog was now on his back, begging for his belly to be rubbed. “That was nice of you to take Barney for a few days,” she told him.
“Yeah, I probably jumped in there a bit too soon. I’ve never owned a dog before.”
“Not even when you were growing up?”
Christopher shook his head. Barney had now gotten back to his feet and sitting on her lap licking her face.
“Okay, that’s enough. I have to drink my tea and be on my way.”
She stood up and drank the tea while it was still warm. “Thanks so much for coming to the rescue like that,” she said handing him the now empty mug.
“Just glad I was around to help you. Would you like me to carry the vacuum out to your car for you?”
“No, really, it’s no problem.”
“Actually I could do with some fresh air so you’d be doing me a favor.”
She nodded. “Bye Barney.” They walked outside and Christopher picked up the vacuum as Lilly got hold of her bucket of cleaning supplies. They walked to the elevator and Christopher pressed the call button. It was already on that floor so they stepped inside. He pressed for the first floor.
They looked at one another, didn’t say a word, but just smiled. She glanced at the door. The first time in forever she’d been around a man that she found attractive and she’d forgotten how to act. Certainly not like this.
“So it’s your own cleaning business?” asked Christopher.
Thank God, he’d finally said something because it was bordering on embarrassing. Lilly nodded. “Yes, and looks like I’ll have to go looking for another first customer again,” she said as the doors opened. Christopher held it and signaled for her to go ahead of him.
They walked down the hallway and then stepped outside the condo building.
“That’s my white van over there,” she said. She knew it wasn’t much to look at, but she’d purchased it at a bargain price knowing it would be perfect for hauling all her cleaning supplies.
She opened up the back and let Christopher put the vacuum in there, followed by her bucket.
“Thanks once again for your help, the tea, and carrying the vacuum.”
He put out his hand to her. She shook it and they looked into one another eyes. Embarrassment rearing its ugly head yet again.
“I don’t suppose…” He stopped mid-sentence and shook his head. “Sorry, I lost my train of thought,” he said.
He stood there as she got into the van and remained on the same spot while she turned the key in the ignition. It sputtered, almost turned, but was stubborn. She pumped a few times on the gas pedal. That was the thing to do, right?
Still nothing, not even a sputter or a cough.
Shit, it just wasn’t her day.
Christopher tapped on the glass. She wound down the window.
“Is it always like this?”
“I hope not. I only bought it last week and it was running fine.”
“I don’t know much about cars and engines, but pop the hood and I’ll see if I can figure out what’s wrong.”
This handsome guy was turning out to be a knight in shining armor. About time she had some luck in her life. She pulled the lever to open the hood before getting out to see if she could do anything. She stood beside Christopher as he looked under the hood. He smelled as good as he looked. Sandalwood cologne, she was sure of it.
He checked that there was enough oil in there, yes, there was.
“It’s got me puzzled, but someone in the group’s bound to know about cars. I can make a few calls if you like.”
“The group. Are you in a band?”
“No, it’s just a group of us who hang out together. You want to come back up to my place while I give a few of the guys a call?”
“I have to start my shift at the café in about an hour.”
“Okay, so why don’t I give you a ride there. I’ll get someone to take a look at your van and then bring you back to pick it up.”
“I couldn’t really. I mean…”
He put his hand on her arm. She almost pulled it away. Almost. The counselor had told her that she was going to have to learn to trust again. Be willing to be touched again. Especially by someone of the opposite sex. She recalled the mantra she’d been given to recite in times like this—all men don’t want to hurt you.
His hand was on her arm. She went cold, wanted to run, but couldn’t because she’d look like an idiot.
“Let me help you out,” he said.
Chapter Three
Christopher had never, ever been tongue-tied around the opposite sex before. Lilly did something to him. Maybe it was because she was the first human he’d felt attracted to. He couldn’t understand it at first, but now he knew why his brother Aiden had become infatuated with Charlotte.
Standing by the van, and before she was about to drive away, he’d tried to suggest they get together for a drink or lunch, but he’d lost his nerve. Christopher Renner losing his nerve. Unheard of, but he’d suddenly been afraid that this pretty young woman might say no and he’d be hurt.
Either way he’d thought that maybe he’d never see her again. Then fate had intervened and with the van had refused to start and take her away from him.
He glanced at her as she sat beside him in his car. She was so pretty with her long, golden eyelashes.
“The café’s just over here on the left,” she said pointing across the road.
Christopher pulled into the parking lot. “Sunday special breakfast just $1.99,” he said reading the sign on the window.
“You’ve never tried it? Two eggs, two slices of bacon, a sausage patty, and toast.”
“All that for less than two bucks? Maybe I’ll give it try sometime soon.”
She turned to him. “I know I keep saying it, but thanks for all your help.”
“Give me a call when your shift’s over and I’ll come get you and hopefully one of my buddies would have fixed the van,” said Christopher.
“I should be done by five if that’s not inconvenient for you.”
“Nope, I work from home, so no problem.”
She smiled, got out of the car, and walked toward the restau
rant.
He didn’t take his eyes off her and he knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help but watch her butt as she got closer to the door. She filled out the jeans perfectly. All bears loved curvy women.
As soon as she was out of sight, he backed out of the parking space and was already looking forward to seeing her again when he picked her up. Yeah, fate had been very kind to him today.
****
Lilly’s feet ached. The café had been busy and she’d been on the go since she’d started her shift. She’d thought that maybe the cleaning business would take off from the ground running, but today’s loss of her first client hadn’t been a good start.
She sipped her soda during her mid-afternoon break. Maybe she’d put an ad in the newspaper. Well, that was if she had any money left over at the end of the week. Hopefully, whatever was wrong with the van was fixable and low cost. She could ask her mom to lend her some money, but she was doing enough for her already.
Lilly rubbed her hand over the sole of her left foot. She hadn’t waitressed since she worked at the Downtown Grille during high school. This place wasn’t half its size, but it was just as busy. She took off her other shoe and curled her toes inward hoping that would help stretch them out and ease the pain in the bottom of her foot.
She’d get used to it. She had to. This was her way of surviving, and her future.
Christopher had been a life saver twice today. He’d been in the right place at the right time on both occasions. Maybe her luck was changing and someone out there was looking after her. Moving to Kalispell had obviously been a good idea.
She peeped through the window in the kitchen area. Another customer at one of her tables. She downed the last of the drink, put her apron back on, and headed out there.
****
“Any idea what’s wrong with it?” asked Christopher.
The first person in the group he’d called upon was Sam. Sam, a wolf shifter and accountant, surprisingly knew the most about cars and engines. He was also a cousin to Christopher’s old girlfriend, Eliza, who had now joined a pack in Idaho and was about to give birth any day.
“Yeah, this is a simple one, the battery’s dead. Looks like an old one. If you can go get a new one I can put it in for you.”
Dead battery, why wasn’t that the first thing he’d thought of?
“Sure, you want to tell me what type I need?”
“Why don’t I run to the store with you and that way we’ll know it’s the right one.”
“You mind if I bring Barney along? I’m looking after him. He belonged to the neighbor who died today.”
Sam laughed. “This I have to see, you and a dog. I’ll be waiting in my car for you.”
Christopher went back inside and then up the stairs to his condo. He picked up his wallet and also Barney’s leash. The dog sprang to life and began jumping up higher than Christopher’s waist as soon as he heard the chain clinking.
“Just calm down there buddy so I can get this on you. We’re going to take a ride to buy a new battery for Lilly’s van.”
Dear God, he was already talking to the Pomeranian like it understood what he was saying. The dog stood still, so Christopher was able to hook the leash on the collar and soon they were heading down in the elevator and out the door.
Sam burst out laughing as soon as he got into the car and sat Barney on his lap.
“There’s nothing more stupid than a big six foot three guy/bear shifter walking a miniature dog.”
“Hey, I didn’t choose him, and it’s only temporary. If I get myself a dog it will be a German shepherd or something even bigger.”
Barney began licking Sam’s face. “Guess he knows a fellow canine when he sees one.”
“Maybe you should take him then,” said Christopher.
“No, a wife and two young ones are enough for me to handle.”
Sam started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
“Did you know Becky was the right mate for you as soon as you saw her?” asked Christopher.
“Sure did. When you see your true mate you feel it in both your heart and cock.”
Yeah, he’d felt something in both those places the first time he’d set eyes upon Lilly.
“Are you asking me because you think you might have finally found the one?”
“Did you ever feel something for a human woman?”
“Ah, now I get it. It’s the human whose van I’m fixing. I thought there was more to this than you just playing the Good Samaritan. Are you following in Aiden’s footsteps?”
“He’s the happiest he’s ever been. Charlotte’s his true mate.”
Sam nodded. “I think your brother would tell you that it’s not easy being with someone so different.”
Christopher bit the hangnail on his index finger. “I got so tongue-tied around her it was pathetic.”
“You tongue-tied? The guy who can talk just about any woman into getting into his bed and opening her legs for him.”
“It’s weird. My cock did react to her but having sex with her wasn’t a priority for me this time around. And soon as I look at her I don’t know what to say. She takes my breath away and I sort of become frozen.”
“Just ask her out and if she says no then you’ll know she’s not your mate and maybe there’s a shifter out there for you. Maybe you and Eliza didn’t work out because it was the whole bear and wolf shifter thing. Perhaps you need to just date bear shifters.”
Christopher looked out the window. Eliza had been special to him, but he never felt the urge to settle down and mate with her. As far as bear shifter women in the group. None of them did for him what Lilly did when he looked at her.
Sam was right. It probably wasn’t easy, but he was sure as hell going to give it a try.
Chapter Four
Lilly peeked out of the café window and into the parking lot. She’d called Christopher as soon as her shift was done. He’d told her he’d be right there and the good news was her van was running again. He hadn’t mentioned what the problem had been or the cost, but she had her checkbook ready. Well, that was hoping she had enough to cover it. If she didn’t it would have to go on her credit card which she hated using knowing all she could afford was the minimum monthly payment.
She recognized his car from when he’d dropped her off. She got ready to head out to the parking lot.
“Night, Rose,” Lilly called to the owner.
“Have a great evening, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Lilly opened the door and ran toward Christopher’s car. She smiled when she saw he’d brought Barney along for the ride, and he’d already jumped into the passenger seat. If only she had a place that would let her have a pet, she’d love to give him a home. Someone to come home to when she opened the door every day. Someone to talk to, even if he wasn’t human.
“Let Lilly get in the car,” Christopher told the dog when she opened the door.
“He’s okay; I can sit with him on my lap. Well, that’s if it’s allowed.”
She picked up the dog, sat, and placed him on her legs. He immediately licked her face and she stroked him. He was so warm and soft. It felt good to have something comforting near her. A tear slid down her face. She missed Katlin so much. If only they could be together again.
She wiped the tear away hoping that Christopher didn’t see her.
“So you going to let Barney sleep in your bed?” asked Lilly. He barked when she said his name.
“Don’t give him any ideas.”
“I’m sure he’d like some company now that his owner’s gone.”
“He pulled me toward Mrs. Nelson’s door, well what’s left of Mrs. Nelson’s door, when we went along the hallway.”
“The poor little guy.” She patted him and he licked her face again. She sort of knew how he felt when someone you loved so much wasn’t around.
“Don’t worry I’ll spoil him for a few days and then it’s up to Mrs. Nelson’s son to take over.”
They pulled int
o the parking lot and Lilly spotted her van. They both got out.
“So what was wrong with it?” she asked.
“Dead battery. My friend Sam knew straight away. Wolv…” He barely stopped himself from saying wolves, “…he has good intuitions about that sort of thing.”
“Please thank him,” said Lilly as they got out of the car. “And let me know how much I owe him for his time and the battery.”
She dug into her purse for her checkbook and pen.
Christopher waved his hand at her. “His service was free and seeing how you lost a customer today, the battery’s on me.”
“No, that’s not your fault, it’s not anyone’s fault. I insist I pay you, at least for the battery.”
He shook his head. “Nope, it’s a gift from me.”
“I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I’d prefer you not give me a gift, okay?”
“All right, but have dinner with me in payment for it.”
What was it with the men? They didn’t think she could look after herself? They did something nice for her and then expected some type of payment like a date and she knew where that would lead. She thought Christopher was different and it made her heart sink knowing she’d been living in a fantasy land all afternoon. Nothing in her life had changed.
“I don’t go out with men in exchange for them paying for things for me.”
“Hey, that’s not what I meant, so please don’t think that’s what I was implying.”
“Just give me the keys to my van, tell me how much the battery cost, and I’ll be on my way.”
A vein suddenly pulsed in the side of his forehead. Shit, that’s the sort of thing she’d seen happen to Matt before he raised his hand to her. She took two steps back.
He handed her the key. “It was $89.99.”
Luckily she remembered his last name was Renner but as for Christopher, was that a C or K?
“It’s Christopher with a C, right?”
“Yep, that’s me.”
She could tell by his tone that she’d pissed him off. But what did he expect?
She wrote out the check and handed it to him, trying her best not to make eye contact with him now. “Good luck with Barney and once again thank you.”
Loving The Bear Page 2
