by Vella Day
“Holy shit.”
“My thoughts exactly. I don’t know what came over me. It was as if she’d tossed out a lifeline and reeled me in. Next thing I know we’re doing it on the floor.”
“I still can’t believe you fucked Tasha Wilder.”
Anger rippled up his body. “I didn’t fuck her. She’s not that type of girl. We made love.”
A slow smile spread across Wade’s face. “What are you saying? You like her? Don’t tell me you intend to pursue her.”
He didn’t know why Wade was being such an ass. “I haven’t decided, but she’s different.”
Before Wade responded, the waitress came over and took their drink orders. He hoped a strong cup of coffee would clear the cobwebs from his brain.
“If you say so,” Wade said.
His friend didn’t understand. “Wait until you’re with someone who alters your thoughts.”
“Hold on. You believe Tasha could be your mate?”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
Wade turned serious. “Do me a favor and sleep on this concept. You just lost your brother, and I’m not sure you’re thinking straight.”
Wade might have a point. “Even if she isn’t my mate, I’ve never met anyone like her.” However, the overwhelming evidence pointed to them being right for each other.
Now Wade smiled. “Just because she kicked your ass out, doesn’t make her different. Tell me this. Would you have walked if she hadn’t done it first?”
He shrugged. “Yeah.”
“See? Tasha is smarter than the average bear, that’s all.”
Burke knew it had been right to confide in his friend.
* * *
Tasha was conflicted. In the light of day, with Burke out of sight, she’d questioned her actions of last night so many times that she was now more confused than ever. As much as she wanted to talk with someone about her situation, she wouldn’t discuss something like this with her mom. Chey, a cheetah shifter, and Emmaline, a wolf shifter, were her first choices, but they wouldn’t know anything about a bear’s reaction to a possible mate. The whole concept of having but one mate in life sounded a bit farfetched even to her.
She and Emmaline had discussed the idea of a mate in the past, and her friend said it was something males made up to convince the women to stay with them. Chey, on the other hand, had found her true mate. If she hadn’t, she’d never have been able to turn Storm from a human into a cheetah shifter.
Tasha slumped back against her lounge chair. She didn’t know why she was getting so upset over this. Burke wasn’t going to be pounding on her door anytime soon, so she might as well proceed as usual and let the proverbial chips fall where they may. Regardless of whether she’d get a second chance with him, he’d be returning to Pennsylvania soon.
For the rest of the day, Tasha indulged in her favorite pastime of reading. In fact, she was so caught up in the story that she forgot to eat. It was only when her stomach complained that she realized she’d missed dinner.
As much as she enjoyed getting lost in her escape, a slow malaise had crept into her, so much so that she didn’t eat much and her sleep that night was spotty at best. She just couldn’t turn off her brain.
That was why when nine o’clock on Monday morning rolled around, she was happy to get out of her house and back into the library. Helping people do research or find a certain book brought her such joy. She also couldn’t wait until four o’clock so she could read to the kids again. Just thinking about those happy faces cheered her up.
Her joy was short lived, however, the moment she pulled into the library parking lot and spotted the construction crew. She could only hope that Burke had forgotten her comment regarding Archfield and Kress needing workers. Having him near would disrupt her life—and any future sleep.
No sooner had she walked in than three people asked her questions. Yes! Happy to put Burke Devereaux out of her mind, she focused on her job. To her delight, reading hour came quickly in part because she’d barely given the man a second thought.
Liar.
Fine. She’d pushed her amazing sexual experience to the back of her mind long enough to complete the needed tasks, but as soon as she finished with the kids, she realized she didn’t want to go home. It had been bad being there yesterday, because every time she’d looked at the floor, she pictured them naked, their bodies entwined in a sensual embrace.
Some might think she was foolish for fixing the mug he’d broken, but it was still a perfectly good cup. So what if she’d kept the candle he’d brought out for her. It had a good ten minutes of flame left in it.
Before she clocked out, she texted Cheyenne and Emmaline to see if either of them wanted to catch a bite to eat. Chey texted her back to remind her that the Vet Clinic was open late on Mondays, and then asked if she’d forgotten? Yes, she had. Emmaline returned her text saying she always worked at the women’s shelter on Mondays. Sheesh. Maybe Tasha was more distracted than she thought.
As a last ditch effort, she called her mom, hoping she’d be free. When her mother invited her to dinner, relief washed through her. There were things of a sexual nature she wanted to know but had never been interested enough to ask about before. Sure, Tasha had felt something toward Burke growing up, but she figured it was because he was that unattainable boy. Girls always wanted what they couldn’t have.
As she exited town, she headed south to her parents’ home. All during the drive, she tried to figure out how to ask her mom about what it had been like when she and Dad first met. Had there been this strange, pussy clenching reaction when Dad came near?
No. She couldn’t ask that. In fact, the idea of her parents having sexual urges didn’t sit well with her. Like any good mother, Mom had given Tasha the standard talk about how when she found her mate she’d know it was him. It was the how part of it that was the big question. She wondered if she’d know by his smell or by the way her body reacted when she was around him. She needed details. Her biggest fear was if the female thought she’d found her mate, but the object of her affection wasn’t interested. It wouldn’t be as simple as the two just knowing they were destined for each other.
After listing her questions, Tasha wasn’t sure she even wanted to hear her mom’s response. If her dad happened to be near, she’d have to table the discussion for another time. Sure enough, when Tasha pulled into the driveway, her father’s truck sat in front. So much for learning the secrets of the universe tonight.
* * *
The rest of the week seemed to go slower than a long winter. Tasha would often find herself looking out the library window at the new construction, searching for Burke since he’d said he wanted to get a job. She had spoken to him briefly at Tom’s funeral, but he hadn’t mentioned looking for a job, or if he planned to see her before returning home.
She’d just entered the library break room when her cell buzzed. She fumbled in her pocket for her phone hoping it was Burke calling. When she spotted Emmaline’s name, Tasha pushed aside her disappointment. He wasn’t the kind to call anyway. Hell, he probably didn’t even know her cell number. Either of his parents could have found it out easily enough, but Burke wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of asking.
“Hey, girl,” Tasha said.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been available sooner, but I want to hear what happened Saturday night. Want to get a drink at the Cove after work tonight?”
“Yes! What time?”
“I can be there at five.”
“Fantastic. I’ll meet you there.”
Buoyed by their get together, Tasha headed back to the spot where she read to the kids to locate the book she wanted to share with them. Out of habit, she glanced outside and had to blink twice to make sure she was seeing clearly. Holy shit. Burke was there—shirtless—wearing a yellow hard hat, low-slung jeans, and a tool belt. Her mouth drooled. She had no idea he’d landed the job. It was possible he’d been there all week and she’d missed him, but she doubted it as she’d checked too many tim
es.
Not wanting him to spot her gawking, she stepped to the side despite believing he couldn’t see her through the tinted windows. Just as she was about to return to work, Dee Dee Duncan waltzed onto the construction site wearing an oversized hard hat. She handed Burke a tall cup of something—probably a Coke since it was his favorite drink—at least it had been in high school. He gulped down some of the contents and then smiled.
Tasha clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, every possessive cell in her body reacting. She knew the kind of man Burke was. He was the love ’em and leave ’em type. He’d dated Dee Dee Duncan in high school, but their relationship hadn’t lasted long. As soon as basketball season was over, she moved on to the baseball team, but Tasha had always wondered if Burke still pined for her. The woman had a body to kill for—and she knew how to use it, too.
Stop it.
That kind of thinking was unproductive.
Slut.
“Tasha?” Crap. Mary, her boss was calling her. It was just as well. Tasha didn’t need to see the man of her dreams play her for a fool.
Chapter Seven
“Tell me exactly what you saw,” Emmaline said. “It might not be that bad.”
Tasha tipped back her beer. Normally, she only had tea when she went out during the week, but tonight she needed something stronger. Before she gave any details, she looked around to make sure Burke hadn’t wandered into the bar without her knowledge.
Tasha leaned forward. “I was in the area where I read to the kids and happened to look out the window. What do I see, but Burke wiping his forehead with a red bandana while leaning on a shovel he’d planted in the dirt. I’m thoroughly enjoying the eye candy when none other than Dee Dee Duncan shows up.”
“Oh, shit. That’s not good.”
Her stomach tumbled. Dee Dee was trouble indeed. “See? I told you. She brought Burke some kind of drink. He smiled at her, grabbed the proffered cup, and then took a chug.”
Her lips thinned. “Dee Dee works at the café. Perhaps he ordered a drink, and she delivered it. It could be as simple as that.”
“That thought crossed my mind, but it doesn’t fly. Here’s why: when have you known the waitresses to wear Daisy Duke shorts and a very revealing top?” In high school, a few of the girls had claimed the name Dee Dee fit the woman because it matched her double D cup size.
“She might have been on her break,” Em said lifting a shoulder.
“Are you saying you think this exchange was completely innocent?”
She slumped back in her chair. “Not on hoochie mama Dee Dee’s part, but it could have been on Burke’s.”
“I like your description of her.”
Em smiled then sobered. “I want this to work out between you two. You deserve a good man.”
Tasha nearly spit out her beer. “A good man? He’s the consummate player. Is he incredibly hot in bed? Sure. Does he make me feel special? Of course, but that’s what players do. They’re experts at getting laid.” Fortunately, she kept her voice low to avoid anyone overhearing.
She expected Emmaline to agree, but she pinched her brows instead. “I think you’re just telling yourself what you want to hear.”
“What are you saying? That I want him to rip my heart out?”
She leaned forward, resting on her elbows. “It’s almost as if you’re trying to doom the relationship before it starts. Give the guy a break.”
“He looked at Dee Dee with adoring eyes. You might not be aware of this, but they dated in high school,” Tasha said.
“First of all, from where you were standing, you weren’t close enough to see what his eyes looked like. You’re projecting.” She waved a hand. “Besides, Dee Dee’s past history.”
“Who’s to say she’s not his mate?”
So what if every time Burke came near, her body went crazy. Hell, Tasha didn’t want a mate, didn’t need a mate, and certainly wasn’t looking for someone to complete her, but she and Burke had a connection. She was sure of it. Rejecting a mate would result in her never finding the love of her life—or so she’d been led to believe. She didn’t know if she was willing to take the chance the rumor was true.
“Pu-lease. I can guarantee you that Dee Dee Duncan isn’t Burke’s mate. Many in our Clan say she’s a gold-digging psycho. I wouldn’t be surprised if Burke bragged about how hot you were and Dee Dee found out. She’s just the type of wolf to try and snag him just so you can’t have him.”
Now Tasha laughed. “You’re full of shit.”
“Maybe, but don’t give up yet. If you are in the least bit interested, you have to go after him.”
“Me? Go after Burke Devereaux?” She’d fall harder when he turned her down. “I’m not really interested.”
“Now who’s full of it? You wouldn’t be drinking on a Thursday night if you weren’t upset about what happened. Dee Dee Duncan is not your competition.”
Tasha blew out an audible breath. Emmaline was one of her best friends. It was only fair to tell her the truth. “He is intriguing, I’ll grant you that. Even if I wanted to see if there was something special between us, I wouldn’t know how to go about attracting him. I’m not even sure why any woman would want a man who flirts with every female he meets. Not to mention he’s probably slept with most of them.”
Em drained her bottle. “For the right woman, a man will change.”
“What’s in that beer? Clearly, you don’t understand bears. They’re stubborn as they come.”
“But faithful, right?”
“For the most part.” There were always exceptions.
Emmaline pointed a finger at her. “Work your magic on him and then we can see if he’s right for you.”
Wonderful. “If I decide I actually like him, as opposed to being in lust with him, and then find out he’s either cheating or he’s not interested, my heart will be broken even worse.”
“Stop being so pessimistic. You said yourself he can’t keep his hands off you.”
“All that means is that he’s horny.”
Her friend laughed. “You’re hopeless. Listen to me. Ask him out and we’ll figure it out from there.”
“Since you’re orchestrating this romantic interlude, where do you suggest I take him?”
Emmaline brought her bottle to her lips and sipped. “What does he like to do?”
“Have sex.”
She cracked up. “Besides that. We want Burke to see you for the wonderful person that you are. What do you both like to do?”
She drew a blank. “I like to read. He claims he’s read Stephen King, but if he has, I’m betting it’s the only book he’s ever opened. He loves his motorcycle, but I’m not a fan of them. In fact, I hate them. They’re too dangerous.” Emmaline rolled her eyes. “He dances with grace while I’m as clumsy as a bear. Pun intended.”
Emmaline shook her head. “There has to be something you both like to do.”
“I like to fish, though I’m not sure he does.”
“You fish? As a human or in your bear form?”
Tasha laughed. “Both. My dad loves fishing, and he taught me to appreciate it at a young age.”
“There you go. Invite him to some remote fishing hole—remote being the operative word here.”
The idea had merit. “Maybe I’ll pack a lunch and see if he wants to join me after I get off work Saturday.”
Emmaline grinned. “Now you’re talking!”
Her palms sweated just thinking about bolstering her courage to ask him out. “What if he says he hates to fish?”
“Stop it. If he does and still goes with you, it means he’s interested.”
“Or he’s horny and wants to seduce me again.”
“Would that be a bad thing? You said yourself that he rocks between the sheets.”
“He does.” But if she asked him out, it would signal a new phase in their relationship—one of actively dating. She prayed that she was ready for this big step. Hell, she’d been content without a man in her life for as
long as she could remember. Burke’s sudden appearance in town had made her question her long-held belief.
Em huffed out a laugh. “You are a piece of work. Now drink up then get some rest. You need your beauty sleep.”
She opened her mouth. “Are you saying I’m a tired looking hag?”
Em held up her beer bottle. “If the shoe fits.”
“I should shift and eat you.”
Her friend laughed, cutting her anxiety in half.
* * *
As Burke helped another worker dig more postholes, the sun beat down on his back. They’d made good progress on the library extension this week, and while his boss said he expected the job to last a good three months, at the rate they were going, Burke believed they’d be done in two.
While he loved manual labor, he’d been distracted today. The memory of his brother often intruded in his thoughts, but ever since he’d been with Tasha, her image had taken over, often making him lose focus. He’d caught a glimpse of her through the library window yesterday and been about to wave to her when Dee Dee shouted his name. She was a cute girl, but the two of them were alike in too many ways. They both liked to party and keep their feelings buried deep. When they’d dated, he was convinced she wasn’t even capable of a relationship—not that he’d been looking for one at eighteen. Only after his brother died, had Burke realized just how short life could be. Since returning home, he’d been re-evaluating his priorities.
As soon as Burke had spotted Dee Dee’s provocative attire, he knew she’d be trouble. He willed Tasha to move away from the window, but her shadow remained off to the side. Not wanting to make a scene, he’d smiled at Dee Dee then tossed back the drink as quickly as possible. While he appreciated the refreshment, he hoped she didn’t make another appearance today. If she did, he’d have to tell her he wasn’t interested. Knowing her, though, she’d work harder to convince him to throw a little love her way.
The whole time Dee Dee had been standing there with her big blue eyes aimed his way, he kept hearing Tom’s voice urging him to take her up on her offer—that Tasha wasn’t interested. Tom might be right. Hell, she’d thrown him out on his ass after they’d had the most amazing sex in his life. Then again, the way she’d screamed his name when she’d come convinced him she hadn’t been immune to their intense draw either.
