by Anya Nowlan
Shielding her eyes from the sun, the woman looked around, a crease forming between her brows. There were a couple other passengers that followed her, but none fit Addison’s description, and Max wasn’t sure he would have noticed them even if they had.
He only had eyes for her. Riley Sheridan. And he was afraid to even consider the implications that had.
Three
Riley
The sun bright in her eyes, Riley tentatively stepped away from the plane as the pilot hopped out and started to clear the cargo area of people’s baggage. Grabbing her phone from her purse, she took it off airplane mode, and immediately noticed a message from Addison.
A friend will pick you up. His name is Max. See you soon! it read.
Now that wasn’t very informative. Sighing as the sun continued to bear down on her, unprepared in her thick wool blazer, she walked over to the back of the plane to get her things. Her suitcase and duffel bag had already been set down on the ground, but before she could reach for them, hurried footsteps from behind caught her attention.
“I’ll get those,” a male voice said, making her whirl around.
The frame of a large, broad man momentarily blocked out the sun, leaving Riley staring up, stunned. Built like an action hero, with tousled brown hair and matching eyes, he gave her a friendly smile before reaching around her and grabbing her luggage.
“You must be Riley. Either that, or I’m currently stealing a stranger’s luggage,” he said.
“Max?” Riley blurted out, mostly just to say something, anything.
“That’s me,” he replied. “Addison sent me to pick you up. My truck is right over there,” he said, nodding to somewhere behind him.
But Riley was barely listening to what he was saying. Her heart began to thud, her throat turned dry, and the only thing she could focus on was how Addison had apparently sent a male model to pick her up as some sort of cruel joke. As if she didn’t know that Riley hadn’t had a decent date in what seemed like forever. Dangling a prime male specimen in front of her was just… unfair!
Rugged, with thick, dark brows, a square jaw and long, straight nose, there was a striking symmetry to Max’s face, and a kindness in his eyes. Cocking his head at her, he gave her a long look, one she thought might hold a hint of appreciation.
Unaware that she was even doing it before it was too late, Riley started fussing with her hair, surely a mess from a day of sleeping on planes. God, her make-up must have been even worse for wear, and she was suddenly very thankful she had eaten a couple of mints earlier.
Shaking her head to try and get her brain back into gear, she let out a nervous laugh.
“Right,” she said. “Of course.”
Picking up her bags as if she hadn’t had to pay overweight fees at the airport thanks to her indecisive packing, Max led the way. And she’d be damned if his ass in that worn pair of jeans he was wearing wasn’t a sight to see.
Before she even knew it, they were sitting in his truck, her bags in the back, and the airfield was in the rearview mirror. It still hadn’t completely hit Riley that she had actually left Chicago behind after having confronted Shannon the way she had. And now, her reaction to the man sitting behind the wheel next to her was confusing her even more.
“Have you been to Black Oak before?” Max asked, his low, growly voice cutting right to her core.
“Uh, no,” she replied. “I’ve never even been to Utah before. But since Addison doesn’t seem to be coming back to Chicago anytime soon…”
“Oh, I was supposed to tell you she’s sorry she wasn’t here to pick you up herself,” he said. “It’s kind of my fault, actually. She’s watching my little one while I took care of some business in town.”
“Oh, you have kids?” Riley couldn’t help but ask.
“Just the one,” he replied, a wide grin spreading over his face. “Olivia. She’s eleven months.”
“That’s a very pretty name,” Riley commented.
“I’d say thanks but I didn’t pick it,” Max shrugged.
“Well, you can pass the compliment on to her mother,” Riley joked, even as there was a distinct sting to finding out the man she was currently drooling over had turned out to be unavailable.
“She’s not in the picture, so that might be a little difficult,” he replied.
Max was trying to keep up his smile, but she could see it was with some difficulty.
“I’m sorry,” Riley quickly said.
Yet she had to admit there was a part of her that wasn’t all that sorry. Which was, of course, ridiculous. What did it matter if Max was in a relationship or not? She had come here to relax, and to get away from everything complicated.
And she had the distinct feeling Max had the potential to become very complicated.
“Have you lived here all your life?” Riley asked, changing the subject.
“I moved around a bit after finishing high school, and I’ve actually only been back a couple of weeks or so,” he replied. “I’m staying at the guest house on the ranch until I find the right place for me and Olivia.”
“Oh, you’re staying at… the ranch,” Riley parroted, not knowing what else to say.
Addison had somehow forgotten to mention Riley wouldn’t be their only visitor. Or was it deliberate? As deliberate as having Max be the one to pick her up? Riley told herself she was making connections that didn’t exist.
The world doesn’t revolve around you, Riley, she reminded herself.
“Yeah, Gage and I go way back,” Max said.
“So you’re a shifter, too?” she tentatively asked.
Riley already knew Black Oak was a prominent shifter town, and that Addison’s new man belonged to the local bear clan. Since the public had learned about the existence of shifters, the veil of mystery hanging over this genetically peculiar part of society had lifted somewhat, people had mostly put aside their fears and prejudices.
Still, Riley felt just a little uncomfortable asking the question.
“I am,” Max nodded.
Twisting around in her seat, Riley was overcome with curiosity. Sure, Addison’s former boss and current boyfriend’s brother had been a shifter, and a prominent one at that, but Riley herself had never had close contact with any shifter, as far as she knew.
“Is it true you can outrun a car?” she asked, hoping she wasn’t being offensive somehow.
Max just chuckled.
“Only as a bear,” he replied.
“But even when you’re not a bear, you still have… certain advantages?” Riley prodded.
She never could resist her thirst for information, even in situations where she knew it would be better to keep her mouth shut. But Max didn’t seem to mind the questions, and she loved to listen to him talk. There was something soothing about that deep, grumbly voice of his.
Max grinned to himself as he deftly maneuvered the winding roads unfurling in front of them. Soon enough, they became enveloped by trees on either side, gold peeking through the green canopy. Riley sighed at the relief of the shade, feeling her blouse stick to her back.
Flicking a glance at her, there was a teasing tone to his voice as he spoke, which drew an immediate reaction from Riley. Her stomach clenched, and she couldn’t help but study the appealing curve of his mouth.
“There are some perks,” Max said. “Want me to show off?”
Riley’s voice came out a little breathier than she had wanted.
“Go right ahead,” she replied.
“Your heart is beating a little faster than normal. I’d say around 120 beats per minute,” he started. “I recognize the perfume you’ve applied to your wrist, and behind your ear. Chanel?”
Nodding, Riley could feel her eyes widen.
“That’s awesome,” she exclaimed, earning another chuckle from Max.
“Just the way I was born,” he replied, casting another glance her way.
Their conversation flowed easily from there, with Riley still catching herself staring at him now and then, but the
nerves were mostly gone. Before she knew it, they were pulling up to what looked like a massive estate, with a backdrop of deep green forests and mountains jutting up into the sky.
Max hopped out first, circling around to open the truck door for her. As she stepped onto the grass, the door to the house swung open to reveal Addison, a huge smile on her face and a toddler on her hip.
Riley felt like she had tumbled into a whole other world as she studied her surroundings, and her old friend, who looked so well-rested and happy, it made her want to take a nap.
Maybe coming here was a good idea, after all.
Four
Max
Max took Olivia back to the guest house as Addison got Riley settled in. Olivia was fussing, rubbing at her eyes, clearly ready for her nap. Swaying her in his arms, Max stared down at his daughter, with her light brown eyes and tiny button nose.
“Shh, let’s get you to bed,” he murmured, walking through the house as Olivia slowly calmed down.
Grabbing her favorite stuffed toy, a pink elephant that Olivia’s mother had to have gotten for her, Max went to work tucking his daughter in. She squirmed a little at first, tugging at the elephant’s ears, but soon enough, her eyes were fluttering shut.
Max stayed a while, until her breathing became deep and calm. Her little face looked utterly peaceful, her round cheeks a healthy pink. Slowly, Max backed out of the room, leaving the door to the bedroom slightly ajar.
As he turned to pacing around in the living room, he could sense a restless growl building in his chest. His thoughts drifting from Olivia to Riley, he couldn’t help but be conflicted.
The way Riley had captured the attention of both him and his bear was hard to misinterpret. Even the scent of her skin seemed tailor-made for his senses, not to mention there was a deep, primal sense of possessiveness that ran through him every time he pictured her face in his mind.
This was no ordinary attraction. He could feel it in his bones. A longing ached inside him, unlike anything he had ever felt. There could only be one explanation – she was his mate.
Max sunk into the worn couch in the living room, trying to ignore the nervous energy flooding his system. This was a big deal. Not every shifter was even lucky enough to meet their soul mate, and here she was, right in his path, staying at the same ranch at the same time as him.
Unbelievable.
He had never really been preoccupied with finding his mate as some shifters were, but he would be lying if he said he hadn’t given the topic more thought than usual lately. Family in general had been on the forefront of his mind, which was why he had returned to Black Oak in the first place.
But he hadn’t really expected to meet anyone, and especially not so quickly. He was still getting adjusted to his role as a father, settling back in to life in Black Oak, and he didn’t even have a permanent residence yet.
Max had been thrown for a loop, that much he had to admit. But there was still one thing he was sure of – his daughter had to come first.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a vehicle approach. It had to be Gage. Getting up, Max moved to the window, just in time to see Gage get out of his truck and start to unhook the trailer attached to the back.
Ace was led out of it a moment later, his brown coat glistening in the sunlight. The limp the horse had seemed much less prominent as Gage took him over to the stables. As if knowing he was being watched, Gage’s gaze snapped to the guest house, and Max gave his friend a wave.
Gage nodded and jerked his head toward the house, before disappearing out of sight. Max read the gesture to convey Gage would be by after he had tended to Ace, and meandered into the small kitchen nook, putting on a pot of coffee.
The smell of a fresh brew filled the house soon after. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door, and Max opened it, unsurprised to find Gage there.
“How’s Ace?” Max asked, as Gage stepped inside.
“Better,” he replied. “Expected to make a full recovery.”
Slightly taller than Max, which was saying something, with dark eyes that verged on black, Gage looked a lot more intimidating than he actually was. Not one for idle talk and having had to grow up fast after both his parents passed away when he was still in high school, Gage could come across severe, but underneath it all was a deeply caring man who would gladly give you the shirt off his back.
And he had become markedly more open and animated after meeting Addison.
“That’s good,” Max nodded. “Coffee?”
“Sure,” Gage said, and they got settled in behind the small table in the kitchen. “How did it go today? With the house hunting?”
“Not that great,” Max admitted, giving him a brief rundown of the difficulties.
“I get it,” Gage replied. “You’re looking for a family home, but at the same time, it’s just the two of you.”
“That’s pretty much it,” Max said. “But don’t worry, I’ll figure something out.”
“I’m not worried,” Gage chuckled. “I haven’t had a worker as efficient as you in ages. And Addison has fallen in love with your little girl. We like having you here, brother, you and Olivia. Everyone does. Black Oak is your home.”
Gage said it all matter-of-factly, with nothing but sober honesty. But his words had a deep impact with Max. He had to admit, he had missed being close to his clan, and his brothers and sisters in it.
In the back of his mind, though, he had always known he could come home, and be welcomed just as warmly as he had been.
“Thank you,” Max said. “That means a lot.”
“Just telling it like it is,” Gage replied with a shrug.
“Your other visitor has arrived, by the way,” Max said. “Riley. I picked her up from the airfield.”
“Yeah, I thought I smelled someone unfamiliar,” Gage replied. “Addison was excited to see her. The two of them have been tight since college, I gathered.”
“She seems… nice,” Max offered.
As soon as the words left his mouth, he knew it had been a mistake. There had been just a fraction of a second of hesitation, and he knew he had tried a little too hard to keep his expression neutral.
The sly smirk tugging at Gage’s mouth told Max he had revealed more than he had intended. Leaning back in his chair, Gage folded his arms in front of him, taking his time as he studied Max.
“Max Lewis,” he said. “Don’t tell me you’ve got the hots for my mate’s friend.”
“Here we go,” Max groaned, shaking his head.
“Hey, I’m not the one you have to worry about. Once Addison gets wind of this… She’s already been telling me you need to get back out there after… you know.”
He knew.
Eve.
The name brought up feelings he would rather avoid. The woman had given him the greatest gift, his beautiful baby girl, and he would always be thankful for that. But other than that, Eve had no place in his life, or in his thoughts.
“So you’ve been talking about my dating life,” Max said, arching a brow at Gage.
“I mainly just listen,” Gage replied, chuckling.
“I just said the woman was nice,” Max sighed. “No reason to make a big deal out of it.”
But he sounded defensive even to his own ears, and just like when they had been in highs school, Gage caught it immediately. The grin was gone as he leaned forward, narrowing his eyes, as if he could somehow stare the truth out of Max.
“Wait a minute…” he started, but Max cut him off.
He was not ready to hear what Gage was probably going to say out loud. It was too soon, and his feelings too confusing. He had only just met Riley, and he needed time to get his head back on straight.
“No, no, whatever you were going to say, you can just hold on to it,” he said.
Gage looked at him for another long moment, but finally backed off.
“All right,” he raised his hands.
But Max knew that wasn’t going to be the end of i
t.
Five
Riley
With her bags tucked away in one of the spare bedrooms and fluffy slippers on her feet instead of the heels, Riley sat on a cushy couch in Addison’s living room, surrounded by an eclectic collection of furniture.
Yet nothing seemed mismatched. There was a carefree coziness to the place that had immediately made her comfortable. And it was damn good to see her friend again without any distractions to their conversation.
“You look great,” Riley said, smiling at Addison.
A healthy flush on her cheeks, her cute freckles on full display, Addison looked content and happy. Meanwhile, Riley was still rubbing her neck, trying to work out the kinks from her long flight. Still, the thought of not having to see Shannon for at least a week was already raising her spirits.
“So do you,” Addison replied.
“Yeah, I don’t know about that,” Riley laughed. “I was tired even before the flight, and I’m pretty sure I could use a shower.”
“Well, you’re going to have all the time in the world to rest and relax,” Addison assured her. “I have to go by the office tomorrow but you just make yourself at home and we can hang out after that. Horror movies, popcorn, wine?”
“That sounds divine,” Riley sighed. “And you’re sure Gage is okay with me hanging around? You already have one guest.”
“Max is hardly a guest,” Addison chuckled. “He works on the ranch, and he and Gage have been friends since they were kids. Besides, we have plenty of space here.”
“Must be tough, being a single dad,” Riley commented.
“The clan helps out,” Addison shrugged. “Everyone there is basically fighting over who gets to babysit Olivia next. That’s when I don’t snatch her up first,” she grinned.
“I never knew you were so good with kids,” Riley said.
“Neither did I,” Addison replied. “To be fair, I’ve only looked after her for a few hours at a time at most. Max does all the heavy lifting. He doesn’t like to be away from his daughter for too long.”
