HOTSHOT BROTHERS: Coyote Shifters

by Hunt, Sabrina

  “Ah, so velvet is out too?” Then he nudged me. “Why don’t we go in there now?”

  “You want to go shopping with me?” I asked. “Like willingly?”

  “Yeah, what’s the big deal?” Cree’s face lit up with anticipation. “It’ll be fun. My girlfriends used to drag me along back in the day sometimes. It’s why I’m such a well-dressed feller.”

  “Okay!” I said, awash in his enthusiasm. “It would be convenient to do this today.”

  “And I think it’s gonna rain,” he said, looking up at the sky.

  Inside, the store was bigger than I’d realized. Dresses were crammed along the walls and pop music sang out from the speakers. It was playing some Katy Perry song and Cree bopped his head along. I had to pull out of my phone and take a few pictures. He was too cute.

  A new song came on while we were looking through the racks.

  So put your arms around me tonight

  Let the music lift you up…

  The club flashed into my mind, the dreamy Etta James melody and the weight of his big arms snugly fit around my back. I looked over at Cree and met his eyes.

  “So when are we going dancing again?” he asked.

  Turning, I shrugged, rubbing a finger across my lips. “I don’t know. I’m pretty busy. I shouldn’t even be playing hooky right now.”

  “Don’t try to weasel out of it, Hess,” Cree said jovially.

  “I’m not,” I fibbed, slinging a black dress over my arm and pretending to be absorbed in finding a dress.

  “What about this one?” Cree asked, and flash of teal appeared in the corner of my eye. He was swinging a pretty tulle creation with a fitted bodice.

  “Oh,” I snatched it from him and held it up. “Maybe. I’ll try it.” As I turned away, I surreptitiously checked the size and was a little embarrassed to see it was 12P.

  I couldn’t process how I felt about him guessing my size, so I just kept digging until I had a mountain of dresses. A saleslady came bustling forward at that point, herding us to the dressing rooms and settling Cree on a seat outside.

  “The boyfriend bench,” she pronounced, smiling at him and he grinned back, blue eyes glowing with amusement. A surge of appreciation for that saleslady went through me.

  I will definitely buy something and earn you commission, honey.

  Closeted in that purple dressing room, however, I began to doubt that would be the case. In my eagerness, I’d forgotten that dress shopping as a five-foot-two dumpling could be a hellish experience. It meant things were too long or too short or didn’t fit my bust or my hips. It was like a jigsaw puzzle where only some of the pieces went together and you were trying to ram-shod the rest.

  The black dress was decent, but it wasn’t what I was looking for. Damn, this was so irritating. By the time I was done trying on all but one, I was ready to scream.

  The last dress was Cree’s and it mocked me as I wriggled back into my own clothes. Maybe it’s because I just had lunch. Maybe I can wear something I already own, dress it up with a blazer.

  In my haste to get out of there, I piled up all the dresses I didn’t want and nearly tripped over the skirts. As I handed them to the saleslady, I spotted Cree playing on his phone and looking bored. He got up as she walked away.

  “How come you didn’t model any? Nothing good enough?” he asked.

  “No, sorry.” I avoided his gaze.

  “You forgot your bag.” Cree nodded beyond me.

  “Oh,” I said, spinning back around and picking it up. I’d also forgotten the teal dress and I slowly plucked it off the wall, hoping Cree wouldn’t make a comment.

  No such luck.

  “Not even that one?”

  “Uh, no,” I murmured, trying to walk out when Cree’s forearm descended in front of me and he placed his hand flat on the doorframe. Looking up, I saw he was giving me a knowing look.

  “You didn’t even try it on. C’mon, go, go.” He stepped back and closed the curtain. When I peeked out, he was standing there with his arms folded like a bouncer. “I’m waiting.”

  “Dammit,” I muttered, wriggling back out of my clothes. I eyed the dress. Please fit.

  Holding my breath and closing my eyes, I slipped it on. It went over my butt and chest without complaint. It also zipped up without feeling like it was cutting off my air supply. I let out a little sigh of awe. It was comfortable. Looking down, I fluffed my hands along the skirt.

  “Oh my God! It has pockets!” I looked up at myself in the mirror. “I look like a mermaid princess,” I murmured, laughing a little. The teal brought out the green in my eyes, and the bodice hugged my chest lovingly, although it was exposing quite a bit of cleavage. The skirt was flowy, but it was fitted in the back and flaunted my curves.

  No matter what I do, I’m no good without you

  And I can’t get enough…

  Rihanna was singing above me and I was suddenly struck with nervousness at having Cree see me in this dress. Does he think this party is a date? Is it a date? Am I leading him on?

  No, I can’t be. That’s crazy. Cree is my friend. He doesn’t think of me like that.

  With that thought, my lips turned down. You’re not his type.

  Cree let out an impatient noise. “Sky, are you done yet? I’m dying out here. You have to at least show me this one.” He’d been humming along with the song and now sang out, “I run for miles just to get a taste.”

  Twirling around, checking myself, I tried to find some flaw, but I had to admit, this dress was mine. Taking a deep breath, I peeked my face from out the curtain again.

  Cree was staring off into the distance, but he sighed, saying, “Finally!” Then he made a face at me poking my head out. “What are you doing?”

  “I need to see the dress in the big mirror.” I pointed at the huge mirror in the center of the dressing rooms, blazing with lights and several panels. “Then you can see it.”

  “Are you shitting me?” Cree lowered his face to mine. “You owe me.”

  “Go over there and close your eyes,” I ordered, albeit meekly. “Please?”

  Grumbling, Cree went and leaned against the wall, shutting his eyes. “Happy? Makin’ me jump through all these hoops. Dress is probably smokin’ too.”

  I studied him for a minute, then I darted out to the mirror and spun in a circle, anxiously checking every angle. But it wasn’t the mirrors. The dress really was smokin’.

  My face was still pinched with terror, though. Then, sensing other eyes on me, I glanced up to see Cree staring at me, his mouth hanging open.

  “Cree!” I whirled on him.

  “Sorry!” He laughed, holding up his hands as I marched over. “But damn girl, I couldn’t resist.” He stepped out and walked around me. “I’m good! Is there anything I can’t do?”

  “Listen to a simple request?” I snapped, folding my arms and hugging myself.

  “In this case, I have no regrets.” Cree had finished circling me and smiled down at me. “Wow. You are welcome.”

  For some reason, I was flustered and becoming irritated. “I never said I was buying it.”

  “Are you kidding me? You are literally – what did you say? – a mermaid princess. That dress is sexy as all hell! Why wouldn’t you buy it?”

  “I think it’s too much for this dinner. That’s why I came out to this mirror.”

  “If you don’t buy it, I will,” Cree said mulishly, folding his own arms.

  I let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, what? You gonna wear it?”

  “Maybe,” he retorted. “I’m comfortable enough in my masculinity to admit I’d look hot in it.”

  “Better than me,” I muttered before I could stop myself.

  A grimace crossed Cree’s face. “I knew it. You’re being too critical. You really came out here to try to talk yourself out of it. But I saw your face. You know you look good.” His eyes twinkled. “Accept it, Sky. You’re a grade-A stunner.”

  “Ugh, whatever,” I muttered. “I’m not getting
it.”

  “You’re gonna regret that,” Cree said quietly, which I ignored as I marched back into the dressing room. Then I heard him talking quietly to the saleslady as I changed, but I ignored that too.

  Goddamn know-it-all! What, because he had a couple girls who took him shopping a hundred years ago, he knows what he’s talking about?

  Why was I so annoyed with him? I met my eyes in the mirror. No, there was the person I was annoyed at. Because Cree was right. I was letting the nasty voices in my head win.

  I didn’t even bother to take the dress with me. I walked out and brushed past Cree. When we left the store, I growled, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. But I could tell by the set of his lips and his shoulders, he was annoyed at me. This did nothing to soothe my frazzled soul.

  We’d spent way more time in the dress shop that I’d realized. Almost an hour and a half. Guilt was squirming into my stomach now. What a waste of time for us both.

  “I’m sorry I wasted your time,” I tried to apologize and wound up sounding like a sarcastic narcissist. Then I made it worse. “And you know, you don’t have to patronize me. I’m good.”

  Cree gave me a tired look. “Don’t try to pick a fight with me so you can try to validate acting like an idiotic brat in there.”

  I stopped and stared at him. What a bitch slap.

  Shame blossomed. But anger roared.

  “You know what,” I spat, “it was a mistake to invite you. You clearly don’t understand how these fancy city things work. I mean, you’re from Montana.”

  “Actually, I’m from Santa Barbara, California, but if you’re implying I’m a hick, then sure.” Cree’s tone was equitable. “Whatever justifies that fear in your head.”

  “What are you talking about?” I snapped, putting my hands on my hips.

  “You’re freaked out about how good you looked in that dress.” He crossed his arms. “Trust me, I know the look. I used to help my Gam with her little tailoring business – she had it her whole life – before, during, and after teaching. It was my first job. And we used to have to convince so many women they looked good.” He glanced away. “I know it’s not the macho-est thing to admit, but I’ve seen first-hand how ladies torture themselves about how they look.”

  “Is that how you knew my size?” I asked, flushing even as the words spilled out. “Why your friends brought you along?”

  “Oh, yeah,” Cree looked a little bewildered. “Sometimes I forget that’s weird.”

  I didn’t know what to say to that, so I blurted out, “The dress was too much for that night.”

  “Okay,” Cree said, sounding impatient. “Why do you feel the need to keep bringing it up?”

  “Because you think I’m freaking out!” I yelled.

  “Because you are! Don’t lie to me or yourself.” His eyes were cold. “I hate liars.”

  I took a step back and folded my arms now. I didn’t want him to think I was some petty, bratty liar. Even though I was. “You don’t get it,” I said.

  “Then explain it to me,” Cree challenged.

  “I don’t have to explain shit!” I snapped, starting to walk away.

  “Because you’re afraid to,” he retorted. “For God knows what reason your mind cooked up.”

  Turning, I marched back to him. “Oh, so you’re the only one who can be afraid of things?”

  Cree recoiled like I’d slapped him. Shaking his head, he asked, “What are we doing? Are we having a fight about a dress? This is crazy.”

  “No, we’re having a fight about you being a condescending know-it-all,” I snarled.

  The anger faded out of Cree’s face and he took a deep breath. “Sky, I’m sorry.”

  “Forget it, Cree,” I said, turning away. “Like I said, you don’t get it.”

  “I think I do,” he said and he darted in front of me, putting his hands on my shoulders. “Let me tell you why I didn’t listen to you back there. I had a feeling that dress was going to look good – years of experience, remember?” He smiled but I didn’t smile back. “And Sky, damn, you floored me. You took my breath away. But you were looking into that mirror all worried and critical.”

  “Stop it, Cree,” I said thickly. “You can’t compliment you way out of this one.”

  “Sky, I mean it.” Cree hesitated, then went on. “But you’ve done it before. Wearing those pink heart pajamas, oh girl.” His grip tightened on me. “That purple dress the other day, too. Or your yoga leggings. But it’s more than that, Sky.” He said my name like it was his favorite note in a song. “You’re beautiful, yeah, but it wouldn’t be anything without that brain and that heart and everything else that’s fun and amazing about you. I just wish you could see that.”

  It was getting hard to breathe or think, and I pushed him away. “Stop. Okay. I get that you’re my friend and I appreciate you saying these things, but… Alright, fine, friend, let me explain why I didn’t buy that dress. If I did and we went to that party, people would look at me like a desperate dumpling out to get a guy who looks better than a Calvin Klein underwear model.”

  Cree gaped at me. “Underwear model? Desperate…what? Wait, why do you care what people think?”

  “I don’t!” I snapped.

  “You shouldn’t, yeah. You shouldn’t even care what I think. What you think is what matters.”

  “Okay, Zen Master Cree, are we done here?” I stomped around him, heading for home. Cree followed quietly, but I knew he had more to say. I sighed. Why did I start this?

  Why did I have to open my mouth? If he reads between the lines, it’s all over.

  As we turned a corner, cutting down a brick alley, overhead was roof of webbed lights, which suddenly clicked on. I slowed down and gazed up at them. It seemed like a good omen, those bright bulbs against the dark gray sky. Music was blasting out from a Mexican restaurant up ahead and the trees shook their leaves like they were dancing along. For a moment, my heart lifted.

  And then it started to pour.

  “Are you kidding me?” I shrieked, rushing to a small alcove and going to reach in my bag for my umbrella. But then I realized I’d opted for my smaller one, with only my wallet and keys inside.

  Cree hadn’t followed me under; he was walking along and smiling up into the rainstorm, getting completely soaked.

  “Cree, come over here,” I snapped, sounding like a persnickety schoolteacher. “You’re going to get a cold if you keep getting caught in the rain.” All of the sudden, the music from the restaurant kicked up several decibels and Cree danced towards me. “No. No, Cree, don’t you dare.”

  He was singing along to the song. “Come and move that in my direction… So thankful for that, it’s such a blessin’…” Smiling at me, his arm shot out and he pulled me into the rain. “Turn every situation into heaven, yeah.”

  I shrieked, trying to pull free, but Cree’s grip was like iron and he spun me around.

  “You need to stop getting in your own way,” he whispered, as I was caught against his chest. Then he began to sing along softly to the song, the words feeling like a caress against my neck. “Oh-oh, you are, my sunrise on the darkest day…”

  Breathless, I knew I had no choice but to dance. Cree wasn’t letting me off the hook with this one. He spun me out, then gripping my hand, pulled me back in, chest to chest, looping his arm around my waist as he began to move us through the rain.

  “But Cree, you can’t…” He looked down at me. Oh. Maybe you can. Maybe you do.

  Cree was still singing along as we danced. Blood was speeding through every vein so fast I couldn’t think. He a hell of a good voice, deep and sexy, like warm chocolate coating my skin.

  His blue eyes blazed at me. “Got me feelin’ some kind of way. Make me wanna savor every moment slowly, slowly…”

  Then we were stepping back, his steps getting faster. I wasn’t even sure how I was keeping up. But I was and my heart was singing along in my chest.


  “You fit me tailor-made, love how you put it on… Got the only key, know how to turn it on…”

  After that, the song switched to Spanish, but Cree kept going, not missing a word. He speaks Spanish? I thought dazedly. That’s so hot.

  The rain had felt cold when it started falling, but now it seemed warmer. I could feel it dripping through my hair, trailing down my face and drenching my clothes. Everything around us seemed to glitter and wink at me. Even though we were in the middle of the city, this space felt all ours. Magical. The colors were dream-like and languorous.

  But Cree was moved against me in such a way that I knew this was no dream. The cold rain had become a hot shower. Our hips pressed against each other, bodies locked and loaded.

  When the song ended, all those sensations amplified ten-fold. Cree was looking down at me, his hand lifting to my face and pushing back my hair. Of their own accord, it seemed, my hands smoothed across his t-shirt and gripped it.

  “Did you honestly think I wasn’t insanely attracted to you?” Cree whispered. “I’m not blind.”

  The next thing I knew, my back was against a brick wall and Cree was tracing his thumb across my lips. I was surprised steam wasn’t rising up from skin, so much heat was rushing through me. All of it seemed to be focused in a spiral right between my legs.

  I tugged him closer and Cree gave me a look that was a mix of sexy, surprised, and hopeful. It made my pulse beat loudly through every cell in my body. I could feel the rain still pouring down from overhead, the warmth from Cree’s skin and the sharp upswing of his heartbeat under my fist.

  As our breath mingled and our eyes met, I could see the raindrops on my eyelashes. On his eyelashes. On the bow of his lips. I watched as he lowered his head and I tilted mine up.

  I’m not sure who kissed who first. It didn’t matter.

  What mattered was the glorious pressure of his lips against mine, his arm locking around my back, pulling me closer. The last thought I had, as my hands drifted up into his wet hair and our bodies became flush, was why did we wait so damn long?

  Chapter 13

  Sky’s surprised gasp sounded even sexier and sweeter than I’d imagined. As she arched against me, I lifted her from the ground and covered her body with mine, pressing her harder against the wall. Her legs hooked around me.