Men Love Curves: BBW Romance

by Ruby Madden

  At first, she’d resented her new step-family, intruding on the time she spent with her Mother. Eventually, she came to appreciate them and grew to love them. Never having had a Father figure in her life, her Step-Father fast adopted her. Charlene grew to love his entire extended family, as they made a point of making her and her Mother feel incredibly welcome.

  She browsed the shelves, deciding to check out a few books. Including some about surviving spousal abuse. Since she wanted to be conservative with her funds, she’d preferred to buy these types of books, but decided it would be best to borrow from the library. Wait until she had more money.

  Stepping up to the librarian checkout counter, she felt awkward. “Hi, I’m new to the area and would like to get a library card.”

  The kindly, elderly-looking librarian smiled warmly at her. “Welcome to Emerald Lake. How’s it treating you so far?”

  Charlene placed her picture ID and a piece of mail on the counter confirming her address. “Pretty good, so far. I haven’t gotten out much yet since I sprained my ankle. But it’s doing better.”

  Just then, the librarian noticed the books on spousal abuse that Charlene was checking out. Her eyebrows raised in a look of curious concern. “I’m sorry to hear that, sprains are no fun.”

  Charlene felt even more awkward. For some reason, she felt the need to flee as if this librarian, a complete stranger knew all about her awful marriage and the life she had left behind. She gathered up her courage to remain composed.

  “You know, when new to a city, one great way to get to know people is a support group. We have a bunch listed over there, on the bulletin board. You might want to take a look on your way out,” she suggested, smiling warmly.

  Charlene perked up at the idea. It was a good one. A kind gesture. “Great suggestion, I think I will.”

  “My name is Nancy, and I’ve been a librarian my entire life. I’ve worked here for over forty years, so I know pretty much everyone in town. It’s good to make your acquaintance.”

  Charlene smiled, “Likewise, thank you.”

  “Let me get your card set up,” Nancy said, peering over the rims of her glasses in compassion.

  Charlene waited patiently while the kind librarian entered her information into the library system. She guessed that Nancy knew a lot more about the residents of Emerald Lake than most realized. Now, including her.

  Once Nancy finished issuing her library card, and providing a welcome brochure to the library, Charlene checked out the bulletin board and eagle-eyed the support groups. Sure enough, there was one for battered spouses. Charlene ripped off one of the snippets of paper and put it in her wallet.

  It would be good to share her story, get some of it off her chest and find some moral support. Maybe even find a therapist to go to counseling for once she could afford it.

  It was time to move her life forward as fast as possible in every way.

  CHAPTER NINE

  [[ 9 ]]

  RYKER

  Ryker was thoughtful as he drove to Emerald Lake. Charlene had invited him for dinner and he was wondering if he’d been overeager in accepting her invitation.

  Then he realized it made no difference.

  Charlene was different from most of the women he’d been involved with. She was more mature and had already been married. She had been the one to make a move.

  The writing was on the wall.

  Which made him smile.

  Tapping the steering wheel, humming to a song on his player, he was in a good mood.

  Pulling up to park in front of her step-aunt’s cabin, his shifter senses came alive, indicating danger was nearby. Which was very strange…

  Ryker trusted his gut implicitly. It kept him alive and safe on more military missions than he cared to admit. He sat and allowed himself to assess the area. He rolled his truck window down, knowing he could rely on scent to help him scope out the problem. Then he sniffed it. Sensed it.

  Rage. Anger. Possessiveness.

  Definitely human.

  He peered down the street and the scent was strong.

  He might not be able to see who was in the car since it was nighttime and he wasn’t in shifted form, but he knew that whoever it was, had bad intentions.

  Ryker made a decision. He turned his truck back on and drove away, making sure to take his time as he passed by the man who was parked down the street and sitting in his car. He had no clue what Charlene’s spouse looked like, but he made sure to take a long look, putting it to memory.

  He knew this man was trouble. Every bone in his body told him so.

  Ryker was pissed.

  Furious.

  He drove around the bend, out of sight and parked. There was only one thing to do. Scare the hell out of the man staking out Charlene’s home. Being in bear form had some immediate advantages, including that it would scare the hell out of most people. Even if they had a gun or a rifle, few could keep their wits when confronted by an angry bear.

  Ryker stepped out of his car and stripped out of his clothes quickly and tossed them into the front seat. He then went into the forest, and shifted. Ryker was exceptionally fast at shifting.

  Once done shifting, he headed back in the direction of the man sitting in the car at a swift pace. He came up along the back side of the car and sniffed the air. This man was a smoker. He’d have to find out more about Charlene’s spouse at dinner.

  He grunted, pawing at the back wheels, making the car move.

  “What the hell?!” He heard the man say, surprised.

  Ryker moved to the front side of the car and stood on his hind legs to his full height. An intimidating height of six feet and four hundred pounds of black bear fur, mass and muscle. He let out a roar and then pushed on the car with his front legs, taking delight in scratching the paint of the car.

  Just as he anticipated, the man he assumed to be Charlene’s prick of a spouse, freaked out at the sight of a bear just outside his car and practically screamed like a little girl.

  Ryker roared again, pushing against the car and rocking it back and forth for effect. Inside he was laughing, while looking for any sign that the man had a gun that he would draw on him. Although his healing abilities were exceptional, he still couldn’t risk a shot to the head.

  Just as he expected, the man turned on the car and drove away as fast as he could, leaving Ryker in the dust.

  “Damn straight!” he thought to himself. Ryker snorted and pounded the ground. He noted the license plate number, putting it to memory. He had some research to do.

  Once he was certain that the man was gone and not returning, he went back to his truck around the bend and shifted again, out of sight in the nearby foliage. As he dressed, he wondered how he could go about bringing up Charlene’s spouse to get more information. Specifically, a description.

  Although Ryker was certain the man was her spouse, he still needed to be a hundred percent sure before taking any further action.

  He drove his truck back to the cabin and parked in front. Distressed, his excitement about having dinner with Charlene was somewhat hampered. He knew it would show in his mood. He sat in his truck, thinking. Waiting. Clearing his head and allowing the adrenaline to wear off from the encounter.

  CHAPTER TEN

  [[ 10 ]]

  CHARLENE

  Charlene opened the front door, a big smile on her face. Ryker looked just as good as she remembered. He smelled even better. Spicy and musky. Masculine and strong.

  The outfit he wore clung nicely to his sexy physique, arousing her.

  But it was his penetrative gaze that did her in. His grey eyes practically glowing with an intensity all their own that she took note of. Almost animalistic.

  She hoped he appreciated the emerald green, body-clinging dress that she wore just for him.

  “Hi Ryker,” she said demurely.

  “Hi Charlene,” he said, smiling. “You look amazing…” His eyes caressed her from head
to toe in an admiring glance full of mischief.

  “Thank you,” she said blushing, feeling better about her outfit choice.

  She pulled him into a hug and led him inside. Feeling amorous as she’d spent the day reading a romance novel, she didn’t hesitate to kiss him, taking her time and enjoying their embrace. His strong, athletic body felt amazing pressed up against hers. His warm hands on her body.

  She pulled away for one reason and one reason only. She needed to feed the man the dinner she’d made for him before things got too hot and heavy. He needed to be properly appreciated. She was very grateful for the help he’d provided her in getting to Emerald Lake.

  Although her body was screaming to just insist he take her right then and there, on the dining table. She tempered her horny mood, pushing it aside for the time being.

  “Have a good drive up?” She asked, feeling woozy and giddy.

  “Yes, thank you. How’ve you been?” Ryker asked, his caramel-like voice giving her goosebumps.

  “Good, good. I’ve been reading today… before I knew it, it was time to make dinner,” she shared, leading him inside. “Beer? Wine?” She asked.

  Although Ryker typically preferred a beer, he knew wine was likely a smarter choice for the meal she’d prepared, based on what his nose was telling him. “Wine, thank you.”

  She led him into the dining room and invited him to sit. She poured him a glass of wine and then joined him at the table. The meal was prepared and waiting. She had to admit, it looked very appetizing and hoped he liked what she’d made.

  “How are you?” She asked.

  Ryker nodded, his grey eyes drinking up the sight of her. He looked as if his carnal appetite was just as big as hers. Which made Charlene smile inside.

  “I’m well. Nothing new to report, really. Just the usual.”

  “So mysterious. Surely there’s something you can share with me?” Charlene pushed, hoping he’d open up.

  “Enjoyed the drive up,” he shared. “Not much traffic.”

  Charlene grinned, shaking her head gently. “I see how you are, Mister…” She nodded in the direction of his plate. “Please, dig in. Don’t want it to get cold. I hope you like steak?”

  “Very much so,” Ryker said, his inner bear approving with a hungry growl of his stomach.

  “Sounds like you’ve got a bear in there!” Charlene exclaimed humorously. The look on Ryker’s face showed surprise at her remark.

  “Indeed,” he said right before cutting a bit of steak and eating it.

  Charlene followed suit, nibbling on her salad first, then cutting a nice piece of steak.

  “So, looks like your ankle has healed?” Ryker asked.

  “Yes, thank goodness. It took about a week but almost all better now.”

  “That’s good. Been able to get out and see the area?”

  “Yes, actually. Made my way to a local coffee-shop and the library. I even applied for a job at the coffee-shop, finger’s crossed,” Charlene shared.

  Ryker perked up, “That’s good news. Should help you get to know people out here.”

  “Exactly,” Charlene said, winking at him.

  “How’s the editing coming along?”

  “Decent, I managed to get one more client. Slow but steady,” Charlene shared.

  Ryker nodded approvingly, “It all adds up.”

  “It does,” Charlene said, agreeing.

  Dinner continued with neither saying much more. Rather, they each exchanged knowing glances with one another.

  Table flirting. Charlene made sure to keep their wine glasses full. Once done with dinner, Charlene was excited to move along to dessert.

  “Let’s move to the living room and have dessert. Does that sound good?” Charlene asked.

  Ryker nodded, wiping his mouth with his napkin and standing to head into the living room. “Sure thing.”

  Charlene watched him head into the living room, admiring his backside as he strode away. A little tingle of delight ran up and down her spine. She’d decided she’d take the lead. Make a bold move. Something she’d never done with her husband, or any man for the matter. A couple glasses of wine were making her feel bolder.

  Charlene handed Ryker a plate with a piece of pecan pie and vanilla bean ice cream. “I hope you like pecan pie?”

  “Love it, actually. One of my favorites,” Ryker answered, taking the plate she handed him.

  Charlene settled down right beside him, allowing herself to sit close enough to feel the warmth of his body alongside hers. Once again, a zip of sensual energy cascading through her. She ate her dessert in silence, quietly enjoying the feel of Ryker beside her. It was so simple, but heavenly. Trevor had never been the type to cuddle, something that Charlene had longed for.

  Charlene smiled inwardly when she noticed that Ryker was gobbling up her pie. “I have more where that come from, soldier.” She teased.

  Ryker turned to look at her, making her melt, the sexy beauty of his eyes engulfing her. “Is that a fact?” He teased, a naughty grin on his handsome face.

  “Yes…” Charlene said demurely, somehow managing to hold his gaze.

  Right then and there, she decided to go in for what she wanted. She put down her plate on the coffee table and then took his empty plate and put it on the coffee table as well.

  “Now it’s time for more dessert, Ryker,” she said leaning in to kiss him.

  Sitting beside him made the angle somewhat awkward so she slipped onto his lap, straddling him. She took his face in her hands and kissed him, disappearing inside a sensual exchange that took her breath away.

  Damn, the man knew how to kiss!

  It wasn’t long before she felt him getting hard. “At attention, soldier?” She asked, teasing him.

  “Yes, Charlene…”

  She nuzzled into him, kissing up and down his neck and teasing at his ear lobe. She just wanted to lick and rub him all over. She felt his hands wrap around her torso, pulling her closer into him. She let out a gasp when he slipped a hand under her shirt, finding the back clasp of her bra and unhooking it.

  She lifted her arms and he was in sync with her, knowing that she wanted him to take her shirt off, which he did. Despite being the only one semi-nude, she felt in charge of the dynamic. She could sense that Ryker was allowing her to lead the way, in tune with her.

  And she liked it.

  They gazed deeply into one another’s eyes, an unspoken language passing between them. There was something deeper occurring besides just a little bit of nookie. It took Charlene’s breath away.

  Ryker rubbed the sides of her torso and gently glided his hands up to catch and caress the weight and fullness of her breasts. He teased her nipples by gently caressing them with his thumbs, delighting each one tenderly. All the while, he watched Charlene’s face closely.

  Charlene shivered with delight. The sensation was amazing, overwhelming almost. She closed her eyes and gasped when she felt his mouth on one of her nipples.

  She pulled him to her, holding him and kissing the top of his head with endearment. The feelings she had for him were deeper than she’d realized. It made better sense, now that they were touching in an intimate embrace.

  Out of nowhere, a very aggressive and loud knock at the front door interrupted them. Then the loud voice of a drunken man yelling.

  “Charlene, I know you’re in there!”

  Charlene froze, a look of terror passing over her face. She slipped off of Ryker’s lap and grabbed her shirt immediately, to cover herself up.

  “What the hell? How’d he find me here?!” She asked, stunned.

  “Charlene, is that your husband?” Ryker asked, fury in his voice.

  “Yes… it sounds like him…”

  Ryker didn’t even wait a moment, but strode to the front door and opened it. He glared at the man on the other side, furious that he’d been stupid enough to come back after the incident with Ryker’s bear form.

&n
bsp; “Can I help you?” Ryker said aggressively, on the defense.

  Charlene pulled on her shirt and moved out of sight from the doorway, cowering in the corner. She was more than grateful that Ryker happened to be there.

  What would she have done if he hadn’t been there?

  “Where’s Charlene, I know she’s here!” Trevor slurred angrily.

  “Charlene wants nothing to do with you ever again. I suggest you leave before I call the police,” Ryker said firmly, standing his ground.

  Charlene was on the verge of crying, worried for Ryker’s safety, but then she realized that Ryker was far more skilled than her ass-hat of a husband ever could have been. And she was witnessing it in action, right then and there.

  Which made her feel safe.

  “Is that so?!” Trevor yelled, slurring.

  “Yes, it is. Leave,” Ryker said, fury in his voice but nonetheless calm as could be.

  The next thing Charlene knew, her soon-to-be-ex-husband was stupid enough to attempt to hit Ryker.

  And what Charlene saw next would forever change her and her life. Because in that moment, she realized she was in love and the man she cared for was protecting her from the man who’d done nothing but hurt her.

  But it was the next moment that made her pass out. Stunned and terrified as she watch Ryker’s form shift from man to bear, rage in his roar. She stood blinking, in awe. Then she felt darkness take hold of her as she passed out, unconscious.

  [[ TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO ]]

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  THE CAPTURE OF GRACE

  by

  Ruby Madden

  grace

  noun

  1. elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action: We watched her skate with effortless grace across theice. Synonyms: attractiveness, charm, gracefulness, comeliness, ease, lissomeness, fluidity. Antonyms:stiffness, ugliness, awkwardness, clumsiness; klutziness.

  2. a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment: He lacked the manly graces.