Bear of Interest (8 page)

“Perfect.”

She didn’t wait to be asked to take a seat, but decided to sit on the couch while she waited for him to pour her drink. She saw he had some mystery novels sitting on the coffee table.

“I take it you like suspense stories?” she asked him.

He glanced over at her. “I do. Well, that is when I have time to read.”

“Being a doctor must keep you busy.”

He carried over two glasses of wine, handed her one before sitting next to her. “It does, and I read a lot of medical journals so that cuts into my fun reading time as I call it.”

Sam took a sip of the wine. “Umm, this is good.”

“I joined an online wine club and this is the first selection,” said Cole. “How’s your investigation coming along?”

Sam leaned over and placed the glass on the table.
 
“Still no new leads, although we did have someone come forward and say they saw Margo with an older man the night she died. And in the Kalispell area so that explains why someone from Missoula died locally. I still think it’s weird that you didn’t see that bear when you were jogging. Those tracks were so fresh.”

“Nope, didn’t see any wildlife, apart from some birds.”

“Have you ever run into a bear when you’ve been out jogging?”

He didn’t answer straight away and she wondered why.

“The odd one or two.”

“Aren’t you scared of them while you’re out there? I mean you jog in prime bear territory.”

“Nothing to be scared about. And what, you don’t like bears?”

For some reason he was getting a little defensive. Maybe he was one of those animal rights people.
 
Or the types that protested when ranchers shot wolves that attacked their livestock. Yeah, there was a big war brewing between those factions.

“I can’t say that I like or dislike them. Never met a bear so I won’t pass judgement.”

“That’s a good thing because they’re wonderful creatures.”

“I’m not going to have to snap some of those plastic cuffs on you when you’re at a wildlife protest am I?”

“Would you like to?” he asked.

He put his wine glass down and turned to look at her. He ran his finger along her jawline and then over her lips. “Hope you don’t mind me doing this,” he said.

Cole’s lips were on hers before she realized it. No, she didn’t mind it, and yes, she would like to cuff him to the bed. Yeah, she’d even like him to cuff her.

His breath tasted of the wine, his lips soft, and his tongue flicked across her lower one. Before she knew it they had their arms wrapped around one another, the kiss getting deeper, Cole running his hands up her back.

She’d never gotten involved with a man so quickly and she wasn’t about to start now.

She pulled away, hoping he wouldn’t take it the wrong way because she did want to have sex with him, but she’d only be able to totally let go when she knew him better.

“Something wrong?”

“Yeah, you’re still a person of interest in my murder investigation.”

It had been a joke because she really did think he was just a guy who’d been passing by that day. Wrong place, wrong time, but he looked like he believed her.

“I wasn’t aware of that…”

She put her hand on his forearm.
 
“It’s okay, I was kidding with you. I’m a take it real slow sort of girl. I don’t like rushing into something I’ll regret later. Not that I think I’d regret having sex with you, but I want us to get to know one another.”

“I totally understand. In fact, I like a woman who doesn’t jump into bed ASAP.”

“Good, so then we’re both on the same page.”

“Absolutely and how about I take you out to the Starlight Café for salmon night and we can get to know one another better?”

“Salmon night, wow. You know how to win a girl over.”

Cole smiled. He had a cute smile, and little dimples formed in his cheeks.

“Shall I pick you up or will you meet me there?” he asked.

She had to take that first step. “You can come pick me up. It’s 345 Sycamore Street, number 45.”

“Okay, I’ll be by around 6.30 p.m. if that’s okay with you?”

She nodded. She finished the wine. “I have to be going, but today’s been fun and I have myself a new car and a second date.”

****

Cole watched her drive away. Damn, he was hoping they’d be having sex right now. Although he hadn’t lied when he said he liked a woman who didn’t jump into a man’s bed. Some of the shifter women, especially when there were close to their mating cycle, did just that. He pulled on the front of his pants. Since they’d sat on the couch he’d had a continual erection and now it was hurting like hell. He made his way into the bathroom and unzipped his jeans and dug inside his boxers and pulled out the object in question. He wasn’t putting this hard on to waste. He moved his hand down his shaft and took a deep breath. He could still smell her. He loved her perfume, light and flowery, and the scent of her body too.

Cole moved his hand faster, closing his eyes and wondered what she’d look like naked.
 
Wow, his release took him by surprise. He panted and groaned. That had been pretty good but he was still worked up over Sam. Maybe he’d go chop some more wood to get it out of his system some more.

He went outside and lined up the logs and began pounding on them. Looked like they might get some rain later. They needed it because the rain the other night hadn’t been nearly enough to lower the risk of forest fires. He turned around to see Liam and Lucy driving back in.

“How did Sam’s team do?” asked Cole.

“They won and Sam got a home run.” Liam pulled out his phone and showed Cole the photos of Sam in his uniform. He was missing one of his front teeth and was turning into quite the young man. His resemblance to Danny was uncanny.

“He’s going to be athletic just like his dad,” said Liam. “Only wish he could be here to see him and that Danny would have had more kids for me to spoil.”

“You can look forward to having your own,” said Cole, winking at Lucy.

“Do you guys want me to bring some beers out for you?” she asked.

“Sure. I have some in the fridge,” said Liam.

Lucy went inside while the two guys sat at the table. Lucy came back out and handed them the bottles.

“I’m going to grill some steaks, you want one Cole?” asked Lucy.

“Guess I wouldn’t say no.”

Liam took a sip of his beer. “So how did things go with Sam?”

“Why do you think I was chopping wood like a crazy bear?”

Liam laughed. “Humans need lots of wooing before you can make love to them.”

“Wooing,” said Lucy, lighting the grill.

“Yeah, I wooed you,” said Liam.

“You seduced me.” She blew him a kiss.

He loved these two and what they had. They were perfect mates.

“Whatever you want to call it, but make sure when you get Sam into bed you give her the slapping cock treatment.”

Lucy looked over at Liam. “That’s what you call it, honey,” said Liam.

“I know but that was for your ears only,” said Lucy.

“I take it you mean our clit beating technique?” asked Cole.

“You do know theirs are on the outside right?” asked Liam.

“I’m a doctor Liam. Yeah, I did know that.”

“But slap that cock around inside them and they come begging for more. Human men just don’t know how to bring on a good climax in their women.”

Lucy took two strides over to Liam and smacked him across the shoulders.

“You’re trash talking us humans,” she said.

Both Liam and Cole laughed and Lucy joined in.

“I’m taking her to salmon night at the Starlight Café,” said Cole.

“Damn, we can’t make it this week but maybe we’ll meet up with you some other time,” said Liam.

“So will you be wooing her?” asked Lucy.

“Wooing, and hopefully doing some cock slapping too.”

It was Cole’s turn to get a slap from Lucy.

Chapter Six

Sam had never daydreamed about a man before but that’s what she’d done at her desk all day. Very little work had been done and she’d had a ton of paperwork to fill in and file. She looked at the clock in her kitchen. Cole would be here soon. She hurried into the bathroom, brushed her teeth for the second time, gargled with mouthwash, and then applied some lip gloss just as she heard the doorbell. She smacked her lips together and headed to the door. When she opened it Cole stood on the step holding a bunch of flowers.

“For me?” she asked.

“I’m wooing you.”

“Wooing me?”

“Inside joke with Liam and me. He claims that hu…Lucy liked it.”

“I like it too.” She took them from him and then put her nose on the daisy in the middle of the bunch. “Let me go put these in water and I’ll be right with you.”

She rushed into the kitchen, grabbed a vase, filled it with water, and then put the flowers inside. She’d arrange them properly when she got home. She might even take them into work with her tomorrow so she could do some more daydreaming. At this rate, she’d be fired by the end of the month. She grabbed her purse and walked back out into the hallway to find Cole looking at the paintings on the wall.

“These are really good,” he said.

“You think so?”

“I do.”

“I’m the artist,” she said, proudly.
 
When she’d finally given in and gone to counseling classes, the therapist had suggested some type of creative outlet for her stress. She’d found she had a knack for drawing and painting. She’d gotten so confident that she’d even had a few framed and hung on the wall.

“You should talk to Christopher Renner because he’s been sketching for years. In fact, he does sketches for a video game company and animation for a business in Missoula.”

“Really?”

“Yep, makes a good living at it too.”

“Well I know what to do if I get fired from the police department.”

Cole smiled. “You ready to go? Because Starlight gets packed on salmon night.”

****

Sam had spotted the new craft store next to the Starlight as soon as Cole had pulled into the parking lot. She was like a kid near a toyshop. He almost had to drag her into the café but promised her he’d go with her to look around once they’d eaten. Two cougar shifters owned it and he had to admit he was eager to see what they’d done to the old hardware store.

As always on salmon night, the café was full of bear shifters. He waved to a few as he encouraged Sam to go ahead of him. He stopped in his tracks when he saw who they’d been seated next to. Brady and his new wife, Jenna. He liked Jenna. He’d been the one to help her win over Brady, but his nemesis, well… he could still take him or leave him.

“Evening Jenna, how are you feeling?” he asked.

She turned around and patted her belly. “Getting to the point where I can’t see my toes anymore.”

Cole smiled. She had about another five weeks to go until their son was born. Brady with a son, him beating Cole to fatherhood.
 
Number one bachelor bear: Brady Walsh. What had happened? A human, that’s what.

“Cole.”

He hadn’t realized that Jenna was talking to him.
“Who is your friend?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, this is Sam Hardy. Sam, and this is Jenna and Brady Walsh.”

Brady stood and shook Sam’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“Same here,” said Sam. “Hi Jenna.”

 
Unfortunately she’d chosen the seat to the side of the table so it meant that he and Brady could do nothing more than stare at one another.

“The salmon smells so good in here,” said Sam.

Hannah headed over to them. “Can I get you guys some drinks?”

“Beer for me,” said Cole. “And have you met Sam?”

“No, I haven’t. I have a son called Sam. It’s a great name.”

“You’re Liam’s nephew’s mom. I met him the other day.”

“That’s right. Cole, you’re living in their cottage now. So what can I get you Sam?”

“I think just a soda.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back with those and fresh salmon will be out shortly.”

Cole looked at Brady, who glared back.

“I take it that’s your nemesis?” whispered Sam.

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“I recognized the name but you’ve also been giving him the stink eye since the minute you sat down and he’s been doing the same to you. What’s up with you guys?”

Hannah picked that moment to bring their drinks and a basket of bread.

Cole waited until she’d gone to respond.

“I got to the virgin at school before he did. He’s never forgiven me. Even took two of my old girlfriends away to get his revenge.” Cole whispered, but he knew with a bear’s sharp hearing, Brady knew everything he was saying.

A waitress brought them their plate of salmon, rice and steamed green beans. Cole licked his lips, watching Sam drive straight into hers. A human who loved salmon. One huge plus in her favor.

“How long have you been painting?” asked Cole.

Sam swallowed what she had in her mouth before answering. “About seven years now.”

“You ever thought of showing them in a gallery? I know there’s a load in Missoula.”

“I don’t know if I’m that good.”

He patted the back of her hand. “You’re talented and I know a good painting when I see one.”

“Did I hear someone say paintings?”

Cole looked up to see Brady looking their way.
I’m on a date buddy
, he wanted to say but bit his tongue.

“Sam’s a great artist,” said Cole.

“Really? I’m looking for some for the new model homes. Maybe you could swing by my office and I’ll take a look. I pay very generously.”

The next thing Cole knew was Brady had placed his business card down in front of Sam. “Give me a call and we’ll set something up.”

“I will, thank you.”

She picked up the card. “Cute bear logo,” said Sam.

If Brady wasn’t a happily married man and about to be a first time dad, Cole would have thought that maybe he was going to get to him through Sam.
 
However, Cole had to admit, Brady was softening around the edges. Maybe that was the human influence on him now.

He felt Sam’s hand on his arm. “You look miles away.”

“Nope, just thinking about all the people I know who are in here tonight.”

“Yeah, this place is bustling but I can understand it because this salmon is cooked to perfection. This was the ideal place to bring me on a date.”

****

Sam was like a kid in a candy store when she stepped into the craft shop next to the Starlight Café.
 
So many great things to check out and the paint supplies were better than she’d found in the bigger cities. Cole was chatting with the two owners as she approached the checkout with an armful of supplies.

“Found everything you needed?” asked one.

“More than I needed and I’ll be sure to be back now I’ve found this gem of a place.”

“And you’ll get our shifter discount,” she said.

Cole coughed.

“I’m sorry what made me say that? I can offer you our special shopper discount today.”

“Sure, whatever,” said Sam.

Shifter, whatever had made the woman say that? Strange word to get mixed up with shopper. Still Sam would take any discount to keep supplying her art habit.

She handed over her credit card, waited for it to be swiped and was happy to see they’d given her a generous twenty percent discount. The taller of the two ladies handed her a bag full of all her goodies.

Cougar Crafts.
She liked the name of the store too.

“I’ll be sure to be back once these run out,” said Sam.

“Have you thought about teaching an art class here? We’ll soon be offering craft lessons and we’re looking for instructors,” said the smaller lady.

“What a great way to show off your talent,” said Cole.

“I will definitely think about it,” said Sam. Great way to relax, maybe meet some people outside of work for a change.

Cole thanked the ladies and he and Sam headed back to his car.

“So what are you thinking about painting with those supplies?” asked Cole.

“How about I paint you?”

“Me?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’ve never tried portraits before and you seem like the perfect subject.”

****

Cole had thought she was joking when she said she wanted to paint him, but as soon as they got back to her place, she started making rough sketches in her notebook.

Cole glanced over to see what she was doing.

“Hey, that’s cheating,” said Sam.

“My lips don’t really look like that do they?”

“They’re full and …”

He couldn’t resist. He leaned over and kissed her. He’d smelled her scent. Humans would never guess how their odor tantalized a bear. He’d been continually hard throughout their meal, at one point, throwing his napkin over his lap so she didn’t see his cock almost bursting forth out of the zipper of his pants.

He tickled her lower lip with his tongue and then gently eased it inside her mouth. He was waiting for her to pull away again. To say she wanted them to get to know one another even more, but she didn’t. This time she threw her arms around him, pulling him in tight to her body. Her breasts brushed up against his chest, her nipples were already hard like little pieces of stone coming into contact with his body. He couldn’t wait to feel them, see if they were as gorgeous as he imagined and to touch her skin, hoping that was as soft as he assumed it to be.

He pulled away. Looking her directly in the eye. He didn’t ask permission, but instead he simply put his hand on her blouse and slipped each fake pearl button open. She didn’t protest, didn’t tell him to stop, or slap his hand away.

Sam lay back on the couch, allowing him to open up each side of the blouse, exposing her pretty pink lace bra. Her breasts spilled over the top of the edging and he couldn’t stop himself. He ran his fingers over them, knowing immediately he’d been right about her skin being silky smooth. Her human scent, and just a hint of the perfume she wore, hit his nostrils, making his cock come to attention again. He was lying so close to her, Cole knew she had to feel his excitement.

“Do you have condoms, because I don’t,” she asked him.

He did in fact. Had thrown some into his back pant pocket on the off chance tonight might be the one where he finally got to experience some human pussy.

“All taken care of,” said Cole.

Without saying anything she lowered the straps of her bra from her shoulders.