Bare Instincts: A BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance Read online

  Wade suggested that because of Burke’s reputation, Tasha had sent him packing, knowing he’d walked out on her if she hadn’t. He never should have told her about not spending the night with a woman. That was plain dumb.

  “Burke?”

  He looked up. As if he’d conjured her, Tasha was coming toward him, and his cock instantly hardened. Fuck. The foreman wouldn’t let her come close without a hard hat, so Burke set down his shovel and hustled over to her.

  He probably smelled bad after a hard day at work, but that couldn’t be helped. “Hey there.” He motioned they step under one of the large maples to give them some shade and be farther away from the construction noise.

  He studied her expression but was unable to tell if she was here to read him the riot act or demand to know his intentions toward Dee Dee. Yes, he should have called Tasha Sunday to thank her for letting him crash at her place, but he believed she needed time to figure out what she wanted—or else he was the one who needed to think things through. He’d only spoken with her for a minute at the funeral, and that hadn’t been the time to discuss their relationship.

  In all honesty, after the Dee Dee incident, he hadn’t been sure Tasha would ever speak with him again.

  “My dad gave me a new fishing pole, and I thought I’d try it out after work Saturday.”

  That was nice, but he couldn’t tell if she was asking him to join her or if he should say what a great dad she had. He used to fish all the time since it brought him peace. “Great. Where are you going?”

  A few summers ago, he’d found a great lake about thirty miles from Hidden Hills. Some people who had lived in the area their whole life weren’t even aware of its existence.

  She shrugged. “I wanted to ask your opinion.”

  Really? His pulse raced. Being near Tasha caused this unnatural reaction, and the potential of another date had his hormones flying. “There’s a lake I found up in the hills that’s good.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “You fish?”

  The hope in her voice gave him a new insight. “Don’t you remember how we’d go in the stream at the back of Dad’s property and try to catch something?”

  “That was a lifetime ago.”

  It was. “It’s been forever since I’ve had the time to fish, so would it be okay if I tag along?”

  She smiled and his heart soared. He needed to get his head on straight in part because he had yet to figure out why Tasha was even here given she’d kicked him out. Wade might have been right about her reason.

  “I’d love that. How about we meet here at one? I’ll pack a picnic in case we don’t catch anything.”

  He wasn’t into shifting and eating fish raw anymore, but perhaps she was planning on a nice fire and cooking it first. It didn’t matter to him. Whatever her plan, he was game. “Perfect.”

  She spun on her heels and hauled ass out of there. He figured she was on her break and might get in trouble if she stayed out too long. As soon as she disappeared into the library, he went back to work, his mood greatly improved.

  Then doubt surfaced. Burke couldn’t quite tell what was on her agenda. She had asked him out—more or less—but he hoped she didn’t plan on getting him alone just so she could tell him to shove it. Then again, she might seduce him. He couldn’t wait to find out whether it was door number one or number two.

  * * *

  As soon as Burke asked his father if he could borrow a fishing pole, his dad raised his brows. “Why the sudden interest? If I recall, when you and Tom came home last summer for your mom’s birthday, I couldn’t get you guys to do any such thing.”

  By then, Tom was having a hard time sitting still for any length of time. “Tasha asked if I’d take her fishing. Apparently, Alden bought her a new pole, and she wants to try it out.” That wasn’t technically the truth, but he had suggested the location.

  His dad stroked his chin. “Don’t recall Alden mentioning he bought her a new rod. All he said was that she’d been real moody lately. Maybe he got it to cheer her up.” He narrowed his eyes. “Could her bad mood have anything to do with you?”

  She hadn’t seemed moody when she’d spoken with him, unless she’d been upset when she’d seen him with Dee Dee and mentioned it to her father. It was hard to keep a secret longer than a few minutes in this town, though if Wade hadn’t heard about Tom’s death, perhaps the grapevine had dried up since he’d moved. “I hope not.”

  “You’ve been seeing a lot of her, I hear.”

  Burke was in no mood to discuss the strange feelings he’d been having when he was around Tasha. Perhaps after his date on Saturday, he’d know more. “Some.”

  “You came home real early Sunday morning from her place.” His father leaned close. “Don’t go breaking her heart, son.”

  Shit. “Dad, we’re just going fishing.” He certainly wasn’t going to tell his father he hoped it would lead to something more.

  Ever since she’d mentioned they’d be having a picnic, his imagination had been out of control, picturing all the ways he wanted to make love with her—against a tree, on the soft sand edging part of the lake, and even on the blanket. Hell, he’d take it any way he could get it.

  “Remember, she’s the Alpha’s daughter.”

  “I know.” He’d never forget, but he wasn’t intimidated by Alden, the man who’d practically raised him. Well aware of the Clan politics, Burke had no intention of messing things up with her.

  Tasha’s heritage was one of the reasons why she didn’t have a hoard of young bears after her. She was like Clan royalty. Her older brother would be the next Alpha should her dad step down, but she still commanded a lot of respect.

  If he was lucky, she’d bore him to death Saturday, and he could forget all about her.

  In my dreams. There was something about her that had him fixating on her. He wondered, once more, if she was his mate.

  Chapter Eight

  Burke paced the library parking lot. It was a quarter after one, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Tasha had changed her mind about their date or if this was his punishment for talking with Dee Dee.

  He decided to text her to make sure nothing had happened, but when he pulled his phone out he remembered they hadn’t exchanged numbers. That was dumb on his part.

  Here he was alone with his pole and one of Dad’s beat up trucks and no date. Burke had spent this morning cleaning the interior, but it still smelled of fertilizer and oats. Perhaps it was for the best that she didn’t show.

  He was about to head inside the library to ask if one of the workers could give him Tasha’s information when she drove up. Relief filled him. Burke really wanted to see how compatible they were now that he didn’t have alcohol swimming in his veins.

  Tasha parked and stepped out of her car, wearing a tight short-sleeved shirt over rolled-up jeans. Man, she was hot.

  He leaned his pole against the side of the truck and jogged up to her. “You made it.” He smiled, hoping to defuse any possible concern she might have for being late.

  “I forgot something at the store and had to stop. You ready?”

  “Yup.”

  She glanced at the truck and grimaced. “I only have my fly-fishing pole.”

  “Perfect. One of us should catch something then. Unfortunately, I never did perfect the art of fly-fishing. I’m a reel man.” That sounded bad. “That’s r-e-e-l.” When she laughed, the muscles in his shoulders relaxed. “Want me to drive?”

  She glanced over at the truck. “I’ve got everything packed in the back of mine, but if you want to chauffeur me in my car that would be cool.” She dangled her keys from one finger.

  He hadn’t expected her to hand over the reins, but to him it implied she thought of this as a real date. It was probably silly to be so excited, but he was. “Happy to.”

  After he gathered his pole, they both piled into her car, and Burke rolled down the window. The day was warm and clear and he wanted to enjoy it fully.

  Once they cleared town, Tasha lean
ed her back against the passenger side door. “What exactly do you do up in Pennsylvania?” she asked.

  “Besides party?” That was what she probably was thinking.

  “Yes.” A cute flush raced up her face.

  He wasn’t sure how much he wanted to tell her. “I work at a construction company that specializes in renovations.” She’d ask too many questions if he told her he was part owner. Specifically, she might ask what he was doing spending so much time in Hidden Hills. Yes, he was here because he wanted to support his parents, but now that he’d reconnected with Tasha, he wanted to stay around and see if there was something special between them.

  “Commercial or residential?”

  He hadn’t expected that question. “Both. One of the owners is an architect. He gives me the plans, and it’s my job to make sure it gets done to code and on time.”

  “That’s a lot of responsibility.” She sounded impressed, which implied her opinion of him hadn’t been high in the first place.

  “It is, but I love what I do.”

  “That’s what really matters.”

  He liked her attitude. Most of the women he dated only cared about his income—not about his job satisfaction. He’d saved a lot of money since college, but he didn’t flaunt it. If another recession happened, he wanted to be able to ride it out. Few even knew he owned fifty percent of BC Renovations. Since Tom’s death, he’d been toying with the idea of opening a branch in Hidden Hills. His partner, Chris Aldridge, said he’d buy Burke out if he ever wanted, and it was something Burke was considering.

  Before he knew it, they’d arrived at the base of the path that led to the mountain lake. He glanced down at her shoes, and was happy they looked sturdy enough to handle the mile-long path. “You up for a little trek?”

  “Sure. If you carry the basket and blanket, I’ll handle the poles.”

  “Deal.”

  Burke still didn’t know how much of this fishing thing was real and how much was a ploy to go out with him, but he planned to enjoy her either way.

  To his surprise, Tasha was quite the hiker. She had good stamina, which boded well for the other activity he had planned.

  When they reached the lake, she drew in an audible breath. “It’s beautiful. I never knew this was even here.”

  “Most people don’t. Look to your left and you’ll see a waterfall coming off the mountain.”

  She stepped closer and squinted. The urge to cup her breasts nearly undid him. Patience had always been his strong suit, but it wasn’t when he was around her. It was as if she knew where to stand to distract him the most.

  “I see it now!”

  He chuckled. “That stream? It feeds the lake. We can fish there or go up the river a bit. You might have better luck higher up with fly-fishing.”

  She shook her head. “I prefer the calmer water.”

  “Works for me.” He set down the basket, and she handed him his pole. From her small backpack, she pulled out a set of beautiful lures. “Those are yours?” Now it was his turn to be impressed.

  “Yes. My dad taught me how to make them. I know most young girls play with dolls, but I spent my time fishing with Dad.”

  He had a new appreciation for her. “Maybe you can show me how to make one sometime.”

  “Really? I don’t see you as the fishing type.”

  That stung a little. “What type am I?” She ran her gaze up and down his body, making him a little uncomfortable.

  “I’m thinking you’d take a woman to a fancy restaurant before you’d bring her to a place like this to enjoy the outside.”

  Burke really had made a bad impression on her. “You’re wrong. Let me ask you then, why did you ask me to come here?” It shouldn’t matter that he’d asked if he could come—she’d agreed.

  Her cheeks reddened. “I’m trying to figure that out. Other than our parents being good friends, along with the fact we grew up together, we have nothing in common. You like to drink and have a good time while I prefer to sit home and read a good book.”

  “I hope I hear a but coming.”

  She nibbled on her bottom lip, looking sexy as hell. “It’s just that when I’m around you, I feel different.” She rubbed her palms down her thighs.

  His pulse raced. She must feel the attraction, too. He stepped closer. “Describe different.”

  She shrugged. He slipped her pole from her hand, joined it with his, and set down both. “Look at me.” He cupped her face. Inhaling her scent let out his inner bear. “You feel it, too, don’t you?”

  “Feel what?”

  He wasn’t sure he could describe it. “A connection. I know we don’t really know each other—at least, not as adults—but when I’m near you, something happens inside me. Don’t get me wrong, you’re beautiful and perfect in every way, but it’s more than physical. I get the sense that we’re meant to be together.” When she didn’t say anything, a piece of him seemed to dissolve. “You don’t feel it?”

  * * *

  Tasha was dumbfounded. Never in a million years had she expected Burke to say something like that. She wanted it to be true, but she didn’t see how it could be. He was suave, sophisticated, and oh, so slick. She was just a small town librarian.

  “Tasha?”

  She’d practically frozen in her spot. Tell him. “Yes.”

  “Yes, what?”

  He leaned over, his lips near hers. “Yes, I feel something.” His presence was messing with her mind. “I mean, I feel a lot. Every time I’m close to you, it’s as if I can’t breathe or think, but I don’t even know whether I can believe you. You’re so sure of yourself and have had hundreds of women. Are you just trying to get laid?” Oh, God, she couldn’t believe she’d let that slipped out. She needed to think before she spoke.

  “I’m going to choose to hear only the first part of what you said and ignore the second. Believe me when I say nothing like this has ever happened to me before. This joy. This confusion. This freedom.”

  It all sounded so wonderful that she wanted him to clarify every word, but she didn’t know if she could trust him. “Are you saying you like me?”

  He laughed. “Like you? I can’t even put into words what I feel. It’s all so new. Before Tom died, I won’t lie; I partied a lot. I had sex with a bunch of women—women who were only out to have a good time, like me. I’m pretty sure I never had ay of them pining for my affection. I made it very clear up front that I wasn’t interested in something other than a few rolls in the hay.”

  She could believe there were many women who wanted to see what he was like in bed. The man was hotter than fire. “So you just want to have sex with me, right?”

  “No.”

  She wasn’t a fool. “That’s a lie.”

  “You can choose not to believe me, but I am being completely honest when I say I want to make love with you. There’s a difference. I know this sounds crazy, but the animal in me is convinced you’re my mate.”

  A laugh escaped. “Me?” She wanted it to be true more than anything. Joy even rattled in her chest, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  “Would you like me to prove it to you? When we’re together, the earth seems to stand still.”

  His slick words sounded so good, although she was probably being a fool to believe him. He’d admitted he was a player. Then again, she’d come here to see if they were meant for each other. The least she could do was give him a chance.

  “Yes. Prove it.”

  His gaze locked onto hers and he backed her up until her spine pressed against a tall pine tree. “I hope you’re ready for some hard loving, girl, because the bear in me wants you bad.”

  Before she had the chance to totally understand what he was saying, his mouth captured hers, and her legs weakened. Her body vibrated hard as if he’d poured all of his energy into her. As Burke ran his hands up and down her sides, sparks of need shot out everywhere. When he twirled his tongue around hers, she wanted to believe he was linking them, trying to make them one.<
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  “I need you naked, Tasha,” he said as he lifted her shirt over her head.

  She inhaled, offering him her breasts. Her inner librarian screamed not to do this, that they were out in the open where anyone could come upon them, but she couldn’t stop herself. She feared that if her libido went too crazy, she’d shift. God help her then.

  He glanced down. “I’ve been dreaming about these.” He rubbed a thumb across her bra-covered nipple.

  On purpose, she narrowed her eyes. “And not about me?”

  He laughed. “You have no idea what I’ve been dreaming about. You. Me. My cock in your pussy. The list goes on and on.”

  This couldn’t be true. It had to be a dream. She laughed as she unsnapped his jeans. Holy shit. His cock peeked out of the top of his briefs, looking much bigger than what she remembered.

  Tasha pressed a finger on the top. “Let’s see if I can help make that dream of yours come true.”

  Being this bold was pure freedom, but before she could finish unbuttoning his fly, he cupped her face again and dove in. He tasted sweet and powerful and determined. Her hands clasped his shoulders, and she held on for the ride of her life. Their exploration alternated between fast and desperate, and sweet and slow. With each new breath, they delved in farther.

  “I can’t wait.” Burke leaned back, kicked off his shoes, and stepped out of his pants. He bent down, folded his jeans, and placed them between them. “Take off your shoes and step on these. I don’t want you to hurt your feet.”

  She didn’t mind a bit of discomfort if it meant she could have him, but his thoughtfulness nearly undid her. Once she divested herself of her footwear, she stepped on the soft fabric. “It’s nice, thank you.”

  Without a word, he reached behind her back and unhooked and then dragged off her bra with practiced precision. “I’m sorry if I seem so fascinated with these. If I could, I’d ignore them, but I can’t.”