“Long time? How long?” I challenge, pulling the covers around me.
“A thousand years,” he answers without hesitation.
My mind reels. “I can’t even mentally process that amount of time.”
“I’m very happy you did not have to suffer as long as I have,” he says, his voice tender with a sincerity that’s almost painful to hear.
I study him, taking in his handsome features—the strong jawline softened by gentle eyes, the massive frame that somehow manages to project both power and gentleness. There’s an innocence to him that melts something inside me.
“Well, what now?” I ask, gesturing around the room. “It’s obvious that you’re going to hover, so...”
“Kade’s already directed the captain to dock first at the tourist island,” he explains. “We’ll deboard with the tourists and get you registered at the sheriff’s station.”
I hold up my hand. “Wait, what?”
“Your home is with me now,” he states, his tone calm and matter-of-fact.
I slide out of bed, and Jabari stands immediately, his head nearly brushing the ceiling. The ship clearly wasn’t built for men of his size.
“Hold on, killer,” I say, moving around the bed toward him. “How about we get to know each other better before we start settling down and having children?”
I sigh, closing the distance between us. His presence is magnetic, drawing me closer despite my reservations.
“Let me take a shower and change clothes. Then we can talk more.”
He sits back down, seemingly prepared to wait right there.
I place my hands on my hips, frowning at him. “That means you need to leave.”
He clears his throat and stands, finally understanding. As he starts to move past me, I grab his hand. The contact sends a strange warmth up my arm, a connection I can’t explain but can’t deny either.
“I’m going to come out, okay?” I assure him. “Just let me clean myself up.”
He looks down at me and smiles—a simple expression that transforms his entire face. I can tell it doesn’t take much to please this big shifter. Releasing my hand, he lifts his fingers to my face, running them from my forehead, down my nose, and finally brushing over my lips.
Then he leans down and plants a gentle kiss against my forehead. The warmth and tenderness of the gesture feels like something from a dream.
He walks around me, his body deliberately brushing against mine as he moves past. At the door, he ducks his head and steps out, closing it softly behind him.
I sink onto the bed, my mind spinning. I’m fated to a bear shifter—a genuine sweetheart of a bear shifter. My eyes catch my reflection in the mirror. What does this mean? Do I have to give up my life in Detroit? What about my business?
Then again, my boutique was on the verge of failing anyway. Without a retail space, I was quickly heading back to square one,starting over again. Perhaps this is Fate’s twisted way of offering me a fresh start.
I stand up and grab my suitcase, digging through it for something nice to wear. I pull out a flowing sundress, then search for underwear and makeup. It’s too hot for a full face beat, so I’ll keep it simple. I grab a towel and head into the bathroom.
An hour later, I pull the door to my cabin open, only to find him standing right across from it, his back against the wall. I glare at him and step out, closing the door behind me.
“Don’t tell me you just stood out here all this time waiting for me to come out.”
He just shrugs, clearly unbothered by what any normal person would consider bizarre behavior.
My mouth falls open. “Seriously?”
His eyes travel over me, taking in my sundress, light jewelry, and flip-flops. My hair is brushed back into a high ponytail, keeping it off my neck.
“You look beautiful,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine.
I blush despite myself. Then I reach out and pull at his wrinkled t-shirt. “I wish I could say the same about you,” I tease, but quickly stand on my toes to stroke his cheek. “You’re handsome, but you’re messy.”
