“The most important thing,” James said, “is to never leave the door open, even for a second. Bash seems like he’s fast when he wants to be.”
“He is,” Jake confirmed. “Especially when there’s squirrels.”
James felt a prickle of awareness and looked up to find Doreen watching them, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Their eyes met, and that same electric current from earlier zipped through him. His bear practically purred.
“Deputy Pike?” Jake’s voice broke the moment. “Would you help me carry in Bash’s stuff? He has a bed and toys and food and…”
“Jake,” Doreen interrupted gently, “we’ve already taken up enough of Deputy Pike’s time. I’m sure he has important sheriff’s business to attend to.”
“Actually,” James said, standing a little too quickly, “I’m happy to help.” His voice cracked slightly, and he caught Sorcha’s knowing gaze over Doreen’s shoulder and felt heat creep up his neck as his dignity quietly died.
Oh, no. Sorcha knew. Of course, she knew… to anyone aware of the mating bond, it was probably obvious. The way he looked at Doreen, the way she looked at him… Although there was more than a little confusion in the looks Doreen gave him when he thought he wasn’t looking.
Curiosity,his bear said.Doreen can sense something, but she has no clue what that something is.
That’s going to change,James said.Just as soon as the time is right. And when she’s ready. Not a second sooner.
Sorcha’s lips twitched. “Why don’t we all help bring in the luggage?” she suggested, a hint of mischief in her eyes. He didn’t know Sorcha that well, but he got the feeling she was going to make sure this mate bond worked out. “Jake, why don’t you show me where Bash’s things are? We can get him settled while James and Doreen handle the rest.”
Before James could respond, Sorcha was shepherding Jake and Bash out the door, leaving him alone with Doreen in a suddenly too-quiet cabin.
Doreen turned to him and smiled shyly to reveal the most adorable dimple that he longed to kiss.
His bear melted into a puddle. James wasn’t far behind, as he melted from inside out, all his carefully maintained control dissolving like snow in spring sunlight.
“Shall we?” Doreen asked, gesturing toward the door.
James blinked. “Shall we what?”
“Help get the luggage in?” she clarified, her expression bemused.
“Yes, the luggage. Of course.” James turned on his heel so quickly he nearly stumbled, making a beeline for the door.
Smooth, real smooth.His bear shook his head in dismay.
Get it together, man,he scolded himself.You’re a deputy sheriff, not a tongue-tied teenager.
Lovesick teenager, more like,his bear chuckled.
Not helping,James replied tartly.
By the time he reached the car, Sorcha and Jake were already heading back to the cabin, arms full of dog supplies. James surveyed what remained—two suitcases, a duffel bag, and a tote overflowing with books. He gathered it all in one go, determined to make just one trip.
A terrible idea, but his pride insisted on it.
The stack wobbled precariously as he made his way back. He passed Doreen on the path, her cheeks pink from the cold.
“Let me help you with some of that,” she offered, reaching for a bag.
“Got it,” he mumbled from behind the tower of luggage, his voice muffled and strained.
She gave him another bemused look before continuing toward the car.
You’re not exactly giving the impression of a man who takes safety seriously,his bear muttered.
I have no idea what you’re talking about,James retorted silently.
In the next moment, his boot caught on the edge of the porch step. He lurched forward, just barely regaining his balancebefore everything went tumbling. A suitcase slipped dangerously in his grip, but he clutched it tighter, his knuckles white with the effort.
