Oh, yeah,James sighed happily.
“What?” she asked, catching him staring.
“Nothing.” He shook his head, unable to put into words the wonder he felt. How could he explain that watching her butter toast in his kitchen felt like witnessing a miracle?
But all too soon it was time to retrieve their clothes and get dressed. It took all his resolve not to make love to her again.
But he was strong. He didn’t want to be the one to blame for Doreen being late to collect Jake and Bash. He’d seen the way she’d hesitated at letting her nephew go.
She wants to protect him and keep him safe, just as we want to protect our mate and keep her safe,his bear said.
“There,” Doreen said as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Presentable again.”
“Shame,” he replied with a half-smile.
Doreen turned away, searching the nightstand. “Have you seen my…”
“Left earring? Here.” James spotted it by the lamp, but before handing it over, he gathered her hair in one hand, exposing thenape of her neck. He pressed his lips there briefly, feeling her shiver under his touch.
“That’s not helping us leave,” she said, though she made no move to pull away.
But time was not on their side, and they needed to leave.
This is the beginning,his bear assured him.There will be other mornings. Lots of other mornings.
And we will treasure each and every one of them,James replied.
The drive back through the forest was quiet and peaceful. Snow lay pristine on either side of the road, untouched and glittering in the morning sun. James drove one-handed, his other hand holding Doreen’s as if he never wanted to let go. Every so often, he’d glance over, still disbelieving that she was really there, that last night had happened, that she knew his truth and hadn’t run.
When they reached her SUV, he pulled the truck to a stop, engine idling. Neither moved to get out.
“Thank you,” Doreen said. “For trusting me… with everything.”
James reached for her, cupping her face. “Thank you for staying.”
She melted into his touch before meeting him halfway. This kiss held none of the drowsy tenderness from earlier—it was hungry, certain, a claiming. James drew her closer, fingers threading through her hair at the nape of her neck, holding her steady as if afraid she might slip away. He couldn’t believe this woman knew every part of him—even the wild, untamed parts—and still chose to stay.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing harder, Doreen’s eyes had darkened, her cheeks flushed. She smiled—that slow smile that made his heart stutter—and reluctantly reached for the door handle.
“I’ll see you soon?” she asked, and the hint of uncertainty in her voice made him want to pull her back into his arms.
“Count on it,” he promised.
She slipped from the truck, tugging at her coat when it got snagged between the seats. James watched as she walked to her car, his bear restless with the separation. He stayed until she got in, until she started the engine, until she drove away with one last smile in his direction.
Only then did he lean back against the seat, exhaling a long, stunned breath.
His bear huffed contentedly.We did well.
“Yeah,” he whispered to himself, a helpless grin spreading across his face. “We really did.”
Just then, the radio crackled.
“Pike, do you copy? Can you head over to Main Street? There’s been an accident. Nothing serious, but in these conditions...”
James straightened, muscle memory taking over. “Pike here. On my way.”
Duty called. As it always did.
