“I smell of polar bear?”
“Yes.” He kissed her again, this time unhurried. He traced the seam of her mouth, and she opened to him with a moan. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing fast. “We’d better not take this any further. Not with Ma loitering.”
“Later,” she promised. “Please show me your bear.”
He took a step back. Concentration settled on his features and sparkles of light surrounded his muscular body.
Fiona stared, wincing at the cracking and sucking sounds. That bit—not so sexy. Wait. He hadn’t taken off his clothes. How did that work? She’d have to ask later.
The disturbance down in the warehouse started again. Fiona pulled a face and prayed Leif and Kirk didn’t get hurt.
Stig made a chuffing sound and settled on all fours. He peered at her, his blue eyes holding the same humanity they had during their prior interactions. Mesmerized, she eyed his off-white fur—a sort of vanilla color—his small neat ears. The tip of his black nose. Oh, his stubby tail was cute.
“Wow,” she whispered. “You’re so big. Your paws are three times the size of my hands. And your claws! They look wicked. Can I pet you?”
Stig edged closer, his gaze watchful as if he expected her to react badly to his shift. If only he understood her past. Stories of shapeshifters and romance had helped her survive dark days. Her mother’s death due to cancer. The disappointment of her marriage. While she figured romance novels and reality didn’t align, this discovery fascinated and intrigued her.
She sank her fingers into his fur. Thick and wiry but soft underneath, she luxuriated in the textures and wild green smell of him. She leaned against his shoulder and continued to stroke him. His muscles quivered beneath her touch, and he groaned. She grinned at the sound.
He was a big teddy bear.
“Can I take your photo?”
He made a chuffing sound, and she guessed he’d assented because he posed when she picked up her camera.
“You’re bigger in your bear form,” she said. “I’m dainty in comparison.”
He chuffed again and ambled closer. She ran her hand over his shoulder and he nudged her carefully. His tongue darted out to lick her hand, and she giggled.
“That tickles. Let me take my photos. Do the locals realize they have bears in their midst?”
Stig nodded.
“Okay. We’ll talk later. I have so many questions.”
Stig grunted and posed for her while she clicked away. A huge yawn took her by surprise.
Stig wandered over to his big bed and crawled onto it, expectation in his gaze.
“Good idea,” she said. “I could manage a nap.” She removed her boots and crawled onto the bed with Stig. She curled up against his back and sighed. He smelled the same in bear form as he did in human.
This adventure stuff sure took a toll on a woman.
