She nodded. “I think you’re right. Life’s too short to settle. Something will come along. I just need to keep the faith.”
He reached out and took her hand, which seemed as natural as the earth beneath them. As massive as the valley was, there on that overlook things narrowed. At least for him. He felt more certain than ever that he’d do anything to protect the woman standing before him. Somehow, she softened his heart, made him want to be a better man. Her desire to find what made her happy encouraged him to think about his own career.
She tilted her face upward, a glint of a smile carving her beautiful lips. Everything faded around them. Her chest rose and fell in rhythm.
“Bear?”
“Yes?”
“Are you going to kiss me or stare at me?” she whispered.
Their lips met gently at first. There was no need for a rush or desperation. The act was a s languid as the water below.
He snaked an arm around her waist, drawing her closer until their bodies were pressed together. This was where he belonged. He knew that more than ever now. Something was continuously changing between them, and he needed to flow as easily as nature around them.
The kiss deepened as she parted her lips, opening to the exploration of his tongue. His hand moved into her hair, gently tugging the strands. He pulled back an inch. “You taste so damn good.”
“Like peach pie?”
“Better.”
They kissed again.
Time surrendered to something eternal.
He rested his forehead against hers, their breath mingling as they stayed there holding each other. A part of the mystical woods around them.
“There’s nothing I want more than to press you against a tree and take you, but you deserve more than a fuck in the woods. You deserve someone to show you how special you are.”
She smiled at him.
And he kissed her forehead.
“Then let’s go now before I push you against a tree myself and show you that I have a little bad girl inside of me.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Evenin’,” Bear said in a low rumble that brought an unexpected awareness to the pit of her stomach. His presence seemed to take the room hostage as women, single and taken, considered him with their keen gazes.
But he was with her and Aasia felt a sense of pride.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a heartbeat before he leaned back and planted another kiss on her forehead, a subtle reminder of what they’d shared yesterday in the woods. His scent remained earthy and leather, titillating her nostrils.
“Good evening,” she replied, glad that her voice was steady, hiding the rush of emotions at her center. She brought her champagne flute to her lips and took a small sip, hoping it eased her nerves some.
“Sorry I couldn’t pick you up,” he said near her ear. “We had a problem that needed my attention.”
“No worries. Although, I was afraid you might have changed your mind.”
“Never.”
His smile sent fuzzy bombs through her body.
“Sir, would you like a drink?” the server wearing a crisp white button down and black slacks asked. Bear chose a glass of bourbon.
“I don’t think I’ve ever attended a party where they served bourbon,” he said.
“Welcome among the rich and glamorous.”
