Badgering the Bear: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Mate in a Minute Speed Mating Agency Book 1) (2 page)

G
abe squared
his shoulders and strode into the house. Except instead of the curious eyes of his incredibly annoying house guest, the only thing that greeted him was Rex, his dog.

The diminutive pup wagged in delight at his master and the tension in him eased. He scooped up Rex and walked to the back door. Of course, that’s when he saw the fiery redhead doing a lazy backstroke in his pool. He set Rex down and the little traitor ran cheerfully over as she pulled up to the edge of the pool.

“He likes me best, you know that, right?” The bright-eyed sprite popped out of the pool and grabbed a towel.

“Of course, Des, of course.” He rolled his eyes.

“Geez dude, your face is all grim grumpiness. Are you that cranky at me for forcing you out of the damn house for once? You don’t have to find Cinderella at the ball for it to be a good night out, you know.”

He flopped on a lounger and stared up at the stars. “No, I had an okay time.” He thought back on the last woman he met and a little smile curved his lips. “Mostly I was mad at you.”

She plopped onto the chair next to him with a grunt. “That’s the point of a little sister. To have someone to blame for having a good time out instead of turning to rack and ruin, like most of your grim house. Seriously, you actively have brambles back here instead of bushes.
Brambles
.”

“Hey, be nice to my house, it’s giving you a place to hide.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Matt got weird and intense. Never trust a weasel.”

Worry crawled through him and he couldn’t keep the concern out of his voice. “Do you think he’ll follow you here?”

“I didn’t think he’d turn into a creepy asshole, so I have no idea.” She did some sort of complicated origami with a towel and her hair. “But he doesn’t even know you’re my brother, so he wouldn’t know to look for the reclusive bajillionaire bear.”

Wet drops landed on his face, his sister flicking pool water on him. “Hey, stop it!”

Des wagged her finger at her brother, “You’re trying to distract me. I saw you smile. Did you actually meet a girl?”

A vision of warm brown eyes, silky smooth skin and lush curves danced in his eyes. “Sort of. You don’t get much time.” He cringed, he’d been so overcome with the urge to bend her over the table and claim her completely he’d barely said a word.

“Ah geez, did you go all silent and weird on her?”

“In a way, I guess.” Her eyes had been so wide, she hadn’t been able to look away from him either. His bear had firm thoughts on the subject. It clearly believed she was his mate and that he should go find her and claim her right now.

“It’s been years since your snake of an ex-wife slithered off. Not all women are like that, you know.” Des pointed at herself. “I’m certainly not.”

Jolie hadn’t been like that. She had no idea who he was,
what
he was. But he still wasn’t going to let lust cloud his mind. The last time he let his dick handle decision-making, his then wife stabbed him in the back.

“I actually really like her, Des.” The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop himself. “My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth and all I could do was stare.”

A groan escaped his sister. “Was it at least sexy broody and not nerdy creep?”

“I have no idea. I mean, she didn’t run screaming. We kind of stared into each other’s eyes until that stupid bell rang.” His fingers tingled at the memory of her warm flesh pressed against his and the spiral of fire that flickered and spread through his body. “Her eyes were so wide.”

“Ugh. It was nerdy creepy. What did you do after the bell rang?”

No part of him wanted to share what he’d done. “Just you know… alpha’d out like a serious asshole.”

“Maybe sexy broody then,” Des said. “You aren’t usually that guy.”

“Apparently I am with her.”

She squinted her eyes tight and rubbed her temples. “Please tell me you didn’t do something stupid and over the top?”

“Does taking her sheet and filling out ‘yes’ for me and ‘no’ for everyone else count?” Though she’d already circled all of them, he made sure he circled them all again. Just in case.

The sigh that erupted out of his sister almost knocked him off his feet. “You are such an idiot. If you’re lucky, she turned it in like that and didn’t throw it away. Did you are least get her name?”

“Jolie. Jolie Hamp…ster. No, that’s not right. Hamp…hamp…dammit. I don’t remember. I saw it on her form, but she never said.”

“But definitely not a rodent?”

“Definitely not a rodent.” He didn’t get that squeaky vibe off her. All he remembered was her sweet, musky scent and the need to fuck her hard and deep.

“So, Jolie Hamp-something. Who you are totally smitten with and know absolutely nothing about.”

“That’s not true! She’s tall and strong and beautiful. And she drinks beer. Everyone else was drinking wine. But she had a beer.” He grinned, liking that she wasn’t one of those ladies too good for a beer and pizza. At least, he assumed the pizza thing. Shit, what if she was a vegetarian?

Des perked up with interest. “Well that’s something, lager? Porter? Stout? Ale?”

Her verbal waterfall threatened to bury him and he mentally groaned. “It was empty, so I have no idea.”

“Let’s hope she paid with a credit card and they let me root around in their receipts.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Gabe didn’t like the mischievous glint his sister’s eyes.

“Okay, techno whiz, I’m talking about making sure I can get her name so you, big and struck stupid, can find her again even if she didn’t turn in her form.”

“You mean stalk her. Like Matt is stalking you?” Gabe quirked a brow.

She snorted and shook her head. “It’s nothing like that!” Des paused and scrunched her nose. “Except I see your point.”

“Promise me you won’t create something crazy scheme or do anything stupid? I like her a lot, but I don’t know her. We both know that instant attraction generally leads to boiled bunnies than happily ever after.”

“I promise I won’t do anything stupid or crazy or stalkery, okay?” He was pretty sure Des crossed her fingers.

“I’m holding you to that.” He pointed at her, eyes narrowed.

“I told you I won’t. It’s just, I haven’t seen you this animated in years. I wish I had hulked out and killed that witch instead of letting her walk away.”

“Well, your inner lawyer hulked out and tore her apart in the way that would hurt her the most.”

A wide grin almost cracked Des’s face in half. “Wallets are ever so delicate. All you wanted was a family and you haven’t looked at another woman since.”

His eyebrow twitched upwards. “Well little sis, that isn’t entirely accurate. Do you really want the details?” He leaned towards her as he waggled his eyebrows.

Her hands flailed as she backed away from her brother. “Oh ick. Please, never ever, and I do mean ever, tell me any specifics of your love life other than ‘I am happy and in love.’”

“So you don’t want to hear about the crazy things ferrets can do with their tongues?”

The splash of water on Gabe’s clothes was worth the horrified look on Des’s face as she pressed her hands over her ears and leapt into the pool to escape him.

M
orning dawned entirely too early
, the fog of Jolie’s dream cruelly ripped away by the harsh buzz from her alarm. She blinked owlishly at the ceiling, struggling to remember more than scattered bits of her dream.

There were definitely big strong arms. And they’d been very firmly wrapped around Jolie. Holy crap! She’d woken from her very first sex dream about someone she knew. A heated flush danced across her cheeks, and she was sure it was so hot she could fry bacon.

Well, she only knew him as much as you know a person you sat across in stunned silence for five minutes. And nothing quite like being woken seconds from climax.

Her feet smacked the floor with a thud as she rolled out of bed and hit the bathroom. Teeth, face, pits.

She double checked her calendar while she brushed her teeth.
No point in taking a shower before I go to a job site.
Her feet tangled themselves as she staggered around the room, throwing clothes on. The bed was torn apart from her tossing and turning and she figured she’d deal with the random mess later.
It’s going to be a double espresso day.

Waking before dawn was never be her favorite thing, but it was better to do as much grunt work as possible before the sun got high. She parked and grimaced when she saw the other vehicle in the driveway.
And yet I still didn’t beat Zane here, dammit.

Zane lounged in the bed of her work truck. She waved at Jolie and hopped down.

“Hey girlie, you’re late! Coffee is probably cold.”

“An evil lie from a foul harpy.” Jolie grumbled and accepted the offered cup, sipping the still hot liquid.

“You sure are a cheery one this morning.” Zane grabbed the waiting wheelbarrow full of tools and rolled it into the side yard. “We have to double check the markings for the deck, then can get to work clearing. The deck crew will start putting footings in today while we’re working the back forty.”

“There’s poison ivy all over that area, there are disposable suits in my truck, let’s not have a repeat of the Iver’s place.”

“I had rashes where no woman should have a rash. I swear, this time I’ll wear one and gloves.” She grabbed a bottle of spray paint, her plans and a tape measure. “Let’s get this marked so it’s done. Then I can start grilling you about last night.” Zane flashed her a grin and got to painting.

“That might be a new record for you not badgering me when you want to know something.”

“Whatever.” The now empty can flew through the air and landed in the garbage pile. “You looked like you were up all night and needed to get on the outside of some coffee. Which you have,” Zane pointed out. “Sooo late night?” She waggled her eyebrows at Jolie.

“Not like that, ya perv.” Jolie tossed a fresh can to Zane. “Although, I did consider it.”

“You are a dirty liar! I know you too well.”

“Wanna bet?”

“When you know the outcome? No way.” They finished marking the plans out for the incoming crew. “But seriously, tell me about last night before I explode.” Zane practically bounced in place.

“We’re done here, let’s grab breakfast and I’ll tell you all the boring details.” Jolie definitely needed food before she launched into the embarrassing details.

“Diner round the corner?”

“Done. Gimme a ride and I’ll let Tessa know about the poison ivy.”

Fifteen minutes later, they were ensconced in a cozy booth, waiting for the massive breakfast they were going to need before the day was over.

Zane leaned over the table towards her friend and lowered her voice, “Okay, I’ve simmered long enough, tell me everything!”

“Honestly, Zane, it was pretty uneventful. I had a beer and bunch of guys hopped from table to table.” Jolie couldn’t possible tell her about Gabe.

“Ouch. So no one interesting at all?” Zane looked so incredibly woeful that Jolie finally gave in without making her really work for it.

“Well, there was one guy…”

At that moment their plates arrived. Zane grumbled while Jolie dug in.

After a few moments, Zane finally shook her fork at her friend. “Oh my god, girl, I am literally going to just die if you do not tell me right now about this guy.”

“Fine, fine.” Jolie cupped the warm cup of coffee and met her friend’s stare. “Each of the guys coming through, they were nice, but like, golden retriever puppies. Fluff and sweetness. No fire, no passion.”

“You said there was one guy…”

“Yeah, the last guy.” She recalled his size, his scent, his strength. And the way her inner badger went crazy when he touched her. “He was…everything. Just wow.” His piercing blue gaze still lingered on her skin like a physical caress. “I couldn’t speak, Zane. I could barely introduce myself. And my hand was shaking so much he held it and stared at me until the bell rang.”

“And then what?”

“And then he grabbed my paper, scrawled something on it, and walked away.”

“What did he write?”

“I was too distracted,” Jolie shook her head. “I didn’t look.”

“Seriously?” Zane gave her a blank look, mouth hanging half open. “You didn’t look.”

Jolie refocused on her eggs. “Zane, I figured he was making sure I said no to him. He’s sex on wheels and I’m just frumpy, badgery me. It was embarrassing how completely spellbound I was. My whole body ached for him.” This time she gave her friend a pointed look, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. “
Ached
.”

“And you think he didn’t like it? But he held your hand the whole time?” Zane’s hands mimicked choking the air. “I could murder your shitty ex for running you down so hard.”

Jolie forced her shoulders into a casual shrug. She attempted to look less desperate than she felt. “We said our names and he said goodbye. That was it. I needed to get the hell out of there.”

“You are an idiot for not looking, however, this seems like an excellent opportunity for a little wager.” Zane waggled her eyebrows, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Jolie winced. “These little wagers never end well for me. All I got out of last night was sore feet and restless sleep.”

“Well, if you are so sure you didn’t get anything out of last night, let’s make an another little bet.”

Jolie’s eyes rolled hard at her friend’s gleeful face. “Okay, Zane, I’m game.”

“I bet he said yes and they match you.”

Their hands slapped together and they shook on it.

Jolie said, “You are so going to lose this one. And when you do? I won’t be the only one sent on a mate hunt. There is no way
Mate in a Minute
matched us.”

“I guess we’ll find out when they call.”

“Tomorrow, then.”

Jolie’s heart twitched. She was so sure he’d blown her off and it killed her knowing she was never going to see him again. At least she’d win the bet with Zane.

G
abe’s body
sliced through the cool water.

Well, less sliced and more barreled forward like a cruise ship. After a few laps, he pulled himself out of the pool to find his sister giggling and pointing, and he ignored her. The towel was rough against his face but at least it blocked her teasing smile.

Hair still damp, he threw the towel at her and said, “Have some dignity and be kind.”

“Sorry, but I’ve never seen anyone be such a wall in water. It’s like you’re beating it into submission. Was that even swimming?”

“We can’t all be graceful and sleek,” he grumbled.

“Apparently not. Anyway, lunch is served.” She gestured at a plate of sandwiches and a bowl of salad. “I want you well fed before the packages arrive.”

“I’m going to pretend I know what you’re talking about so I can eat before you tell me.” He took a hefty bite of the sandwich, savoring the tangy flavors and crispy crunch. Even his bear grunted in appreciation. He mumbled around the bite. “Is it too much to ask for my peaceful retreat to, I don’t know, stay peaceful?”

“It’s not like that!” A flush rose up her cheeks and her furtive expression told Gabe she was a liar. “I mean, it’s not like anyone is coming
here
. I knew they were going to keep bugging you and it seemed like the lesser of two evils and it was right after I got here and I was so upset and scared.”

He took another bite and closed his eyes, focusing on the flavor and texture of his meal and
not
his sister’s confusing explanation. “Is that honey mustard?”

“Yeah, little spicy. Thought it went well with the turkey pastrami.”

“I like it a lot. Enough that I’m going to focus on lunch right now. Then you can tell me what you did. And
then
why, exactly, you think I deserve it.”

They both dug into their sandwiches. For all her sleek appearance in the courtroom, Des was still a bear shifter and she kept up with him as they demolished the meal. Once his plate was empty, he sat back in his chair and took a long drink of his cold sweet tea. “Okay, spill Des. I’m ready for a lazy nap so I’m as prepared as I’ll ever be for you.”

“So, you see… What had happened was…” She trailed off sheepishly, attention dropping to the table, a grin teasing her lips. “I ran into an old flame I wasn’t expecting to see here.”

His mouth twitched. “By the little smile, I’m guessing it’s not Matt?”

“No. It was not. It was someone I was happy to see. And that threw me off.”

“So why am I going to get upset about
packages
arriving?”

“It’s not the items themselves, so much as what they actually represent.” She winced.

“I haven’t put you in a sack and thrown you in the river for anything you’ve done yet, so why are you being so squirrelly about this?”

She pursed her lips. “Because you won’t kill me but you won’t be happy. I kind of sort of promised we would attendtheCity’sBenefitBallonFriday.”

The words ran together but he was familiar with Des-talk. A vein popped in his neck and he twisted it to the side, hoping it would pop and relieve some of the building steam. “You know I don’t do those things. Not anymore.”

“I know, but it really is a good cause and I was so flustered and then I couldn’t say no because he was next to me and he smelled so good and…”

“Then you go. Why do I have to get dressed up in a monkey suit because of some dude you dated at some point in
your
past?”

“It’s not just some dude. It’s…” She slumped back in the chair and stared up at the fluffy blue clouds wandering overhead. “It was Drake.”

All the anger flowed out of Gabe. “Oh. And do you want to go to this stupid ball?”

“God no. But I got two tickets and promised you would be there. I’m so sorry, I just…it was not my finest moment. It was like the last few years vanished.”

Gabe hated the defeated look on his sister’s face. “And you wanted to look like you weren’t bothered at all.”

Des gave a little shrug. “That makes me sound so shallow, but yeah. I mean, we both chose our careers over our relationship. But it still hurt like hell.”

Just then, Gabe’s cell phone rang. It was the speed dating place. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as the Sahara Desert moved in. He looked up at Des, who grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up.

He pressed ‘answer’ and said, “Hello.”

“Hello, Mr. Jacobs. This is Ferrell from
Mate in a Minute Speed Dating
.”

“Uh, how can I help you?” He was shocked at how calm he sounded when he wanted to growl and demand Jolie’s address. His bear was roaring like a madman.

“I was calling about your match from the event you attended.”

A grin split his face. He’d only selected one person. Jolie. She hadn’t thrown it out. “Of course.”

“As I’m sure you recall, we arrange the first meeting. The first date I have available for both of you is this Friday night.”

“Friday night?”

Des’s face fell. She grabbed a pen and paper and scribbled something while the woman blathered on in his ear. She held up the paper that said, “Take the damn date, you blithering idiot.”

“I’m sorry, did you say that was the only available date for us for the next three weeks?”

He looked at Des then turned his back on her. He could satisfy his bear’s lusty demands and make his sister happy. Even if it meant wearing a stupid tux.

“I have an idea and I’m hoping you can help me make it work. I know we meet in a public place, but I have two tickets to the City’s Benefit Ball and I would love to take my match there. Can we make that happen?”

“Goodness, yes! There isn’t a person in town who wouldn’t love to attend that Ball.”

“So it’s settled?” His bear growled happily.

“I have to check in with Jolie, of course, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t be acceptable.”

He turned around his sister. His heart sang when he saw the grin on her face. She did a little dance in her seat as the call ended. It wasn’t often he got to make her life easier.

“Hate to break it to you, but I’m going to have to use your ticket. I know you were so looking forward to going.”

“So, you are telling me that not only am I getting out of having to attend that benefit, but I’ve gotten you out of the house twice in one week?”

“Something like that.”