Chapter Nine
Bo lounged at his kitchen table, gazing at the beautiful, curvy woman who stirred a pot of something that smelled delicious. As soon as they had left Liam at her place with the sitter—after nose kisses and hugs, of course—Bo had brought her home with him for a quiet night. Jane had immediately commandeered his kitchen, telling him she wanted to try out her favorite recipe for him.
“You like to cook, huh?” He loved how her hips swayed back and forth as she stirred the large pot he hadn’t even known he owned.
She bent down to take a spoonful of the brothy mixture into her mouth, giving him a great look at her round ass. After a quick swallow, she stood straight and beamed at him. “I love cooking stews and soups, but Liam doesn’t like his food to be touching, so I rarely make them.”
“You can cook for me anytime.”
“Want a taste?”
He was on his feet and across the kitchen before she could hold out the spoon. “Yeah. I want a taste.” His voice dropped a few octaves, and his bear rumbled for more than soup in his mouth. He was dying to take her firm breasts into the palms of his hands, her pert nipples into his mouth, and suck them until she begged him to stop. Then he wanted to kneel before her and worship her body, lick her honey, and claim her as his own. A low rumble rocketed from his throat. “Sit down while I dish up the food.”
She settled at the table and sipped red wine while he held a ladle of savory stew over one of the bowls she’d already placed on the counter. They were utilitarian white, heavy deep bowls made for eating out of. Not for looking pretty. He wondered what she saw when she looked at his place. A bland male environment with no froofy stuff a female and kid would need. Maybe he should add some colorful curtains. Or some of those bowls with the animal prints and flowers on them from the superstore. Would she prefer to eat out of something nicer? Maybe she hated his sturdy wood chairs. Damn, he should have taken her out to a fancy restaurant. One of those places with cushioned seats and music and waiters who poured your wine for you.
“Hey, big guy, you okay?” The warm caress of her hand settled his agitation and worry. Her skin was so soft, her touch so wonderful as she helped him ladle the soup into the bowl, never taking her gaze away from his. One more spoonful then it sloshed heartily into the second bowl. Her gaze was warm and inviting, like sunshine after a cold winter night. Just like waking up from the most amazing sleep and dragging yourself out of bed, flinching as your bare toes hit the cold floor. Then opening the curtains to feel the heat of the radiant sun as you turn your cheek to it. Then grabbing a blanket and snuggling on the floor in front of the window. The memories of the combined warmth of both the sun’s new rays and the old heater below the window reminded him of his early mornings as a cub. His brothers had laughed at him—reminding Bo that bears don’t get cold. But it wasn’t the cold that had bothered him. It was the lack of sunshine. Every morning, his mother would bring him a cup of hot cocoa, calling him her sweet boy. The radiance in her smile and gaze were as gentle and pure as the woman standing in front of him. Jane’s kind eyes and soft heart reminded him of the days when he was young...free of burdens and the responsibilities of clan life. When he was truly happy.
Jane brought a spoonful of soup up to his mouth, and he opened out of reflex, allowing his mate to feed him. The rich, meaty broth and vegetables combined, making his bear ravenous. It was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. Because his mate had made it. And he wanted more. More soup. More soft touches. More Jane.
Bo filled the other spoon with stew, blew on it to make sure it was cool enough to eat—he wasn’t taking any chances on hurting his mate—and then tilted it toward her. When she closed her lips around the metal, he groaned. Her mouth was as perfect and sensuous as the rest of her. Her pink tongue darted out to lick a dribble of soup.
“What do you think?”
“Hmm.” He laid the spoon on the counter and picked up his wine. “A bit hot. Try this.” He brought his glass of wine up to her lips, loving the way her throat moved when she swallowed. He sipped and met her gaze with a grin. “Too cold. Sorry, I shouldn’t have put it in the fridge first, I don’t know much ab—”
Her lips covered his, interrupting him, and he returned her fevered kiss. He couldn’t get enough of savoring her taste, as he darted his tongue into her mouth, exploring every inch of her. When they finally stopped to catch their breath, her eyes glowed with heat and passion, and her lips were full and pouty, wet from his kisses.
“Was that better, big guy?” She still sounded breathless as she grinned up at him.
“It was just right. Are you still hungry, Goldie?”
She nodded and pressed her body against him and ran her fingers up his chest and kissed him hard. “Famished.”
“Me, too.” He growled and picked her up, setting her on the counter so he had her at the perfect height. He nibbled on her neck and touched her perky breasts through her T-shirt. He couldn’t get enough of this woman. He needed to be in her, now.
“Wait.”
He stopped.
“The counter’s too hard.”
He laughed and scooped her up, his hands under her ass as her legs wrapped around him. Once he set her down on the old, worn-down couch, he leaned down over her and started kissing her again. “This is too soft,” he grumbled at the cushions sagging beneath them. Damn, he knew he should have taken her out—or bought new furniture. Next weekend, he’d go buy some new stuff: chairs, cushions, bowls, cups, the works. Anything to make his woman feel comfortable.
She laughed and wriggled underneath him then grazed her fingers across the seam of his jeans. Right along the bulge of his aching cock. She undulated her hips against him and pulled him back down for another scorching kiss. “I think it’s just right, big bear.”
“Yeah.” Just right sounded perfect to him.
~.~
Jane looked up into the rapidly darkening eyes of the handsome man above her. He was trying so hard to keep his weight off her while he straddled her hips. The dark scruff of his facial hair outlined his sinfully talented lips, and she wished he would kiss her again.
He lowered his head and nuzzled her neck then a trail down to the top of her shirt. He reached inside her T-shirt and peeled it up inch by inch until it lay rolled on top of her neck. Her breasts ached to be released from the confines of the demonic cotton holding her in place, and he read her mind once again. He unclasped the front closure on her bra, and the cool air met her nipples as they went free. What did he see when he looked at her? The too-curvy belly and stretch marks? The large breasts that had obviously breast fed her baby? The scar running down her neck and across her chest? She was dying to cover herself back up again, feeling suddenly vulnerable under his perusal.
“Don’t hide yourself from me,” he growled. His gaze softened. “Please. I want to get to know every inch of your luscious body.”
She pulled her shirt over her head and removed her bra, lying back down and praying he didn’t hate what he saw. But, in his gaze, she saw no judgement, only desire. And lust. And what was that warm spark in his eyes?
When Bo knelt, and took her nipple in his warm mouth, she moaned in delight. The soft caresses and sucking of his tongue and lips were almost more than she could stand. It was amazing. A shot of electricity went straight to her core, and she shivered in excitement. Her body thrummed with energy, feeling more alive as he licked one nipple then the other. She reveled in his sensuous touch as he alternated between using his mouth and his firm fingers. God, her breasts had never given her this much pleasure.
“Do you like that?” Bo gave her one longer lick and tilted his head to gaze up at her.
“Yes.”
“Good. I want more.”
He nibbled his way down her rounded abdomen and pulled her mom jeans down, followed by her sensible cotton panties. Dang it. Why hadn’t she ever bought sexy underwear? Thank God, she’d had the foresight to shave, at least. His hot breath wafted over her pussy, and she held very still. Oh, my goodness, was he going to…
His mouth engulfed her pussy, while his tongue started doing a triple time over her clit.
She almost bolted off the couch. If he hadn’t outweighed her by at least a hundred pounds, he’d be flat on his back on the floor. Bo knelt up, wiped his mouth, and grinned at her. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have gone in so fast, but I was dying to taste you.”
“I-It’s okay. I’ve just never…”
“You’ve never received oral sex?” He frowned when she shook her head.
Seth had told her it was disgusting and vile, so she’d never had a man’s mouth down there. It was wonderful. She wished she could work up the courage to ask Bo to do it some more but feared he might get angry if she appeared too pushy or needy.
“Well, we’re going to have to remedy that situation right now.” His eyes darkened. “May I taste your honey again? May I make you come so hard, your ears ring?”
God, yes. She nodded. “Okay.” Was she supposed to say thanks or do something with her hands? Maybe reciprocate on his cock while he…
He took her hands from the front of his jeans and placed them over his ears.
Confused, she tilted her head about to ask him what she wanted him to do there? Did bears have a special erogenous zone on their earlobes she didn’t know about?
“You get a good grip on my hair, my head, my ears, little girl. And when you feel something you like, or you want more, you just give me a little tug. If it’s too much, you can push me away. Got it?” He grinned and lowered his head to blow a raspberry against her round tummy.
She giggled, pressed her hands against his scalp, and pushed him away from her ticklish belly.
“See? You got it. Now, let me taste that honey of yours.” His last words were so low, she strained to hear them.
This time, he gingerly licked around her aching pussy, not quite hitting that place she wanted his mouth. Oh, come on! His soft licks were tentative, like he was waiting for some direction. She gripped his ears, tugged a tad to the right, and hissed with pleasure when his mouth met her nether lips. Soft lapping sounds as he zeroed in on her clit and sucked it between his teeth.
She shrieked and closed her knees together, simultaneously pulling his head against her wetness. She’d never felt such pleasure. His tongue was doing things she’d only read about in books, and wow, she couldn’t believe how plump and ready she was. The coarseness of his tongue and his soft, full lips, creating heaven between her legs. She could die right here from the impending orgasm, and her life would be complete. His tongue entered her vagina, and she laughed. Why was she laughing? It was exquisite. The most pleasure ever in her life. As he continued to lap and suck and nibble and fondle her clit, he used his other hand to pinch her right nipple. Oh God. So much. Too much. No, not too much. It was perfect. His facial scruff grazed against her inner thigh, and he pressed a thick finger into her ready pussy. In and out, in a fast rhythm, met by the increasing strokes of his tongue. And her nipple was almost sore from the touch of his fingertip.
So close. She tightened and stopped breathing, but this time it was a very good thing. She overheated. Her thighs clenched around his head as she soared, climbing higher and higher, daring to touch the sun. He sucked her clit into his mouth and gave her a tiny bite.
Her body exploded into a million pieces as she shook and trembled, shrieking his name to the heavens. Every synapse fired as she knew nothing but the pleasure that filled her to capacity as she flew higher than she’d ever flown. How long her orgasm lasted, she had no idea. It felt like all time had stopped and there was nothing but her, Bo, and the amazing pleasure.
When she finally sagged back down to the couch, she was spent. It was like her core radiated heat and energy that could light her entire home. But her limbs were a jumbled-up mess that couldn’t move if her life depended on it. Wow.
“That’s never happened before,” she said, accepting his nuzzles and hugs.
“You’ve never orgasmed?” Bo stroked her cheek and brushed a lock of her hair away from her face.
Her overheated body could dry wet towels in less than a minute. Wow. Just wow. She shook her head and ran her fingers over the small scratches along his ears. “Never like that. Sorry I kind of lost control.”
He grinned at her and sat up. “My bear and I are proud to wear these battle scars. It means we pleasured our mate—I mean, woman.”
Mate? She quickly sat up and pulled her top back over her head. “It’s just going so fast. I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about mating yet.” She flinched when he stood up. Her hands covered her face in self-preservation.
Bo cursed. “Dammit. I didn’t mean to scare you. Hey, hey.” He backed away from her and knelt.
Her heartbeat which had already been high because of the best orgasm of her entire life skyrocketed even higher. But this time it was fear based. And his large form towering above her terrified her even more.
“I’m not going to hurt you, my little Goldilocks.” He sat down on the floor and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes soft, his voice just above a whisper. He took deep breaths in and out. Calm, slow, even. “I promise you, my bear and I would never hurt you. We’d die for you and your cub.” Another set of slow breaths as he never took his eyes off her, as if he was afraid any movement might spook her more.
She hated this part of her. The victim. The helpless side that rolled over and played dead when something startled her.
“You’re not helpless.” He tilted his head from side to side while analyzing her. “I can read your emotions loud and clear. You’re afraid, and also angry about being afraid. But, honey, there’s nothing wrong with that fear. It has kept you alive for so long. It taught you to run, to protect yourself and Liam.”
“I wish I had more fight in me.” She got off the couch and crept toward him.
“When the time is right, you’ll fight. Every mama bear—or human,” he added, “will. You just haven’t needed to yet. Don’t worry. It’s there. I can see it in the flash in your eyes when I say something you don’t like.”
“I thought you’d be angry with me.” She couldn’t stop her feet from shuffling the last few steps to be in front of him.
His soft, warm gaze lit her whole inside up. “I could never be angry with you. And never enough to harm you. My bear wouldn’t allow it. I’m disappointed that you don’t feel the same connection, but I’m not going to force it on you. If you don’t feel it, there’s nothing I can do.”
“But that’s where you’re wrong!” She knelt in front of him, tears streaming down her face. “I do feel a connection with you. More than with anyone else in my life. Except for Liam. But this one is different. I feel like I’m alive when I’m with you. And when you smile at me—which you don’t do very much of in public—I feel like I could fly. And your touch and kisses and the way you make my body sing…” She barked a short raspy laugh. “I sound crazy, I know. But I feel like if there was no you, my life would be gray and cold. Like my heart would lose the part of it that’s had a bear-shaped hole in it for so long. Crazy?”
“No.” He shook his head and smiled, opening his arms for her to climb into. She surged into them and against his warm chest. “A bear-shaped hole is exactly how I would explain my need for you. It’s my mating need fulfilled with you. I’m not sure why you’re having the same reaction as I am. But you’re definitely feeling my mating call.”
She snuggled into his chest and basked in the warmth as if it were the softest, most luxurious blanket and nothing could ever chill her again. “I’m not saying no to being your mate. I just want a little more time to think about it.”
“Take all the time you need, my brave little woman.”
“I’m not brave enough. Not yet.” She scowled against his firm chest. “But when I do get past the fear, when I do feel strong enough, worthy enough to have a mate—”
“You’re already worthy.”
“Not in my eyes.” She kissed him tenderly and hugged his broad shoulders. “Please give me some time?”
“As much as you need. I’ll always wait for you.” He kissed her forehead.
“So, while we’re waiting… How about I do something to reciprocate your generous attentions from earlier.” She ran her fingers down the length of his jeans and rubbed the large bulge.
“You don’t have to do that.” He groaned. “This was all about you.” His eyes rolled into the back of his head as she crept down his body. Kissed her way down his torso.
“But I want to. I’d like to see if I can use my fingers and my mouth to make you soar like you did me.”
The low growl preceded the undulating of his hips as she took his thick cock out of his jeans. “I’m almost there, baby.”
“Good. Let’s see how far I can take you.” Kneeling between his legs, she opened her mouth wide, wanting—no, needing—to give this man the same pleasure he had given her. When she swallowed his salty essence, her body hummed, satisfied.
A little bit later, they both lay spent on the couch, reeling from the amazing past few hours, the blanket haphazardly tossed over their mostly naked bodies. They hadn’t even had sex yet, but they had rejoiced in every moment of the connection. It was almost time to get home. Sex could wait for another day. But she’d remember this night for the rest of her life. It was the night she fell head over heels in love with a bear shifter. The male she wished she could be brave enough to call mate.