Badgering the Bear: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Mate in a Minute Speed Mating Agency Book 1) (4 page)

G
abe paused
.
How can I phrase this to not sound like a total asshole?
“Well, at my heart, I’m a tinkerer. Mostly, I’m a mechanic these days.”
Since I don’t have a day job and get to play with my restoration projects. But that makes me sound like a flake.

She brightened at his words. Interesting, she seemed really happy to hear that. In his experience since his divorce, most women didn’t go on second dates with men who worked with their hands. He turned the conversation back to her, wanting to know everything about her. “What do you do?”

“Oh, my fancy title is Landscape Architect, but really I’m a glorified gardener. Mostly, I spend my days with my hands in the dirt.” She flexed her hands at him, fluttering her fingers. “These talons? Glued on. I’m a daisy, not a rose.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman like you before.” It made him feel ashamed that he’d ever dated creatures whose soft hands came from idleness. “I like it. I like you, a lot.” The words tumbling out surprised him, but it was the truth.

“We hardly know anything about each other, how can you tell if you like me?” She tilted her head ever so slightly, grin teasing her lips, and all he could think about was dragging her to the nearest dark corner so he could bend her over and—

He needed to get himself under control.

“Everything I find out about you, makes me want to know more. How did you get into landscaping?”

“My gran, she loved her garden. Designing more than her own as a career hadn’t been possible for her, although she helped all her neighbors. But she instilled a love of gardening and being outside in me.” It was nice talking about why she did what she did. Jolie’s shoulders relaxed. “Mostly we do residential, which has its own challenges. Gardens are a lot of work. A lawn is easier a lot of times. I specialize in little escape nooks that are easy to maintain.”

His head tilted thoughtfully. “So no matter what, people have a place to relax and recharge.”

Jolie smiled. “Exactly. Most people aren’t ever going to get to live in their exact perfect environment. We make compromises for the people we love, for schools, for jobs, for what we can afford. But almost everyone I work with, they all want a retreat.”

“An oasis away from the drudgery of modern life?”

“Exactly, help us keep in touch with our shifter sides. I’m a badger, so digging and planting make me happy. My oasis is a cozy den that I can constantly futz with.” Intense eye gazing aside, Jolie really enjoyed talking to Gabe. “What’s your ideal space in the world?”

“Would it be cheesy to say right here, right now, with you?”

The edges of her mouth lifted a little higher and Jolie blushed. “A little bit, yes. But, consider me flattered. What about besides this?”

He paused and considered. “A forest, with a good stream running through. A stream the salmon are jumping in, with a few big rocks to sun on after a good meal. How would you make that happen in a typical backyard?”

“Well, I probably can’t give anyone a forest and it really depends on what I’m working with, but I would probably take a back corner. A meandering walk leads up to the entrance.” Her hands drew a spiral in the air. “If I can have a little bit of space, an outer edge of arborvitae, creating a path you have to wander before you reach the heart of your escape.”

Gabe was pulled into the world she was painting. “So I’m entering the heart of my oasis.”

“You pass by a burbling water feature. It’s the closest we’re gonna get to a stream, but there is a natural stone patio that is bathed in sunlight.” Her enthusiasm was contagious and he could practically picture the space.

“I guess I’m on my own for the salmon?”

“I’ll make sure you have the number for Sammie’s.” She winked and his breathe caught in his throat. He wanted her. “Best salmon burgers in town and they deliver. But it will have some nice seating so you can also enjoy some peace and quiet.”

“That sounds really amazing. You said you mostly do residential? Any public spaces I can check out?”

“Nothing quite as personal as that, but I did the tea gardens at the museum.”

Her eyes lit up when she talked about her work. Gabe wanted to see her in action.

“Maybe you can show me them one day?” He wanted to see her again,
had
to see her again.

“I’d like that. Does that mean you want another date with me?” Her cheeks flushed a tempting pink and he wondered if she’d be as flushed when she came, screaming his name.

“Absolutely. Something we can maybe be a little more comfortable while doing.”

“I’ve blathered your ear off about me. It’s your turn.”

He was saved by the first course arriving. It gave him time to think, to consider. He didn’t want to lie to her, but he really didn’t want to tell her who he was yet. He didn’t think she’d turn out to be a grasping gold-digger like his ex-wife, but now he worried she would think he was a lay about.

“My current pet project is actually a present for my sister. She’s had a crappy year, so it would be nice to see her smile again.” Gabe paused. Des hadn’t had any real spring in her step since she came to visit him. It worried the hell out of him. “I found a beat to hell 1970 Karmann Ghia convertible hiding in someone’s barn. When I’m done, it’ll be the cherry red dream she’s always wanted.”

“Oh wow, I have no idea what that is.” Jolie shrugged sheepishly. “Is it terribly fancy?”

He laughed. “I forget that not everyone is a car nut like I am. It’s not fancy at all, it’s a Volkswagen. Their sporty offering as a contrast to the Beetle. But it has swooping lines she loves.”

“You really love your sister.”

“Des is a handful of a little sister, mischievous as hell. But she has a heart as big as the world.”

They talked and laughed back and forth about old cars throughout the meal. He stood and offered Jolie his hand. “Madam, I would be honored if you accompanied me to the ballroom and danced with me.”

Smiling, she took his hand and followed him to the next room.

T
he champagne bubbles
danced on Jolie’s tongue and lit a fire in her veins. The vast ballroom should have intimidated her, instead she felt like she was walking on clouds. The band struck up a waltz and Gabe swept her on to the dance floor.

It took all her concentration to keep up with him, after she finally fell into the pattern she realized his hand slid from her waist to the small of her back. The very
bare
small of her back.

He guided her easily around the dance floor. She wasn’t sure how she kept from falling all over herself, because the movements of his hand on her skin fanned flames that she couldn’t control.

It was their first meeting all over again. All she could do was stare up into his eyes silently.
He’s so handsome and he looks at me like I’m the only woman he sees.
The song ended and he guided her to a quiet nook. She backed away, but he followed, crowding her with his body until she couldn’t tell where he ended and she began.

She finally said, “I can’t talk with you so close. So near me.”

“I don’t want to talk.” His voice was hoarse, like he was struggling to speak. “I want to kiss you.”

She tilted her face up to his and licked the edge of her lips. His eyes caught the movement, he groaned and lowered his mouth to hers. He hovered above her, close enough that she could feel the heat of his lips when a soft, “Please,” came from him.

Jolie’s body was on fire and she’d never wanted anyone like this. She cast aside every doubtful whisper in her head and lifted her chin the scant millimeter they needed to connect. His lips were intoxicating on hers. She gasped as the delicious shock of their mouths touching coursed through her body.

He took advantage of her parted lips and claimed her mouth with a hungry urgency. His hands explored her back, while she fisted the lapels of his jacket. When his hand crept low enough that it grazed the top of her rounded bottom, she finally remembered where they were and pulled back from his sweet invasion.

Wild exaltation coursed through her body and she had to have him right now, all consequences be damned. Her nipples were rock hard and she was shocked at how ready her core was for him. His eyes blazed into hers.

“I want you.” His words were simple, but the strength of them moved her. His hard cock was pressed against her hip, his arousal practically burning her through their layers of clothing. His eyes burned with hunger and she ached with the same need.

She swallowed hard and found her voice. “I want you, too.”

To admit so simply the explosive passion between them was delicious. She’d never felt so free, so
right
. She was a beautiful woman he wanted, and it felt so good to be wanted.

His hand rubbed tantalizing circles against her back. Every time his fingers dipped lower, she melted a little more against him. The proof of his desire throbbed and grew even larger and she wanted to feel him sliding deep into her core.

His fingers skimmed her bottom again and his eyes fluttered closed. His grasp on her tightened and his next words came out in a low rasp. “You aren’t wearing panties, are you?”

She shook her head, unable to speak. His groan was enthralling. He really did want her. Dammit she was going to have to tell Zane she was right.
Zane is going to be utterly insufferable after this.

His eyes finally opened. “Come home with me.”

Her mind stuttered. She knew what that meant. Go with him, make love to him, be utterly vulnerable to him. It terrified and thrilled her. She’d always let her fear and insecurity rule her. But not tonight. Not ever again. But she still couldn’t find her voice so she nodded her head once.

His grin split his face and he eased back from her. They turned as one and started to walk around the edge of the room, to escape the crowded event. Jolie’s mind was filled with him and it made everyone else invisible to her. They were almost out of the room when a man stepped in front of them, shattering the moment.

“There you are, Gabe! We were wondering where you’d hidden.” His voice rang with joviality and Jolie instantly hated him. Mostly for interrupting them, but also for the falseness she sensed. “I know you demurred, but the Founder’s Circle is about to do the big announcement, so we need you up there, big guy.”

Jolie looked over to her date, confused.
What the hell was he talking about?
But Gabe didn’t look confused, he looked pissed. Pissed with a hint of guilty. Her stomach dropped.

Oh shit. He’s not who he said he was. He’s not a mechanic. Mechanics don’t get have to make announcements at the year’s biggest charity event.

Gabe’s eyes met hers and he said, “Jolie…”

She pasted a blank smile on her face and pretended she hadn’t caught on to his lies. “You should do what you need to do.”

The other man winked at her and said, “My assistant will take care of your date during the announcement. Really appreciate you stepping up like this.”

She refused to look back at him as the other man hustled him away. A young woman stepped up to her and said, “If you come this way, there is a lovely VIP area, so many people will want to meet Mr. Jacobs.”

Jolie’s heart fell. She didn’t recognize his name as someone important or famous or anything, but he’d lied to her. Lied because it’s what he thought she wanted to hear. Because it would get him in her pants.

And it almost worked.

She turned her brightest smile to the woman and said, “Actually, I was about to leave and Mr. Jacobs was escorting me outside to the taxi stand. It’s easier than calling his car around.” She’d never lied so smoothly before in her life.

Potential fated mate or not, she was going to get the hell away from him.

I’d rather adopt a thousand cats and die alone then be with a man who lies to me about who he is
.

“
Y
ou have
five minutes or you’re going to the site in your robe.”

Jolie lifted her head from her pillow and glared at Zane. “I never should have given you a key to my house.”

“Well you did. And here I am.” She set a cup down on the table. “But don’t be too sad, I got you a coffee.”

“Hate. I have nothing but hate for you. Heat of a thousand suns worth of hate.”

“So, I’m going to go downstairs and make a carafe of ice water. If you are down there in five minutes, we take it to the work site.” Zane smiled. “If you aren’t, I bring it up here and dump it on your head.”

Jolie sat up and glared at her friend. “Don’t treat me like a toddler.”

“Then stop acting like one!” Zane snapped.

“You were the one who told me to have a good wallow after a heartbreak!”

Zane handed Jolie her robe. “And you did. All weekend. Now, we have an awesome project to check out. Losing yourself in a historical garden that needs all your attention will serve as a good distraction.”

Tears welled in Jolie’s eyes. “I very much doubt that, Zane. I really liked him. I thought…it’s so stupid. I really thought he was The One, you know? Stupid fated mate bullshit. But that only existed in my head,” Jolie grumbled.

“Being a fated mate doesn’t mean you’re immune to them being a jerk or making a mistake.”

“A mistake?” Jolie’s voice rose an octave. “He lied to me about who he was.”

“Oh hon, I know. Our animal sides are a lot simpler than our human bits.”

“Well, my animal side is an idiot and I’m free to ignore her completely.” Said animal side decided nibbling and biting at her was a good idea. Apparently it didn’t like being called an idiot. Even if it was one.

“And distracting yourself with work will really help.” Zane offered her hand to Jolie.” You’ll feel a lot better if you can get your face in the sun and your hands in the dirt.”

Jolie took her hand. “Promise?”

With a grunt, Zane pulled Jolie out of the bed. “Better, I bet you will.”

“You bet? Anything?” A spark of mischief lit in Jolie’s eyes.

“You can’t lie about it, but I bet anything going to the site today with me will help distract you from this guy. You’ll barely think about him.”

Jolie held her finger out, “Pinky swear?”

“Pinky swear!” And they shook on it.

* * *

J
olie wasn’t
ready to admit defeat yet, but she almost did the second they drove up to the house. “Did you say we had a good budget?”

Zane said, “Practically unlimited if we can bring it back to its prime.”

“You really do know how to distract a girl. That is basically my dream house. Well, mansion.” Jolie could practically picture the front foyer. It better still have a chandelier. “God, I hope they didn’t scour the details from the inside.”

“I haven’t been inside, but I bet if we ask nice, she’ll give us a tour.”

Jolie said, “You haven’t told me anything about this job.”

“She contacted me last week. Liked what you did at the museum. Wanted us to look at the property and come up with a proposal.”

Despite herself, Jolie was eager to walk the grounds. “Do you think they have any references of what it was like originally.”

Zane said, “She’s meeting us for lunch, so we can ask her then. She’s expecting us to let ourselves in and check stuff out, before we meet her.”

They wandered in the back of the house and meandered around.

“Geez, Zane, it goes on forever.” Jolie was excited and a little overwhelmed at the prospect.

“We are definitely going to need a bigger crew.” Zane’s tone was awed and irritated. “Damn, I hate having to manage huge crews. I’d rather get in there and work.”

“Worse things have happened. God I hope there is some reference about this place, because I can see what I guess are the bones of the original plans.” The sprawling grounds were calling to Jolie. “In fact, grab a trowel. I think there might be a filled in second pool in the back.”

Zane groused a little but followed Jolie and they both rooted around.

“Oh, help me here, Zane.” Her friend grumbled but joined her and they dug down until Jolie could better see the structure. “Unlimited budget you say? Because pretty sure I want to uncover this. It might be more of a water feature than a pool, but I still think it’s what this spot needs.”

Jolie sat back on her heels and brushed the dirt off her hands as both women smiled at each other.

Zane said, “Well, if nothing else, this should be solid work for a few months. Assuming they actually have the budget they say they do.”

“Nice to know we can put beans on the table for a few more days.”

They heard a rustling in the undergrowth and a very small, very agitated dog burst out next to them. He seemed as surprised to see them as they were of him.

He froze and trembled until Jolie reached out a hand and made soothing sounds at him. He scooted under her hand, licking her and whining. His little body leaned against hers and trembled.

A woman came around the corner and waved at them.

“You can feel free to ignore that little liar. You must be Zane and Jolie, I’m Mona.”

Zane popped up from the ground and waved at her. “Sorry for not shaking hands, we were doing some light excavating.”

Mona said, “Find anything interesting?”

Zane pointed to the exposed tiles. “Another interesting line item. Used to be a pool or fountain here.”

Mona nodded at her. “I found the original plans and it was a small pool. I know I said it was a restoration, but we’ll probably want to change a few things.”

Jolie said, “We figured as much. Maybe we can talk about how you want to use the space.”

Mona said, “How about we head back to the house? Lunch is being set up on the terrace.”

Jolie gestured at the small, still trembling dog. “Is he really okay? Why is he so freaked out?”

Mona laughed and leaned over and spoke directly to the dog, “Okay, Rex. The jig is up. We’re on to you.” The dog stood up and gave himself a good shake. Jolie could have sworn he was smiling, but he definitely wasn’t trembling anymore. “Good boy. I put tuna out for you.” With that, he trotted off jauntily down the path towards the house.

Zane laughed. “So, he thought we were suckers?”

“Oh yeah, he had you pegged. Although you probably did startle him. We don’t get a lot of visitors.” They walked down the path together. “And don’t trust that little asshole. I locked him out of my closet because he ate my favorite pair of Louboutin’s. And
then
that fucker waited until I was walking out of the bathroom, looked me dead in the eyes, and shit in the middle of my bed.”