Grizzly - Bundle Parts 1-3 (9 page)

She swiveled her head to Officer Rotan as if she needed an alibi. A witness.

“Do you believe this man, Jason?! Telling me he’s a shifter?”

At that point, the wide-eyed expression on Officer Rotan’s face just couldn’t hold back his horrified amusement at my predicament. As straight-faced as he could muster, he answered her.

“As a matter of fact, I do believe him Cass. I’m a shifter too.”

Right then and there, she lost it.

And we both realized why. She seriously believed we were playing a practical joke on her. Only, it was one that had gone too far.

A look of pure humiliation came over her face, then the tears.

“That’s just great! You two find it funny and amusing to lead me on and then tell me your shifters. Let’s make fun of the fat girl! Let’s get the fat author who writes shifter romances to believe we’re shifters too! Well I got a response for both of you… Fuck off!!”

She stormed past us both and was gone. We quickly followed her back to the pool hall area where we stood helplessly by and watched as she grabbed her belongings to leave
Biddy’s.

Officer Rotan went into cop mode despite being off-duty, “Cass, you’re not sober enough to drive, let me call you a cab or have a friend drive you home.” He said gently.

In that moment, I didn’t care if he was an officer or not, my feelings for her trumped anything that made logical sense.

“Jason, I can take her home, I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in over an hour. Just the one beer earlier tonight. I’m sober.” I said, my inner bear coming to life.

Which caused his inner bear to respond, “Its okay, I’ve got this. I’ll make sure she’s safe one way or another.”

I furrowed my brow, and stared him down as he was missing the point. Cass was my concern, not his. My interest in her naturally trumped his. Which is why we both failed to notice when she slipped out of the bar and was long gone by the time our poor male, shifter egos finally managed to get out of the way long enough to return to the woman we both had feelings for.

She was halfway down the street before we caught up to her, both of us chattering on telepathically in our minds, between us, so she wouldn’t freak out.

Just as she made it to her car, Officer Rotan made it clear that he’d have to arrest her, off-duty or not for attempting to drive under the influence.

“I’m not gonna drive! I just need to sit in here away from you two jokers!” She blurted out, as if she’d mind-read him herself.

I felt horrible. Why hadn’t I waited to tell her?
And why for the love of all that was holy had I done it in a public setting, around other bear shifters?
Shifters who were policemen. My timing had always been bad. It was one of my ex’s complaints, about not knowing when was a good time to share or do something.

I sighed and leaned against her car feeling stupid and hopeless. A bit exasperated. I always did like the feisty ones.

Officer Rotan leaned next to me, both of us with our arms crossed.

“She always like this?” He asked, his voice low.

I shook my head, “Well, I’ve only just barely gotten to know her. But I’m thinking this filly runs a bit hot-tempered.”

“She’s cute though. Got a great personality. Very real and down to earth. I knew it the moment we had to assess and arrest her at the gym. She just kind of wears it, ya know?” He shared, still talking quietly, thank goodness.

I was glad her car windows were rolled up. I just nodded in response. What else was I going to do? Tell an off-duty cop that I barely knew to back off from the woman I was falling in love with?

There it was. Again. That feeling. Love.

Part of me was royally irked at his interest in her. Part of me understood it. She was pretty charismatic and I’d never been the jealous type. I might be possessive in one sense, but in another sense, I was perfectly logical. I really couldn’t lay claim to her yet. Sure, we were getting there, on our way to it – but as of yet, we weren’t an item. Not a couple.

Not boyfriend and girlfriend.

So, to be fair, it would make no sense to piss off an officer of the law who was clearly attracted to her. I needed to keep the peace, even if she couldn’t. And so, I dealt. I dealt with my jealousy. Even as I stewed inside, my bear senses a mess of emotions, I kept calm and protected her the best I could.

With my sheer presence. Just being there. Waiting.

Chapter Eleven

(( 11 ))

CASSIDY

By the time I made it home that night, I was a storming, steaming wreck of anger and sadness
.
I needed a bubble bath. A long soak in the tub always helped me get back to my center.

As I took off my clothes, I thought about how I’d sat in my car for over an hour, sobering up, while Abe and Officer Rotan had stayed close by, chatting. About what, god only knew as they kept talking too quiet for me to hear them.

Which was probably a good thing since they’d both said and done enough to royally piss me off.

Something in me knew I wasn’t being sensible, but at that rate, I was partly blaming my hormones and PMS.

I was so horny, I could scream. And I tended to over-react. It was true.

So, I’d decided it would be best to not engage either one of them for fear of completely ruining my chances with either of them. Stewing in the car, I’d found an old pack of cigarettes in the glove compartment, an old bad habit I’d mostly kicked. I’d gone ahead and smoked a few, deciding that the calming effects of nicotine would work in my favor, given the situation. Help me sober up in more ways than one.

Before I pulled away, I’d rolled down my car window to say something. “Sorry guys, I’m just a bit sensitive and moody. I think it’s best if I just head home.”

They each looked at me with concern but both said nothing and just nodded at me, acknowledging what I’d said. So, I continued, feeling brave.

“Officer Rotan, I believe I’m sober enough to drive home now. If you don’t think so, god help me.”

I figured that he would follow or chase after me if he truly thought I was still inebriated. Which I wasn’t anymore, by the time I left.

It was all I said, but I’d somehow managed to find the courage to look them in their faces and catch their eyes. Both seemed earnestly sincere. Not the type that were playing games with me or making fun of me.

Which was what I was now sitting with. Like a huge rock in the middle of my gut. I couldn’t ignore it. That said, how in the world did a woman, anyone, find not just one bear shifter, but two?! It was so ludicrous, that I literally smacked my hand to my forehead repeatedly.

Sitting in the bathtub, I was grateful to be immersed in a sea of foamy bubbles. I’d poured myself a stiff drink once I’d gotten home, a helping size of whiskey on the rocks. I wondered why they’d been so calm, so chivalrous about every-thing? Was it the bear shifter way?

My amusement aside, I had to give fate, destiny, the universe, sun, moon and the stars some credit. This was downright hilarious! An author of romantic shifter fiction finding two bear shifter men interested in her. On the same day.

Holding my breath, I sunk down into the tub, immersing myself under the water. All sound disappeared but the beating of my heart. That wonderful sensation of peace, privacy and calm acceptance swept through me.

Was that why I wrote what I wrote?!

Because I’d secretly always been drawn to or attracted to shifter males?!

Not just one, but two!

And why was I making such a big deal about it if that was the case? I mean, society had finally come around and warmed up to the idea. Granted, us regular humans kept to ourselves for the most part and so did the shifters, but we both lived in the same world. A tentative peace of sorts existed.

Done holding my breath, I came out from under the water. A bit of peace managing to wind its way into me. So, it finally wound itself outta me. I’d behaved badly. I need to apologize. Again. Which made me groan.

How did I keep ending up in the same place? Behaving for my actions? What was my deal?! Why was the universe doling out so much humiliation? And what was I supposed to be learning from all of it?

My therapist wouldn’t believe it at my next session. That on the same day I’d purged out the getting arrested and going to jail incident, I’d managed to upset the applecart again…

Eventually, the relaxing bath and the drink lulled me to that state of drowsiness where I would fall asleep straightaway after towel drying and climbing into bed.

Was it any wonder that I dreamed of bears again? Not one this time, but two…

* * *

A few days came and went. I was amazed at all that had transpired in the week since I’d met Abe.

Despite my wanting to, Abe and I hadn’t spoken since the night playing pool at
Biddy’s
. He was done with the edit and we’d agreed to meet at an old-fashioned diner near his place. It was only fair, he’d come my direction when we’d first met for breakfast at the café.

I was nervous and standing in the middle of my walk-in closet, peering into a mirror, trying to decide what to wear. I typically lived in jeans or yoga pants, t-shirts and hoodies. I rarely dressed up any longer, having accepted my single status.

But today, I wanted to look good for Abe and so I’d gone through three changes of clothes already. I was feeling more feminine, less tom-boyish now that I had a man I was interested in my life. I’d gone and gotten a mani-pedi, a facial and a new haircut. A total spa day. I’d decided that between taking my mind off of the assault and my attorney duking it out, then the way the night ended at
Biddy’s
, I needed to get my mind off of things and do some pampering.

I was running my apology through my head, hoping to find the right words so we could navigate beyond the editing gig. He’d let me be, and other than informing me that his edit was done, I hadn’t heard a word in the couple of days since playing pool at
Biddy’s
.

Now I stood in front of my mirror with a critical eye, wondering what he liked best about me. Was it my hips? Or my bust? My ass, perhaps? Or the whole package?

Whatever it might be, I’d make myself look as good as possible. So, I settled on something sexy, feminine and body-hugging in a flattering way. I found that I was humming to myself, something I hadn’t done in a long time. Despite everything that had transpired in the last week, I was happy to see him. Very happy, actually.

I’d made peace that if the man liked me, he liked me – as is. Meaning, he’d had some doses of my crazy and that was a flavor he was willing to taste.

* * *

After I parked my car, I took one last look at my makeup and hair in my car mirror. I added another layer of gloss to my full lips, smacked them together and smiled at my own reflection. It was time. I was so excited, even though it had only been a few days, it felt like weeks.

When I entered the diner, I saw that he’d already claimed a comfortable looking booth in the back corner, a nice private spot. The upholstery was cherry red, a bit worn and once I sat down, very comfortable.

I was nervous. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered like mad. A bit breathless, I managed to say hello.

“Hi Abe, it’s good to see you again.”

“Hey Cass, how you doing?” He asked gently.

“Better, thanks. Amazing what a few days can do… Gave me some time to think.” I shared somewhat sheepishly.

“Good, time is an amazing balm. Doing better, I hope?” He asked tentatively, his hand reaching out across the table, flared and concerned.

It made me wonder what his hand would look like, as paws. What all of him would look like, shifted. It was both strange and oddly thrilling. My curiosity was winning.

He was holding my gaze, even though I could barely keep from looking at him straight in the eyes. Once again, I was scrambling like mad for the glass of water already waiting on the table. I gulped down a few thirsty gulps. An amused smile rested on his face. I was pretty sure that I was the meal, not whatever food we were about to order.

I nodded, “Yeah, I am. About that, I’m so sorry… I reacted horribly and I’m afraid I completely insulted you. Who you are… what you are…” I said, my voice trailing away.

“It’s okay, Cass. Most people who are unacquainted have similar reactions. It’s not like there are a lot of us. We’re pretty rare in terms of the human population and I get it. I do.” He explained gently.

“So, you forgive me?” I squeaked out.

“Yes, Cass. You’re forgiven. Honestly, I’m fine. I was more worried about how you were handling it. I mean, a lot has happened in a week since we met.”

I was so relieved, “Boy, I’ll say!! So true, so true…”

We sat eyeing each other a bit. Once again, I felt flush under his penetrating observation.
What was it about him? Did the bear part make the difference? Was it like, animalistic attraction between us?

“So, they got good eats here you say?” I asked, wanting to move the conversation along. Keep it comfortable and casual.

“Yes, they do. I think you’ll like this place.” He said, passing me one of the menus resting on the table.

“Thank you, I love old-fashioned diners,” I said looking around the place, taking it in. “What’s good here?”

“All of it, really. But I invited you to meet here for the hamburgers. A cheeseburger, if you like?”

“I do. Very much so. Should I go with onion rings instead of fries?” I asked, peering at the menu and then over the top of it, wanting to dive into his eyes but doing my best to be sly about it.

He noticed and with his finger, gently pushed the top of the menu down. “I want to see your face, Cass.”

Gulp.
Busted!

“Whoops, sorry…”

I could feel my ears burning crimson, the tips of them tended to get really red when I was embarrassed. Especially if was due to something sexual. The server arrived, only this time it was a reverse of what had happened at the café when we first met.

“Hey Abe, good to see ya. I see you brought some company this time. Are you here for your regular?” A lanky guy, casual in demeanor and uniform said, his smile welcoming me.