Page 12 of Goldie's Grumpy Grizzly
“And what if I am?” I bite down on my lower lip, but still can’t keep the words in. Not everyone needs to know what you’re thinking, Rae. “I can’t seem to help it. There’s just something about you, Cole.”
His eyes slam shut. Then he rests his forehead against mine as I reach up and cup his cheek. His beard is softer than I expect, and I trace his jawline with my fingers.
I may be inexperienced, but I can’t be reading this all wrong. There’s a pull here between us, a kind of magnetism I’ve never felt for anyone before. He must feel it too, or he wouldn’t be gripping me so tightly, pulling me closer to the edge of the counter, and stepping between my spread thighs.
“There’s something about you, too,” he answers, clutching my hips. “But, Rae, if you don’t stop, I’m going to kiss you.”
“Okay,” I whisper, taking his face in both of my hands and tilting it toward mine. “Better make it a good one, then.”
He groans again, then brings his mouth to mine. Time stops the second we touch. Then something kindles between us, roaring to life as his mouth moves over mine. A moan sounds from my throat when his tongue delves to caress mine.
He tastes like honey and coffee and hazelnuts. Layered and delicious.
His beard scratches against my skin, and everything in me reaches a boiling point when his hands slide to my ass, hauling me against him.
Oh my God. A solid ridge rubs against my center, making me gasp. I grind against him, seeking something more as he sinks his teeth into my lip, growling.
“Cole,” I moan against his mouth. My legs wrap around his waist, and his wandering hands slide under my shirt, roam my curves, and brush against my free, bare breasts.
“Fuck, Goldie, you’re so goddamn perfect. Even got a bear claw tattoo.” He traces my ink with the tip of one finger, then drags his fingers to my nipple. My eyes cross with the pleasure that blooms inside me when he gives it a teasing tweak.
“It’s my favorite animal,” I gasp.
Then his mouth is on mine again. Taking and teasing. Testing and tasting.
The hunger I feel takes over and it makes me fist my hands in his shirt. I plaster my soft body against the hard planes of his, and I press my heated core against that thick bulge in his jeans.
When he tears away from my mouth to latch onto my breast, I arch my back and thread my fingers through his shoulder-length hair. With every flick of his tongue, an ache builds between my legs.
I whimper. “Don’t stop, Cole. Please.”
His answering growl rumbles in his chest, but he pulls away suddenly. A ragged breath explodes from him as he lets my shirt fall back into place, and he steps back.
What the hell was that?
“Well, shit.” Cole paces in the small space before me, running one hand through his dark hair and giving it an even sexier rumple.
“That was… that was…”
He slants a look at me. “A mistake. I shouldn’t have done it. I need to go.”
It’s like he’s poured a bucket of ice-cold water over the smoldering fire inside me. I ignore the pang of hurt in my chest and force my smile to stay plastered in place. “Go where?”
“This right here?” He gestures between us. “This can’t happen. I don’t want a mate. And if I don’t go, I won’t be able to keep my paws off you.” He looks at me meaningfully, and every cell in my body tingles.
“I didn’t ask you to,” I say, but he’s already gone.
Chapter Six
Cole
The second I’m outside, I stomp to the tree line behind my house and let my bear burst out of me.
He’s whining about having left my mate behind, but I need to think. Running through the forest, stretching my muscles, and smelling anything that’s not tinged with honeysuckle will help. She makes me wild with that scent of hers, and it’s like I can’t think at all.
My instincts rear up with every whiff. It’s taking every ounce of my control not to pounce on her, claw her clothing off, and tell her all the ways I want to mark her heart, body, and soul as mine. I mean to brand her. Bury my cock inside her tight, wet, virgin pussy and pour my seed into her belly.
Ugh. No! Bad Cole. Bad!
