Page 168 of The Cowbears of Curvy Bear Ranch

“She probably never wanted to be pregnant in the firstplace.”

“Did she tell you that?” heasked.

“No.”

“Then don’t assume it. You never know what’s going on in someone else’s head until youaskthem.”

“Maybe I can change her mind. Maybe if she gets toknowme…”

“It’s possible, but some people are set in their ways and they don’t want to change. I’m not trying to discourage you; I’m trying to be realistic,”hesaid.

“Iknow.”

As she sat up, her sweater dipped to reveal the tops of her creamy breasts. A hint of pink lace teased him before disappearing. He shifted in the chair. Dammit, one glimpse and blood rushed into his cock to make him even harder. There was no way he’d be able to hide it if he stoodrightnow.

“You’ve been so sweet to me. I don’t know how I can repay you,”shesaid.

“There’s no need,”hesaid.

Images of all the naughty ways she could repay him flashed through his mind. It was all he could do to keep his hands on the chair and not cross the room to her. His bear thrashed, wanting to move closer to inhale herscent.

No,bear!

He needed to get it together and remember why he could never touch her. She was hotter than hell, no question there. But he couldn’t get involved with someone who was just passing through. Regardless of what happened between her and her mother, she wouldn’t be staying in West Yellowstone. Any relationship he’d try to have with her was doomed to fail. No matter how much his bear wanted her, he needed to stay focused. He couldn’t risk another broken heart when she inevitablylefthim.

* * *

Carol clutchedthe bag full of groceries in her lap. Every bite of Madison’s scrumptious beef stew soured in her stomach as she pictured her mother sitting alone in her cold, dark living room. If it had been up to her, she would have insisted they leave immediately after dropping off Madison’s supplies, but she couldn’t do that to Hank. Besides, the emotional drain of so many highs and lows during the day had sucked the energy out ofherbody.

As the truck’s headlights cut through the night, a deer dashed onto the road. Hank slammed on the brakes, causing the truck to fishtail. He narrowly missed a metal sign before correcting out of theslide.

“Didn’t see that guy coming,” Hank saidapologetically.

“I didn’teither.”

“You have to be really careful driving around here at night. All kinds of wildlife jump ontotheroad.”

“Like what?” sheasked.

“Mostly rabbits and deer, but you might see a buffalo or even theoccasionalbear.”

“Bear?” She perked up. “You have bears livinguphere?”

“Yep. Grizzly and brown bears. Most of them live in the park, but every once in a while, one sneaks out and gets hit. Most of them end up dead, but a few survive. There’s a nature center in West Yellowstone that rehabs woundedanimals.”

“That’s terrible. I’m glad someone can take careofthem.”

She glanced out of the window. Were some of those “bears” really humans? Could they transform the way she could? Maybe there were more people like her. She couldn’t exactly ask Hank; he’d think she’d lost her mind. Who would believe she could shift into a bear? He’d probably drive her to the mental hospital instead of her mom’s house. She had to keep her mouth shut for now, but maybe she could investigate the wildlife centerlater.

After turning onto the narrow road to her mother’s house, the staccato beat of her heart skipped around in her chest. Her mom hadn’t wanted to see her again. She certainly didn’t want her daughter’s help, but Carol couldn’t just leave her alone, cold, and hungry. No one should have to livethatway.

They pulled up to the house. Hank turned off the engine and hopped out of the truck. He jogged around, opened the door, and then took the bag of groceries. She jumped down, then reached forthebag.

“I’m going in with you,”Hanksaid.

Although the tone in his voice left little room for argument, she didn’t want him to see how much her mother hated her. “I’d rather go inalone.”

“Not this time. She waved a shotgun in your face and I don’t know what she’s capable of. You said she wasn’t too happy about seeing you, so she could be dangerous,”hesaid.