Page 16 of Bear

“Where are you taking me?” I quizzed.

“Somewhere. So button up.” That’s all he said before stepping away from me. I regained my normal breathing once he moved. I muttered under my breath as I buttoned my shirt up to my collarbone. Then and only then did Bear let me out of the house.

I climbed into the Monte Carlo and breathed in the rich smell of leather and whatever air freshener he used. He hit a button on the console and it lit up with red lights. Dave Brubeck eased through the speakers. After hanging out with Bear most of my life, I came to know tons of jazz musicians.

“Can you tell me where we’re going?” I asked him as I clicked the seatbelt into place.

“Nah. Enjoy the ride.”

“You’re pissing me off, Bear. Why are you being such an asshole today?” Something had gotten under his skin. He was an ass by nature but not with me. Not like that. He was being short and moody and I didn’t like it. It scathed my feelings.

“I’m always like this. How long have you known me?”

“Not. With. Me,” I said through gritted teeth.

“I’m fine, Cecily.” He turned up the music and stepped on the gas. I went through everything in my mind that could have soured his mood and the only thing I came up with was Titan.

“Your friend Titan was nice,” I said, testing the waters.

“Uh huh.”

“I was about to flirt my ass off until you said he was married.” I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed a little, crossing my legs. Bear slammed on the brakes unnecessarily hard at a red light and I jerked forward, saved by the seatbelt.

Bingo.

He was pissed about the way I acted around Titan.

“Yeah, you need to cut that shit out. He’s married with a kid.”

“I backed off, Jesus. Is that what has you so wound up?” He wouldn’t answer me but his jaw flexed and the veins in his forearms protruded against his skin. “Bear, can you talk to me?” He pulled up at Stone Lumber and parked.

“When we get in here, don’t talk to anyone unless I’m around. They’re loyal soldiers but they’re men first.”

“Whatever,” I huffed, unbuckling my seatbelt. When I got out of the car, Bear had my bicep in his arm in a blink, pinning me against the car. His hips pressed against mine and I thought I would combust.

I told myself that he caught me off-guard. That was all.

“No. I didn’t like the way you openly flirted with Shadow…he’s married.”

“He’s also your friend,” I mentioned.

“We’re cool.”

“I think it bothered you because he’s your friend and I thought he was fine.”

“You can think what you want, Cecily. I said what I said. Cut the flirting out.” His fiery eyes lingered on mine for a little while and I felt my stomach bottom out.

Dammit. I hated how weird I felt around him all of a sudden. It was like my stupid childhood crush was rearing its head again. I didn’t have time for that.

“Oh, flirt with everyone? Cool. Got it.” I stuck my thumb in the air and pushed past him, clipping his shoulder. He let out a humorless laugh and walked alongside me. His cologne followed me, forcing my heart to beat faster.

“Don’t start this power trip bullshit, baby doll. I’ll win every fucking time and you know it.”

“Let’s play then. How long before I can unnerve the unflappable Bear Stone?” I walked in front of him and opened the door for myself and I could just feel Bear stiffen behind me.

“What’s up, Bear?” The first worker greeted him and stood up like he was ready to salute. I forgot how he made everyone jump to.

“What’s good? Everything okay around here today?” He flashed a smile but only I could tell how phony it was. The guy behind the counter smiled in return, mirroring Bear exactly. It was plain as day that he was in full subordinate mode and would jump if Bear even uttered the letterJ.