Page 28 of Bearly Ever After (Bear Creek Forever #5)

“I don’t think I will ever get used to how beautiful it is here.” Nicole shielded her eyes as she stared out at the view of the pristine lake and the mountains towering beyond it. Their peaks shrouded in low clouds were mirrored perfectly in the still, glass-like water. Nicole let out a contented sigh and turned to Klein. “It’s like stepping into a picture postcard.”

Klein smiled, the kind of lopsided grin that made her stomach erupt in butterflies. “I thought you’d like it,” he said. “We can set up camp right here.”

Nicole went to him and threaded her arms around his neck. “A night under the stars with my very own bear shifter.”

“I figured it might be nice to get out and enjoy some alone time after your first week at your new job,” Klein said.

“I appreciate the thought.” She curled her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. “Not that my new job feels much like work. Everyone has been so welcoming, from my work colleagues to the people I met on farms and at small businesses…” She rested her forehead against his. “But I don’t want to think about that now. I just want to think about you. About us.”

Klein’s arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. “I like the sound of that,” he murmured, his breath warm against her cheek. “Just you, me, and the wilderness.”

Nicole tilted her head back to look up at him. “I never thought I could be this happy,” she whispered. “Moving to Bear Creek, finding a place where I belong, falling in love with you...it’s like a dream come true.”

Klein’s eyes searched her face as he gazed down at her. “I feel the same way,” he said, his voice low and filled with raw emotion. “You’ve brought so much joy and light into my life, Nicole. I’d almost given up believing that I could find my mate.”

“Believe it.” She rose up on her toes, pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss.

“Oh, I do,” Klein murmured roughly as he deepened the kiss.

Nicole poured all her love and longing into that kiss. He’d given her so much more than she could ever have believed possible. There were times when she wanted to pinch herself… No, she didn’t. Because if she pinched herself and woke up to find this was all a dream, she might die of despair at the loss of this rancher who held her heart in his hands.

And what hands they were. The way he touched her, caressed her, worshiped every inch of her body with his calloused yet tender fingers, sent shivers racing down her spine. Nicole melted into him, molding her curves to the hard planes of his muscular body as the kiss grew more heated, more urgent.

Klein’s hands slid down to cup her bottom, lifting her effortlessly against him. Nicole let out a soft moan, wrapping her legs around his waist. The evidence of his desire, hard and insistent, pressed against her core.

“Shall we make camp first?” she gasped.

“I want to make love to you under the blue sky,” he whispered against her ear. “Feel the sun on my back as I take you right here on the grass beside the lake.”

“But what if anyone sees…” She looked out across the lake.

“There’s no one for miles,” he assured her.

“Are you sure?” she asked. “Mila and Finlay are going to join us, remember.”

“Trust me,” he replied. “It’s just you and me.”

“And Maverick and Dusty,” she reminded him, but the horses were grazing on the sweet mountain grass after their ride up here to the lake.

“I can put the tent up, if you prefer,” Klein said, inching away from her.

Nicole shivered with anticipation, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she drew him back to her. “No,” she breathed. “I trust you.”

With a triumphant smile, Klein lowered her gently to the soft carpet of grass and wildflowers. His eyes, dark with desire, raked over her body as he stripped off his shirt, revealing the chiseled muscles and tanned skin she loved so much. Nicole’s breath caught in her throat as he kneeled before her, his large hands skimming up her thighs, pushing the fabric of her shirt higher.

She reached for him, her fingers tracing the ridges of his abs, feeling them twitch beneath her touch. Klein groaned, capturing her wrist and bringing her hand to his lips, pressing a heated kiss to her palm. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with need. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”

“I am,” she whispered. “Always.”

Nicole’s heart raced as Klein’s lips trailed a path of fire along her jaw, down the sensitive skin of her neck. His hands, strong yet gentle, caressed her curves through the thin fabric of her shirt. She arched into his touch, craving more, needing to feel his skin against hers.

As if reading her thoughts, Klein deftly unbuttoned her shirt, pushing it off her shoulders to reveal the lacy bra beneath. His gaze, filled with raw hunger, swept over her exposed flesh. “Stunning,” he breathed, before dipping his head to place a reverential kiss to the swell of her breast. Nicole gasped, threading her fingers through his thick, dark hair as he tugged the cup of her bra down, freeing her aching nipple.

Klein swirled his tongue around the sensitive peak, sending jolts of pleasure straight to her core. She writhed beneath him, lost in a haze of sensation as he lavished attention on first one breast, then the other. His hands roamed her body, setting her skin ablaze with every touch.

“Klein,” she moaned, desperate for more. “Please...”

He lifted his head, his eyes locking with hers. In their depths, Nicole saw her desire reflected back at her, mingled with a profound love that took her breath away. “Please what?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

“Touch me,” she pleaded, her hips arching off the ground, seeking the heat of his body. “I need you.”

Klein’s answering growl was primal and possessive as he slid his hand down to the waistband of her jeans, popping the button open with a flick of his fingers. Nicole kicked off her boots, then lifted her hips, allowing him to slide the denim down her legs, leaving her clad only in her lacy underwear. He sat back on his heels, drinking in the sight of her laid out before him like an offering.

Nicole trembled under Klein’s heated gaze, her skin flushed and tingling with anticipation. He leaned down, his lips brushing the inside of her knee, then trailing higher along her inner thigh. She whimpered, her fingers clutching at the soft grass beneath her as he nuzzled the damp lace covering her most intimate place.

His teeth grazed her mound through the lace of her panties and she closed her eyes as desire coiled inside her. She arched her back and offered herself to him as he stroked her inner thighs, moving higher and higher, driving her wild with anticipation. Finally, he inched the lacy fabric to one side and slipped a finger inside her.

Nicole cried out at the exquisite sensation of Klein’s finger sliding into her slick heat. He stroked her slowly, teasingly, building the tension coiled tight within her body. Her hips rocked in time with his movements, seeking more of that delicious friction.

She moaned, low and wanton, as he added a second finger, stretching her, filling her. His thumb found her aching nub, circling the sensitive bundle of nerves until she was writhing beneath him, as Klein worked her closer and closer to the edge. Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, he withdrew his fingers, making her whimper at the loss.

But it was only for a moment.

Klein hooked his fingers in the sides of her panties, drawing them slowly down her hips and tossing them aside. Then he settled between her thighs, his broad shoulders nudging them farther apart. Nicole propped herself up on her elbows, wanting to watch him, to burn this moment into her memory.

His warm breath fanned over her sensitive flesh as he placed a tender kiss on her inner thigh. “So sweet,” he rumbled, nuzzling closer to her center. “All mine.”

“Yes,” she gasped, as his tongue dragged through her slick folds. “All yours.”

Klein hooked his fingers in the sides of her panties, drawing them slowly down her hips and tossing them aside. Then he settled between her thighs, his broad shoulders nudging them farther apart. Nicole propped herself up on her elbows, wanting to watch him, to burn this moment into her memory.

His warm breath fanned over her sensitive flesh as he placed a tender kiss on her inner thigh. “So sweet,” he rumbled, nuzzling closer to her center. “All mine.”

“Yes,” she gasped, as his tongue dragged through her slick folds. “All yours.”

Klein groaned in satisfaction, the sound vibrating against her most intimate places. He explored her with leisurely licks and gentle sucks, savoring her essence as if it were the sweetest mountain honey. Nicole’s head fell back, her eyes drifting shut as she lost herself in the exquisite sensations he was evoking. His skilled mouth and wicked tongue stoked the flames of desire higher and higher.

“Klein,” she keened, trusting that no one was close enough to hear.

He responded with a low growl, the primal sound sending another jolt of pleasure racing through her veins.

He slid his hands beneath her, cupping her bottom and angling her hips for better access as he delved deeper. He alternated between licking her sensitive nub with the flat of his tongue, and then flicking the bud with the tip of his tongue before drawing it between his lips to suckle. Nicole cried out, her thighs clenching around his head as the coil of tension inside her wound tighter and tighter.

Klein pushed her closer to the precipice, alternating between broad strokes and targeted flicks, keeping her suspended in a state of blissful torment. Nicole’s breath came in short, sharp pants as the pressure built, her body trembling on the knife’s edge of release. Klein sensed how close she was, doubling his efforts. He sealed his lips around her sensitive nub, sucking hard as he thrust two fingers deep inside her, curling them to stroke that hidden spot that made her see stars.

Nicole came with a hoarse cry. Her back arched off the ground as her orgasm crashed over her in wave after wave of intense pleasure. Klein did not stop, drawing out her climax until she collapsed back onto the grass, breathless and sated.

As she finally came to her senses, she was aware of his body next to hers, his arms holding her close and his hardness pressed against her thigh.

Nicole slipped her hand down between their bodies, her fingers brushing against the hard bulge straining against Klein’s jeans. He inhaled sharply at her touch, his hips rocking forward instinctively. She stroked him through the rough fabric, reveling in the way his body responded to her, in the power she had to drive this strong, passionate man to the brink with a simple caress.

“Nicole,” he ground out, his voice tight with barely restrained need. “You’re playing with fire.”

She smiled up at him, a wicked gleam in her eye. “Maybe I want to get burned.”

With deft fingers, she unbuckled his belt and popped the button on his jeans, slowly drawing down the zipper. Klein’s breathing grew ragged as she pushed the denim over his hips, freeing his impressive erection. He kicked off the jeans impatiently, leaving him as bare as she was, his tanned skin glowing in the afternoon sunlight.

Nicole wrapped her fingers around his thick shaft, stroking him from base to tip, marveling at the silken heat and the way he throbbed in her grasp. Klein’s head fell back, a low groan rumbling deep in his chest as she worked him with a steady rhythm. Desire pooled anew in Nicole’s core, her body already craving more of his touch, more of the exquisite pleasure only he could provide.

Emboldened by his response, she shifted, gently pushing against his shoulder until he rolled onto his back. She straddled his hips, hovering above him, the tip of his hardness brushing against her slick entrance. Klein’s hands came to rest on her thighs, his fingers flexing against her soft skin as he fought to maintain control.

Nicole held his smoldering gaze as she slowly sank down onto him, inch by delicious inch until he was buried to the hilt inside her. They both moaned at the sensation, the feeling of being joined so intimately, so completely. She stilled for a moment, savoring the fullness, the way her body stretched to accommodate him.

Then, with a roll of her hips, she began to move.

She rode him with slow, deliberate motions, rising until only the tip of him remained inside her before sliding back down. Klein’s hands roamed her body, caressing her breasts.

Nicole leaned forward, and he cupped her breast in his hand, his thumb rubbing over her nipple as he lifted his head. Her inner muscles tightened around his hardness as he sucked her nipple into his mouth, grazing the taut bud with his teeth. It was all she could do to hold on. But she didn’t want this to end.

Not yet.

Her eyes slid shut as she lost herself in the sensations. The heat of the sun on her skin, the gentle breeze teasing her hair, the solid strength of Klein’s body beneath her, and his talented mouth on her breasts.

He devoted attention to each one in turn, licking, sucking, nipping until Nicole was writhing atop him, grinding her hips down harder, faster.

Klein’s hands slid to her hips, gripping tight as he thrust up to meet her, driving himself deeper. The new angle hit a spot inside her that made her cry out, her nails digging into his shoulders. He growled in response, the primal sound sending shivers racing down her spine.

Then he came, his seed spurting deep inside her. The sensation pushed her over the edge once more, her body shuddering with the force of her climax. Klein held her tight, his strong arms holding her close as they rode out the waves of pleasure together.

Slowly, their movements stilled, and Nicole rested her forehead against Klein’s, a contented smile curving her mouth. “That was...”

“Incredible,” he finished, brushing a tender kiss to the tip of her nose. “You’re incredible.”

She giggled, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. “I was going to say ‘mind-blowing,’ but incredible works, too.”

“I love you,” Klein whispered, his voice filled with raw emotion. “More than I ever thought possible.”

Nicole pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her fingers tracing the strong lines of his jaw. “I love you, too, Klein. With all my heart.”

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her down to lie next to him. Side by side, they lay on the grass, staring up at the cloudless sky while the lake lapped at the shore and the horses munched on the grass nearby.

“We should get camp set up,” Klein said, but he did not move. “Finlay and Mila will be here soon.”

“I can’t wait to see Finlay’s lion,” Nicole said. Finlay had revealed his other side to Mila a couple of days ago, but not to Nicole. Not yet.

“He was so relieved when Mila said she thought he was cool.” Klein chuckled as he sat up and stared into the distance, that unfocused look in his eyes.

“Mila has taken so much in stride these last few days,” Nicole said with pride and a large dose of love for her daughter.

“She’s a good kid, with a sensible head on her shoulders.” Klein glanced down at Nicole. “Like her mom.”

“I can’t take all the credit,” Nicole replied. “Mila is her own person. She knows her own mind.”

“Are you okay with her agreeing to see her father?” Klein asked.

“Yes, because it’s on her terms. Mila has her eyes wide open where Edwin is concerned.” Nicole sighed and sat up, leaning on his shoulder. “Any news on the hiker?”

“Not yet.” Klein tugged his brows together and rubbed his hand across the nape of his neck. “My mom is going to call in and see him today. She’s sorted out some spare clothes for when he wakes up.”

“That’s good of her,” Nicole replied.

“The way she sees it,” Klein began, “is that if it was one of us, one of her boys, she hopes someone would do the same for them.”

Nicole nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. “Your mom has a heart of gold. I’m so grateful to have been welcomed into your family.”

Klein turned to face her. “Our family. You and Mila, and Scruffy, you’re a part of us now. Forever.”

Nicole blinked back tears as she smiled up at him. “Forever sounds perfect.”

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that held the promise of a lifetime together. And a love that would last for eternity.

I hope you enjoyed meeting the Thornberg family. Jay’s story is next.