Page 11 of Hunny and the Bear (Bearly Yours #1)

Eleven

T ank was hard as a rock as he followed Hunny blindly toward the first department store, the scent of her arousal still filling his senses. He wasn’t sure what the hell had caused his little rabbit to become so turned on while he drove her here, but thank fuck for whatever it was.

He didn’t even mind that every step he took made his balls ache; Hunny smelled divine. Good enough to eat, and Tank was suddenly starving. Inhaling discreetly, he swallowed thickly as his mouth watered.

Just this morning, he’d come to the realization that Hunny felt right in every way, and now, with her delicious scent filling his lungs, he wanted to test that theory. Wanted to know what she’d feel like beneath him, how good she’d look sleeping in his bed, with his arms wrapped around her, holding her close. At the thought, his arms ached as much as his balls, his hands itching to pull her into a hug.

He didn’t just want her for a couple of nights, either. He wanted her permanently. Even his bear agreed. The beast had felt just as protective of Hunny since he’d met her, and now his confusing behavior was all beginning to make sense.

He didn’t enjoy sharing his space, except with Hunny. Didn’t enjoy talking to anyone, except Hunny. Hell, he wanted to build things for her, just on the off-chance she’d move in with him.

And now she is , he thought smugly. A second later, he sobered. He didn’t even know if Hunny was interested in him like that. Her heady scent might permeate the air, but he didn’t know if he was the reason for her desire. And he didn’t want to pressure her into anything.

Hunny was vulnerable right now, and he wouldn’t take advantage of that, not for anything.

I can work with slow , he reasoned, dragging in another lungful of her sweet fragrance. His eyes almost rolled back into his head, his bear clawing at him to make a damned move before someone else snatched her up. His upper lip curled in fury at the thought.

So consumed with her teasing scent and his own emotions, Tank didn’t even realize they’d entered the department store until Hunny whipped around, grabbing his arm and tugging him forward. “I have no idea where to go. Lead the way.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“I-I don’t know.” She released a shrill laugh, looking up at him with wide, too innocent eyes. “But you should definitely take me wherever is best.”

His brows rose. Was she hoping to keep her scent downwind of him? Lips twitching, Tank opened his mouth, ready to tell her that the cat was well out of the bag and that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her desire.

“Can I help the lovely couple find anything today?” a human male said from over Tank’s shoulder, interrupting them.

Pissed that another male would dare force his way into Tank’s space, would dare get close to Hunny while she was aroused, he turned on a dime, getting in the male’s face.

“We’re fine,” Tank snapped coldly, a furious rumble building in his chest as he pinned the worker with a hard glare. “Now leave .”

Face paling, the worker nodded quickly before he turned and scurried away. Tank relaxed, satisfaction rolling through him as the temporary threat abated. His bear gave his own low growl of approval, content with how they’d handled the situation.

“Oh my God,” Hunny seethed, swatting Tank’s stomach hard. Surprised, he looked down at her. “You can’t just terrify someone like that!”

“I told you, I don’t like people,” he reminded her.

“That doesn’t mean you growl at them, Henry!” she whispered harshly. “Seriously, you scared him so badly I thought he was going to pee himself.”

Tank shrugged. “Good.”

With a huff of frustration, Hunny ran a hand through her hair. Then she gave him a pleading look that sent a lick of desire straight to his groin, her emerald eyes shining in the overhead lighting. “Will you please not scare anyone else? You can just ignore them and let me do all the talking.” He didn’t answer right away, and she added, “I bet they’ll be just as scared, probably more so, with the silent brooding act.”

He grunted. “Fine.”

Hunny smiled up at him then, and he’d have promised her anything so long as she kept looking at him just like that. Without another word, he took her hand in his, enjoying the feeling of her skin pressed against his as he led her through the department store. Clothes, purses, shoes, perfume, toiletries, puzzles ; whatever she set her sights on, Tank made sure she had it.

Luckily, no one else got in their way as they shopped, and when he hauled several items up to a register on three separate occasions, intending to come back to pay for it all, no one had told him no. Granted, they’d looked away from him in a panic each time he approached, but as long as his stuff was accounted for, he didn’t care.

“Should have brought the SUV,” he mumbled under his breath as they unloaded their last armful of goods at the register, ignoring the pain scratching at his throat as he talked. Over the last few days, being more vocal had actually helped overall. Still hurt like a bitch, but his voice hadn’t gone out like it used to, and as long as he paced himself, he could talk for extended periods of time without too much discomfort.

Though, truth be told, he would have talked to Hunny even with hot coals stuck inside his mouth, burning him from the inside out.

“Why an SUV?” Hunny asked.

“More storage space,” Tank replied, watching as the worker began hastily ringing up items, tossing each one into a bag. He almost snapped at her to be careful, but he’d promised Hunny he’d be on his best behavior, and he didn’t want to ruin it now.

Hunny frowned, eyeing all the items with a worried gaze. “I think I overdid it. It’s too much, Henry. I-I should put some things back.”

“No.” He shook his head. She couldn’t live in a home without being comfortable. And he wanted her to always be comfortable and happy. “You need all these things.”

Hunny rolled her eyes. “I don’t need puzzles, Henry. It was an impulse purchase.”

“They’re on sale,” he countered.

“Okay, but I don’t need seven of them.”

“One for every day of the week, darlin’. Makes sense.”

Her frown turned into a shy, sweet smile that he couldn’t help but fixate on. “You’re ridiculous. Next, you’ll tell me all the throw blankets I picked out were necessary.”

He shrugged. “You said there were different levels of fluffiness with each one. I believe you.” And he wanted to cuddle her on the couch under each one, too, but he didn’t say that part out loud.

She planted her hands on her hips, sending him a teasing look. “What about the teddy bear for the kit— babies ?” She sent a worried look at the cashier, but the woman didn’t even look up from her task. Reassured, Hunny looked back at him. “I won’t even need that for months, so how can you justify it?”

“You smiled when you looked at it,” he replied gruffly. “I like it when you smile.”

Hunny’s eyes widened, and her cheeks turned a delicate shade of red, a blush traveling down her neck and disappearing under her shirt. “Oh.”

“Alright,” the cashier said nervously. “Your total is two thou—”

“What?” Hunny exclaimed in a panic.

Tank shoved his debit card toward the woman. “This’ll cover it.”

Hunny gaped at him, a small squeak escaping her throat. She looked at the cashier next. “I’m sorry; how much did you say?”

“Don’t answer her,” Tank warned, taking his debit card back from the cashier along with a long receipt printed from the register, stuffing them into the front pocket of his jeans. Grabbing all the bags, the straps digging into his fingers, he herded Hunny out of the store and back to the pickup truck as she babbled.

“What? No, this has to be some kind of clerical error. There’s no way you spent that much on me. Henry, she said two thousand —”

“Did she?” he asked innocently. Unlocking the passenger side door after a brief struggle with the handle, he crammed several bags into the floorboard. Next, he piled the remaining bags on top, and then eventually filled the passenger seat.

Hunny watched him the entire time with wide eyes. “Oh wow, I’m going to be smashed against you the whole way home.”

Anticipation stirred in his gut. “We can share a seatbelt,” he joked.

With a shake of her head, she looked around, eyes lighting up at something she’d spotted. He followed her gaze to a much smaller store beside the one they’d just visited.

“Alright, let’s go in there.” Tank pointed at the teahouse.

“Oh, no,” Hunny argued. “Absolutely not, Henry. You just spent a fortune.”

He raised a brow. “Well, I’m planning on going in for some tea,” he lied smoothly. He closed the door and locked it. Holding out his hand, he asked, “You going to join me, darlin’?”

Hunny stared down at his palm, indecision warring in her eyes. Finally, she took his hand, intertwining their fingers. He led her into the packed store, for once not even minding the loud voices echoing throughout the small space.

Hunny walked up to a woman with bright blue hair standing behind the counter. She was short, with a tan complexion, brown almond-shaped eyes, a small nose, and a heart-shaped face.

“Hi,” his little rabbit greeted with a bright smile.

The woman behind the counter turned toward her, smiling happily. “Hi, I’m Nessa. Welcome to Nessa’s Teahouse.” She pointed to her name tag with a teasing gleam in her eye. “That’s me, in case I didn’t make it obvious enough.”

Hunny snorted. “I’d be bragging too if I owned something like this. I like the atmosphere here.”

“Thanks! I just opened a few weeks ago. I’m pretty proud of it all.” She sent Tank a curious look, but she didn’t seem unnerved by his size or surly demeanor in the slightest. “Are you two hoping for a romantic table for two? I can see if I can find something for you, though we’re a bit packed at the moment.”

“Oh.” Hunny blushed. She waved her free hand between her and Tank, looking flustered as she said, “W-We’re not a couple.”

Nessa tilted her head curiously. “Do you hold all your friend’s hands?”

“What?” Confused, Hunny followed Nessa’s gaze, staring at her and Tank’s intertwined fingers. “Huh. I hadn’t even realized,” she mumbled to herself. He squeezed her fingers in reassurance, silently letting her know she could let go if she wanted to. Instead, she kept her grip firm.

“Get whatever you want,” Tank instructed softly. He leaned in close, whispering in her ear, “I came in here because I could see you wanted to.”

Hunny blushed harder, her fingers tightening on his as she stared at the human owner. “Um, I’m actually just looking for some different teas. Do you sell any boxes?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got anything you can think up.”

“Okay, I need a box of peppermint, turmeric, and …” Hunny trailed off, her brow furrowing.

“Chamomile?” Nessa guessed.

“Yes! How did you know?” Hunny asked.

“All stuff to help with colds and inflammation. Figured that’s what you were looking for.”

“Well, you really know your tea,” Hunny joked. “Maybe you should open your own shop one day.”

Laughing, Nessa opened a cabinet and pulled out three different colored boxes of tea. She brought them to the register, ringing up each one. After giving them the total, Tank paid, listening to the two of them talk as Nessa packed up the boxes into a bag.

“What’s your name?” Nessa asked, handing the bag to Tank while she kept her eyes on Hunny.

“I’m Hunny, and this is Tank.”

“Your friend .”

Hunny blushed again. “Yes.”

“Well, it’s been a pleasure to meet you both, and I hope you stop by again soon.” Nessa pulled out a small rectangular card from her pocket, handing it to Hunny. “That’s my business card, if you ever want to call about tea. Or anything, really. I-I’m new here,” Nessa blurted out suddenly. “It’s been difficult meeting people, and I feel like you’d be a fun friend to have.” She wrinkled up her nose. “Not like the hand-holding friendship you two have going on, though.” She waved at Tank dismissively, which was more than fine with him. “But still.”

“Do you like puzzles?” Tank asked, speaking to her for the first time.

Nessa floundered for a second before asking, “Who doesn’t love a good puzzle?”

Tank grunted. Two yappers who both loved puzzles. It was a match made in heaven already. Hunny elbowed Tank in the side, as if she’d heard his thought loud and clear. “I’d love to hang out sometime.”

He smirked as they exchanged farewells, waiting until they were outside before he asked, “What’s all the tea for?”

“You,” Hunny told him simply.

“Me?” He didn’t even like tea.

Sending him a soft look, she confessed, “This kind of tea helps with sore throats. I just thought, since your throat hurts after talking too much, maybe it’ll help you. And Jasper said you loved honey, so if you mix some in your tea, I’m sure you’ll love the taste.” Surprised, he stared at her for so long she shifted awkwardly on her feet. “I-It was a dumb idea—”

“No, it wasn’t,” he replied, tugging her to him. He hugged her then, dropping his head to nuzzle her crown with his chin.

“I forgot to even ask if you liked tea,” Hunny admitted on a sigh, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Love it,” he lied, holding her close.

“Thank you for today,” Hunny murmured into his chest. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He kissed the crown of her head then, running a hand up and down her back.

“Come on, darlin’,” Tank uttered softly. “Let’s get home.”

With that, he led his little rabbit back to the truck.