In Her Bears' Arms Read online

  He strode back to Penny and took her in his arms.

  “What did you learn?” John folded his arms across his chest.

  “She’s not at her house. Her car’s not there and hasn’t been there for three days.” Ethan rubbed his cheek against the top of Penny’s head.

  “All right, we’ll do this quietly until we know what we’re dealing with. We don’t want whoever this is to feel pressure or to know anyone’s looking for her. They might decide to get rid of her.” John looked around the group. “Dixie, you can tell your mates, but make sure it stops there. Ethan, you’ll have to make sure the rest of your family knows not to try to contact Maggie right now. We’ll get those passwords, and I’ll look into this. And we’ll keep this to whyr only right now.”

  A cold chill settled over Dixie. What the hell had happened to Maggie?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Some delicious food and a little good company. Maybe he could get Dixie in the mood for something a little more pleasurable.

  Gable finished grilling the fish and turned it out onto a platter. He dumped a pile of wild rice near it. Steamed veggies already rested in a bowl. It was nice to get a chance to be with Dixie without interruptions. He carried them over to table. She’d been very busy lately.

  Now to get his woman. He walked out into the living room. She lounged on the couch, her feet up, watching some television. Her hair hung in spirals around her shoulders, and her bright blue tank top molded to her breasts.

  “Are you ready for some lunch, Dixie?” He stopped at the foot of the couch.

  She looked up at him. “You should have told me. I would have helped fix it.”

  “I grilled the fish and boiled water to steam the veggies in. The rice steamer took care of the rice.” Gable waved that away. No big deal. “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes, I’m hungry. Let’s go to the kitchen. We can talk. I know you’ve been on the phone a lot lately.” Dixie tilted her head but rose to her feet and walked with him to the kitchen.

  “Yes, talking to the realtor.” He nodded. Some conversation would be a good start. He had questions about her, too.

  “I’m looking forward to it and the chance to enjoy some alone time with you.” Dixie raised her brows. “I think we should do something really decadent after we eat.”

  “That sounds good. What do you have in mind?” Gable lifted her hand.

  “Whipped cream tease.” Dixie pursed her lips, and she made a kissing noise.

  “As long as I get to do some teasing, I’m in.” He nodded.

  He urged her to sit and put the platter on the table along with the bowl. “What do you want to drink?”

  “I think I saw a bottle of white in the fridge.” She turned the fridge.

  “White will be good. I’ll get us both a glass.” He strode over to the cabinet and pulled down two wineglasses before grabbing the bottle out of the refrigerator.

  He carried them back over and poured, before placing hers beside her. She smiled. He poured his own and sat down across from her.

  “Have you always worked at a hospital?” Gable glanced at her. She was such a people person and cheerful. It was hard to think of her working anywhere else.

  “Actually, no, I tried working at a nursing home for a little while. I thought it would be quieter than a hospital, less drama. It was in a way, but in others, it had just as much if not more drama than I’ve ever encountered at the hospital. There was also a big negative that I didn’t take into account when I started working there.” She forked up a bite of fish.

  “What didn’t you take into account?” He reached over and brushed her arm. What could dissuade her from working at a nursing home?

  “How attached I’d get to people because I saw them longer. After a few months, I realized that I didn’t have either the detachment or the ability to compartmentalize to do that job. I couldn’t get to know my patients, take care of them, and then deal with the pain of their deaths. It would have made me way too depressed to continue. So I left after about a year.” She grimaced.

  “Looking at it that way, I don’t know how anyone does that. How is the hospital better though?” He held his fork poised above his plate. It sounded like a form of torture.

  “It’s shorter term. I generally don’t get to know my patients or their families that well. When I worked at the home, I knew my patients and most of their families very well. And the ward I’m on now, most of the people there get well and go back to their lives within a week.” She smiled. “I’m okay with not being one of the ones who can handle long-term care.”

  “Did you feel bad about walking away from it?” He tilted his head.

  “Well, I don’t like failing. At the time, it felt like that, but I also knew that to maintain mental health and happiness I had to do what was best for me.” She lifted a shoulder. “How did you get into accounting and specifically the forensic auditing side of it? It doesn’t seem like an obvious branch to go into.”

  “I’ve always liked numbers, so when I went to college that’s what I focused on. And the forensic auditing, that came because I had an internship at a company that worked in that branch. It sparked my interest and became one of the things I liked doing the most.” He smiled. “Nothing too exciting about the choice.”

  “Did you work at that company after you graduated?” She rested her fork on the plate for a moment.

  “Yes, I did. I worked there until we moved to Connison. When we arrived, I decided to start my own business. And so far, it’s paid off.” He took a bite of the fish. The risk had worried him, but the time had been right and the need had been there.

  “How is the search for your new office going?” She sipped her wine.

  “Actually, I think we may be finally getting close to finding something right. The latest pictures have definite promise. I need to look at them in person though, and the area makes a difference, too. I’ve made an appointment to see some of them and will be doing that over a couple days.” Gable forked up a bit of rice. It would be good to get everything in place finally, but he wouldn’t settle or rush things. His offices were still open and would remain so even after he opened this branch.

  “That’s good. I know you’ve been a little frustrated by not finding the right place.” She nodded.

  “Yes, it’s frustrating, and I’ve even looked into architects to possibly build what I’m looking for.” He nodded. An existing building would be better even if he did have to modify it a little bit. Not as much delay getting his business life back on track.

  He glanced down at his plate. Somehow, he’d made it through all his food and barely registered any of it. Dixie smiled and picked up her plate, heading to the sink. He followed with his. She started washing the dishes.

  “I planned to do that.” He stepped up beside her. She didn’t have to clean up after him.

  “You cooked. I can clean, especially when it was so good.” She shook her head. “It’s not as if there are a ton of them.”

  “Did you want to go into the living room to talk before we move onto the decadent part of our day?” He stood close to her and sipped at his wine.

  “Yes, I’d love to talk a little more. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day and not learn more about each other. Heck, I don’t even know when your birthday is or what you really like yet. Getting you presents would be hell. I’d probably have to go with a gift card, and I hate doing that.” She cleaned out the steamer pot and turned to him.

  “My birthday is July twenty-ninth. And gifts, if you’re out of ideas, you naked and at my mercy would be a good choice any time.” He ran his hand over her shoulder. Hell, it would be the perfect present.

  “No, really, what are you into? Do you have a hobby?” She wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned to face him.

  So serious, as if it was of life and death. He pressed her glass into her hands and curved an arm around her. They had plenty of time.

  “Well, though it’s hard to tell it lately because
of the asshole attacking us, I ride bikes. Before this pain in the ass came along, I rode with a biking group. I hear that there’s one here, but I won’t join anything until I know he’s caught.” He urged her into the living room.

  “I haven’t seen any bikes around, well, aside from Maddox’s motorcycle, and he’d probably be offended at the comparison.” She clasped his hand.

  “The asshole already destroyed one of my bikes. He’s not getting a chance to do it to another.” He exhaled heavily. That had been an expensive lesson.

  “Do you ride in races? Are you competitive with it?” She sat on the couch and looked up at him.

  “I’ve done a few for charity and causes that I believe in, but I’m not that good or competitive. Plus there’s the time factor.” He dropped down beside her.

  “Anything else you’re into?” She put her hand on his leg.

  “I think I get a question now.” He pressed his fingers to her lips.

  She smiled. “Hey, you can’t blame me for keeping the conversation going.”

  “No, but now, I get to ask some questions. I’ll be just as lost as you when it comes to Christmas and birthdays.” He scooped her into his lap. Probably not the best idea to keep the conversation flowing, but now that they were close, it was impossible to resist touching her. “What do you like to do?”

  “A lot of things, but some of them are passing fancies.” She lifted a shoulder.

  “What has stayed with you? And what do you mean passing fancies?” He frowned. In spite of her bubbly personality, she hadn’t shown any signs of flightiness.

  “Painting. I like to paint and have since I was in my teens. And one of my last passing fancies was hot yoga. I liked yoga well enough and decided to try the hot version, not that the class where I originally did yoga was cool or cold. Coming out drenched in sweat got old really fast.” She ran her fingers over his chest, flicking open a couple of his shirt buttons.

  “By hot yoga, you mean in a hot room, rather than sexy moves, right?” He slid his hands down her back.

  She bit her lip and shook her head. “Funny, but yes, hot room to help you loosen up easier. I just didn’t expect it to be that sweaty. I usually went in there a little sweaty, because I used yoga as a cool down and soothing way to end my workout sessions. The hot room didn’t work so well for me.”

  “So where do you exercise? Do you have a membership at a gym somewhere?” He slipped his hand beneath the bottom of her shirt and roved over her back.

  “I have a membership to a club here, but the hot yoga thing was in a separate studio. The club is mostly whyr. Although, it doesn’t exclude humans.” She flicked open the last button and pushed his shirt wide.

  “I thought we planned to wait to get into the touching until we get to the room and start playing with whipped cream.” He captured her hands. Too much of her touching, and he’d forget everything, including how delicious licking whipped cream off her sounded.

  “You’re the one who pulled me onto your lap. You think I can be this close to you and not touch you?” She drew her fingers down his chest.

  “I know it’s tempting. I gave it a lot of thought myself. How about we skip talking until later and detour into the kitchen to get the whipped cream? We can head into the bedroom and see how long the topping interests us.” He cupped her buttocks.

  “Now, that’s a great idea.” She rose to her feet.

  He curled an arm around her and rose to his feet. His cock hardened. Soon, he’d strip her out of those clothes. He guided her back to the kitchen. They grabbed the whipped cream and headed for the bedroom. Once they strode into the bedroom, she whipped off her shirt and went to work on her pants. He laughed. An eager woman was a joy.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Hunger thrummed through him. He couldn’t wait to touch and taste.

  “I see someone’s in a hurry.” He smiled. Not that he minded the view. Green silk cupped her breasts. That would have to go and soon.

  “I’m definitely in a hurry. I want to get on that bed with you and lick the whipped cream off you.” She smiled.

  “You won’t be the only one licking.” He pulled off his shirt.

  She smiled. “Wow me.”

  “You’ve left a couple of pieces on. Those will get in my way. Some of what I want to taste lies beneath the fabric.” He reached out and traced the edge of her bra.

  “I thought you might want to take them off.” She smiled and wriggled.

  “Well, I could.” He slipped his finger beneath the fabric. Such delicate fabric. It would rip nicely with just a small tug.

  “Are you threatening my lingerie again?” She reached behind her and unhooked the clasp.

  “No, sweet honeybear, not when it’s as simple as tugging it down your arms.” He tugged. The green bra slipped down and fell to the floor.

  He stepped forward. Now, for that little scrap over her pussy. He pushed the green lingerie down her legs. She stepped away from him and climbed onto the bed. Her ass swayed as she eased up the mattress. Damn, so sexy. He followed with the can of whipped cream.

  “Don’t try to hog that stuff, because I will have fun, too.” She glided her fingers over his chest.

  “I won’t hoard it and lick it all off you. Though that is a delicious idea. We’ll trade. I lick some and then you lick some as long as you don’t get too adventurous and go for the big tease on the first try.” He glanced down his body to his cock. Not that he’d rip away from her if she did, but he wouldn’t leave her aching.

  She laughed. “But if you come, you’ll have plenty of time to heat me up.”

  “Yes, but I wouldn’t get the satisfaction of taking you high and joining you in the pleasure.” He eased up beside her.

  “Well, then, let’s go, because I want to get my turn, too.” She sprawled on her back.

  He propped up on his elbow and held up the can. She drew in a slow breath and tensed. He pushed the top. A whoosh sounded, and he guided the tip in a swirl around her nipple. White topped her breast. His mouth watered. He leaned down. He swiped his tongue through the white creamy topping stroking over the hardened peak. The sweetness of the cream mixed with her slightly salty flavor.

  Her nipple pebbled. He swirled his tongue again and again, gathering all the white stuff. Delicious, and stopping to share was going to be hard.

  He pulled back and held out the can. “Your turn, honeybear.”

  She drew in a shuddering breath. “This isn’t going to last very long. I already want to drag you on top of me.”

  “Do you think that you can last for a couple more tries? I enjoyed myself.” He smiled. Damn, he loved making her wild.

  “I’ll give it a try, but we’ll see how long you last once I get my mouth on you.” She took the can from him.

  He rolled onto his back. Such an anticipatory threat. His heart pounded. What would she do first? She surveyed the expanse of his chest before drifting down to his hips. He tensed. This would be over much too soon if she put her mouth there now.

  She lifted the can and squirted a small dollop on one darkened disk and then the other.

  “Going for two? Don’t you think that’s cheating a little?” He raised a brow.

  “No, you put way more on my breast.” She laughed. “With the two little dollops, I put the same amount as you put on one.”

  “That’s because yours are bigger than mine. There’s more area to cover.” He stroked her arm. Her soft skin drew him. If he could, he’d touch all of her, but then there’d be no more tasting.

  She leaned down and lapped at the whipped cream. Her tongue flicked over him, barely gathering any of the creamy white stuff. A sting lashed through him, and his cock hardened even more.

  “Damn, honeybear. Now, who’s a big tease? You barely touched the stuff, and you still have the other one to go.” He cupped her shoulder.

  “You can take it. You’re a big bear.” Dixie patted his arm and lowered her head. She swirled her tongue, gathering the whipped cream on that
darkened disk before flicking over the hardened nub.

  He jerked, and his hips arched up. A gnawing ache churned through him. She’d take him over the edge. Teasing woman. She drifted soft lips over his sternum. An electric tingle followed that path. She flicked across his skin, making her way over to the other bud. Once, twice, she struck the nipple. He tugged at her. She moaned and eased closer. Those open lips closed over the dollop of whipped cream and his nipple. He drew in a hissing breath. Heat seared him, and a jolt coursed through him. Oh my God, the woman would drive him into picking her up and rolling her beneath him.

  She lifted her head. “Your turn.”

  She sprawled back on the bed. The woman was in so much trouble. She just didn’t know it, yet. He peppered four dots of whipped cream on her. A little on each nipple and two on her belly. He traced circles on her breast, carefully avoiding the small dollop. Shivers shook her. She moaned, and her nails scored his back. Oh, yeah, that’s the response he wanted.

  “If you tease too much, I’ll push you onto the mattress and take you.” She pulled him tighter.

  He laughed. As if that was a threat. That was something to shoot for. Damn, he lived to make her wild.

  He swiped his tongue across the first white swirl of cream before closing his mouth around the peak and sucking. Sweetness melted across his tongue followed by her salty tang. She threaded her fingers through his hair. Small stings prickled over his scalp as she gripped his hair. He lapped at the peak before he drew back. One down, three to go. He lashed his tongue over her warm skin. Such a deliciously sexy game.

  He traced a meandering trail down the golden skin of her belly. She twisted beneath his lips. Her light honey scent rose, enticing him closer. If he slipped his hand down between her legs, she’d be slick and ready. So tempting, but not yet. Soon, he’d explore there. He drifted to one of the dollops on her quivering skin. He swirled his tongue around the mound of light topping, gathering only traces of it.