Ethan (Blackbeary Creek 1) by Ruby Shae Read Free Book Online

all the amenities of a cabin in the woods. The the upscale building was crafted from concrete and wood, and the interior was decorated in several shades of green with brown accents. The inside was just as beautiful and inviting as the surrounding trees, and she'd always found it ironic that the four brothers had emerald green eyes.
    Guests had their choice of rooms with an authentic rustic appeal, or rooms with a traditional interior as seen in most hotels. There were styles to fit everyone’s comfort level, and both couples and families visited to enjoy the amenities.
    The huge building seemed like a regular hotel in the front, with a traditional concrete entrance and presence, but the back was crafted from wood, and opened into a woodland retreat. The end of the property bordered a protected national park, and many guests enjoyed the brush with nature combined with the freedom and ease of nearby civilization.
    Tegan walked through the sliding glass door, and made her way to the concierge desk.
    “Hi, can help you?” the girl behind the counter asked.
    She was slim, pretty, and about Tegan’s age, but she didn’t look friendly.
    “Yes,” Tegan said. “Is Mr. Locke in?”
    “Which Mr. Locke?” The girl sighed, rolling her eyes.
    Yep, definitely not friendly.
    “Mr. Russell Locke,” Tegan replied.
    “I'm sorry but—”
    “That will be all Tiffany,” a deep voice from behind Tegan said. “You may go home now.”
    “But my shift doesn't—”
    “Marcy in human resources will take care of you on your way out,” the voice said.
    Tiffany stomped away from the desk, and Tegan turned and smiled up at Jasper Locke, the oldest Locke brother.
    He was ten years her senior, with blonde hair and emerald green eyes, and he was one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. The first time she and her brother had visited the Locke Hotel, she'd been enthralled by Jasper, and the fascination had never dissipated.
    Still, in her mind, he could never measure up to Ethan.
    “Tegan Ryan,” Jasper said, his voice automatically forcing her to relax as he guided her away from the counter. “This is a surprise. Is your brother with you?”
    “Is she fired?” she whispered, shocked that he would fire someone who’d treated her poorly.
    “She's been spoken to before,” Jasper said, as if reading her mind. “We like to be fair, but we don't stand for any rude behavior toward our guests. Especially our friends.”
    “Oh God,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
    “What? Why?” Jasper laughed. “You didn’t do anything, and even though she's been trouble, she'll still get a nice severance check. Trust me, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to let someone go, and it won’t be the last. Don’t worry about it.”
    “Okay,” Tegan said, admiring him once again.
    “Good, now tell me about your visit,” he said. “To what do we owe this surprise honor?”
    Tegan thought about how much she should tell the older bear.
    It was rude to show up without a reservation, and she didn’t want him to tell Tristian about her fears, but she wanted his help. She’d come to him because she trusted him to help her, and he would, but it would be easier if he knew the truth.
    She decided to trust him.
    “Tristian's not with me,” she said. “I'm actually in the middle of moving to Ravenwood.”
    “You're moving away from home?” Jasper asked, openly surprised.
    “Yes,” she said. “As you know, I'm not like my brother, and I decided it was time for me to learn to take care of myself.”
    He nodded, and if she shocked him again, he didn't show it.
    “I feel sort of silly now,” she said, “but a car had been tailing me, or seemed to be, for several hours. I didn't want to go straight to the cabin, so I decided to stop here in case I needed some help.”
    “Good idea,” Jasper nodded. “What happened to the car?”
    “It took an exit about an hour back and I haven’t seen it since,” she said sheepishly. “I feel so