Badgering the Bear: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Mate in a Minute Speed Mating Agency Book 1) by Flora Dare Read Free Book Online

to the exposed tiles. “Another interesting line item. Used to be a pool or fountain here.”
    Mona nodded at her. “I found the original plans and it was a small pool. I know I said it was a restoration, but we’ll probably want to change a few things.”
    Jolie said, “We figured as much. Maybe we can talk about how you want to use the space.”
    Mona said, “How about we head back to the house? Lunch is being set up on the terrace.”
    Jolie gestured at the small, still trembling dog. “Is he really okay? Why is he so freaked out?”
    Mona laughed and leaned over and spoke directly to the dog, “Okay, Rex. The jig is up. We’re on to you.” The dog stood up and gave himself a good shake. Jolie could have sworn he was smiling, but he definitely wasn’t trembling anymore. “Good boy. I put tuna out for you.” With that, he trotted off jauntily down the path towards the house.
    Zane laughed. “So, he thought we were suckers?”
    “Oh yeah, he had you pegged. Although you probably did startle him. We don’t get a lot of visitors.” They walked down the path together. “And don’t trust that little asshole. I locked him out of my closet because he ate my favorite pair of Louboutin’s. And then that fucker waited until I was walking out of the bathroom, looked me dead in the eyes, and shit in the middle of my bed.”

11
    A fter Des dropped off coffee , Gabe finally rolled out of bed. He could have murdered the stupid sycophant that took him away from Jolie at the Ball.
    It’s my own damn fault. I saw the look in her eyes the moment she realized I wasn’t just a mechanic. That I was something way different. He hadn’t meant to lie, per say, it was…He wanted her to like him for him. After his divorce, he’d sworn he’d never trust anyone again. When someone had pots of money, people wanted to get their own piece of it.
    And he hadn’t wanted to see her eyes sparkle with avarice. Instead, he misjudged Jolie completely. Her eyes had gone almost black and the hurt was writ all over her face. He flinched from the memory of the moment she had gone from being so vulnerable and open to him, wanting him back as much as he wanted her. The moment it had gone from them being the only two people in the room.
    That vulnerability is what lead to her walking away with a shuttered face without saying another word. He’d hoped she’d be waiting for him, had prayed. But when he finally got off the stage, the assistant he’d left her with had chirped that she’d taken care of escorting Jolie to her taxi and she was safely off. Could have killed her, she was so pleased, thought she’d done such a good job.
    It was finally Monday. He could leave another message for Mate in a Minute . I’m sure they won’t think I’m batshit crazy if I leave another rambling message with them. They’ll get right back to me.
    She was The One and he’d royally fucked up, and his bear was screaming in his ear to shift and sniff her down. He had no way of knowing how to even find her. Or how to make it right with her when he did.
    Des might be a very irritating little sister, but she would know what he should do next. She’d let him mope all weekend, although they had mysteriously run out of booze when he decided he needed a bender. As much as it annoyed him to admit, he was glad. I’d have been mooning under every window, serenading strangers hoping to find her. The Chief of Police would have never forgiven me.
    He threw open the curtains and let light flood into the room. He saw his sister making her way back to the house with two strangers. Shit, I’m going to have to put up with them until I can get Des alone. He started to turn away when something about one of the women caught his eye.
    He knew. It was Her . What the hell had Des done? Thoughts whirled in his mind, recalling their conversation. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid or crazy or stalkery, okay?” His grip tightened on the window sill as they approached the