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

entirely too early , the fog of Jolie’s dream cruelly ripped away by the harsh buzz from her alarm. She blinked owlishly at the ceiling, struggling to remember more than scattered bits of her dream.
    There were definitely big strong arms. And they’d been very firmly wrapped around Jolie. Holy crap! She’d woken from her very first sex dream about someone she knew. A heated flush danced across her cheeks, and she was sure it was so hot she could fry bacon.
    Well, she only knew him as much as you know a person you sat across in stunned silence for five minutes. And nothing quite like being woken seconds from climax.
    Her feet smacked the floor with a thud as she rolled out of bed and hit the bathroom. Teeth, face, pits.
    She double checked her calendar while she brushed her teeth. No point in taking a shower before I go to a job site. Her feet tangled themselves as she staggered around the room, throwing clothes on. The bed was torn apart from her tossing and turning and she figured she’d deal with the random mess later. It’s going to be a double espresso day.
    Waking before dawn was never be her favorite thing, but it was better to do as much grunt work as possible before the sun got high. She parked and grimaced when she saw the other vehicle in the driveway. And yet I still didn’t beat Zane here, dammit.
    Zane lounged in the bed of her work truck. She waved at Jolie and hopped down.
    “Hey girlie, you’re late! Coffee is probably cold.”
    “An evil lie from a foul harpy.” Jolie grumbled and accepted the offered cup, sipping the still hot liquid.
    “You sure are a cheery one this morning.” Zane grabbed the waiting wheelbarrow full of tools and rolled it into the side yard. “We have to double check the markings for the deck, then can get to work clearing. The deck crew will start putting footings in today while we’re working the back forty.”
    “There’s poison ivy all over that area, there are disposable suits in my truck, let’s not have a repeat of the Iver’s place.”
    “I had rashes where no woman should have a rash. I swear, this time I’ll wear one and gloves.” She grabbed a bottle of spray paint, her plans and a tape measure. “Let’s get this marked so it’s done. Then I can start grilling you about last night.” Zane flashed her a grin and got to painting.
    “That might be a new record for you not badgering me when you want to know something.”
    “Whatever.” The now empty can flew through the air and landed in the garbage pile. “You looked like you were up all night and needed to get on the outside of some coffee. Which you have,” Zane pointed out. “Sooo late night?” She waggled her eyebrows at Jolie.
    “Not like that, ya perv.” Jolie tossed a fresh can to Zane. “Although, I did consider it.”
    “You are a dirty liar! I know you too well.”
    “Wanna bet?”
    “When you know the outcome? No way.” They finished marking the plans out for the incoming crew. “But seriously, tell me about last night before I explode.” Zane practically bounced in place.
    “We’re done here, let’s grab breakfast and I’ll tell you all the boring details.” Jolie definitely needed food before she launched into the embarrassing details.
    “Diner round the corner?”
    “Done. Gimme a ride and I’ll let Tessa know about the poison ivy.”
    Fifteen minutes later, they were ensconced in a cozy booth, waiting for the massive breakfast they were going to need before the day was over.
    Zane leaned over the table towards her friend and lowered her voice, “Okay, I’ve simmered long enough, tell me everything!”
    “Honestly, Zane, it was pretty uneventful. I had a beer and bunch of guys hopped from table to table.” Jolie couldn’t possible tell her about Gabe.
    “Ouch. So no one interesting at all?” Zane looked so incredibly woeful that Jolie finally gave in without making her really work for it.
    “Well, there was one guy…”
    At that moment their plates arrived.