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

Zane grumbled while Jolie dug in.
    After a few moments, Zane finally shook her fork at her friend. “Oh my god, girl, I am literally going to just die if you do not tell me right now about this guy.”
    “Fine, fine.” Jolie cupped the warm cup of coffee and met her friend’s stare. “Each of the guys coming through, they were nice, but like, golden retriever puppies. Fluff and sweetness. No fire, no passion.”
    “You said there was one guy…”
    “Yeah, the last guy.” She recalled his size, his scent, his strength. And the way her inner badger went crazy when he touched her. “He was…everything. Just wow.” His piercing blue gaze still lingered on her skin like a physical caress. “I couldn’t speak, Zane. I could barely introduce myself. And my hand was shaking so much he held it and stared at me until the bell rang.”
    “And then what?”
    “And then he grabbed my paper, scrawled something on it, and walked away.”
    “What did he write?”
    “I was too distracted,” Jolie shook her head. “I didn’t look.”
    “Seriously?” Zane gave her a blank look, mouth hanging half open. “You didn’t look.”
    Jolie refocused on her eggs. “Zane, I figured he was making sure I said no to him. He’s sex on wheels and I’m just frumpy, badgery me. It was embarrassing how completely spellbound I was. My whole body ached for him.” This time she gave her friend a pointed look, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. “ Ached .”
    “And you think he didn’t like it? But he held your hand the whole time?” Zane’s hands mimicked choking the air. “I could murder your shitty ex for running you down so hard.”
    Jolie forced her shoulders into a casual shrug. She attempted to look less desperate than she felt. “We said our names and he said goodbye. That was it. I needed to get the hell out of there.”
    “You are an idiot for not looking, however, this seems like an excellent opportunity for a little wager.” Zane waggled her eyebrows, a teasing glint in her eyes.
    Jolie winced. “These little wagers never end well for me. All I got out of last night was sore feet and restless sleep.”
    “Well, if you are so sure you didn’t get anything out of last night, let’s make an another little bet.”
    Jolie’s eyes rolled hard at her friend’s gleeful face. “Okay, Zane, I’m game.”
    “I bet he said yes and they match you.”
    Their hands slapped together and they shook on it.
    Jolie said, “You are so going to lose this one. And when you do? I won’t be the only one sent on a mate hunt. There is no way Mate in a Minute matched us.”
    “I guess we’ll find out when they call.”
    “Tomorrow, then.”
    Jolie’s heart twitched. She was so sure he’d blown her off and it killed her knowing she was never going to see him again. At least she’d win the bet with Zane.

5
    G abe’s body sliced through the cool water.
    Well, less sliced and more barreled forward like a cruise ship. After a few laps, he pulled himself out of the pool to find his sister giggling and pointing, and he ignored her. The towel was rough against his face but at least it blocked her teasing smile.
    Hair still damp, he threw the towel at her and said, “Have some dignity and be kind.”
    “Sorry, but I’ve never seen anyone be such a wall in water. It’s like you’re beating it into submission. Was that even swimming?”
    “We can’t all be graceful and sleek,” he grumbled.
    “Apparently not. Anyway, lunch is served.” She gestured at a plate of sandwiches and a bowl of salad. “I want you well fed before the packages arrive.”
    “I’m going to pretend I know what you’re talking about so I can eat before you tell me.” He took a hefty bite of the sandwich, savoring the tangy flavors and crispy crunch. Even his bear grunted in appreciation. He mumbled around the bite. “Is it too much to ask for my peaceful retreat to, I don’t know, stay peaceful?”
    “It’s not like that!” A flush rose up her cheeks