Delta Bear (Rogue Bear Series 2) Read Free

“No. I feel fine. Really.”
    “That’s good.” She tried to think of what the next standard procedure was, but being this close to him made her forget a routine she had performed hundreds of times.
    “What about your appetite?”
    “Haven’t missed a meal.”
    She sat back to record his answers on the clipboard. “And are you sleeping? Any changes in your routine?”
    “I sleep fine, doc. Anything else?”
    “Yes.” She handed him a pamphlet.
    She was here as part of the volunteer program, not to gawk at him. “Now that you’re home we know that there is probably going to be a transition period. There are some phone numbers here if you need help readjusting. There are counselors available twenty-four seven.”
    “Wait, are you recommending a shrink?”
    She nervously bit at her lip. “No. It’s only if you need the numbers.”
    “I told you I’m fine.”
    “How long have you been gone?”
    He lowered his eyes. “Two years.”
    “Two years is a long time to be away from home. I think it would be normal if you wanted to talk to someone about it.”
    “Is that something you do? Are you offering?”
    She tried to read his eyes. What was he asking her? She wasn’t a psychiatrist. She was an emergency room doctor, but part of the program was lending an ear or a hand. That had to fall under her volunteer responsibilities.
    “I could.”
    Her heart beat a little faster.
    “I’ll let you know, doc.” He rose from the couch and walked to the door.
    “If not me, then know there are people here for you, Jax.” She walked onto the porch. “There are a lot of people who want to support our veterans.”
    His hand landed on the wood post over her head. His body towered over hers and for a second she thought he was going to kiss her. But that would be crazy. That would be absurd. This man who looked like a Greek god, was not going to kiss her out of the blue.
    She stared at his lips. They were beautiful. Probably the most kissable lips she had ever seen. Full and broad. Firm and perfectly shaped for kissing.
    “Thank you. What did you say your name was?”
    “Dr. Manning.”
    “I got that. What about a first name?”
    “Oh right. It’s Haley.” Her back was pressed against the post now and if he leaned any closer his solid chest would be touching hers. She would be able to feel that intense heartbeat.
    “Haley.” He smiled, rolling her name over his tongue.
    “Mmmhmm.” She nodded.
    She knew she was lingering. She was standing on his porch, unable to take the first step toward her car. She forgot she was here as a volunteer, and he was supposed to be her veteran. Instead, she wanted to drink in every ounce of him.
    Damn it. She was an educated, independent, self-made woman. She worked twelve-hour shifts, solved medical crises, commanded an entire hospital nursing staff. But standing there looking in his eyes, all she could think about was how much she wanted to be kissed.

5
    Jax
    H e stared into her green eyes. His chest heaved with deep breaths. He didn’t know it would be like this to stand next to his mate. To know the woman he was within inches of would share his life. She was the one who would make his life complete. The thought of touching her was enough to make his skin burn. He felt the slow growl start deep in his chest. She was so close.
    He bent toward her, ready to taste her lips when he heard an engine rattling along the driveway. He looked up to see his cousin’s truck racing over the gravel.
    “Damn it,” he muttered.
    Haley slipped out from under his arm. The moment was gone.
    “Cuz, you’re home.” Brandon jumped from the truck.
    Haley walked down the stairs. He wanted to pull her back on the porch, and wrap her in his arms. Steal the kiss he was thirsting for. Brandon was already half way up the stairs and threw a burley arm around him.
    “Good to see you.” Brandon hadn’t even stopped to avoid bumping into Haley.
    “Hold on, man.” Jax jogged down the stairs, catching