Promises Unbroken: A Hot Paranormal Shifter Romance (Hidden Hills Shifter Book 5) Read Free Page A

Jackson jotted down notes and let her feel her way through the questioning. She had to admit it was good to be given such respect.
    After she drove back to the station to drop off the cruiser and log the flash drive into evidence, she followed him to the Cove Bar in her personal vehicle. All during the mile trip, she was tempted to drive on by, but that wouldn’t solve anything. No, tonight was about clearing the air.
    Jackson parked first, jogged over to her car then opened her door before she had the chance to do it herself. “Thank you,” she said.
    With her purse slung over her shoulder, they walked side by side toward the entrance. Thankfully, he kept a few feet between them, but even with the space, he radiated sex.
    I should just jump his bones and get it over with.
    No, she couldn’t and wouldn’t. Disaster would follow.
    Once inside, she glanced around, hoping none of her friends were near. This town was full of gossips, but if anyone questioned her, she’d say the two of them had a long night of fighting crime and were blowing off some steam. Stating he was her partner in training should quell any wagging tongues.
    Bumping into her friends, however, wasn’t her biggest threat—keeping her hands off him was her main concern. For months she’d wanted to run her palms over his handsome face and then up and down his chest, if only to enjoy his bulging muscles. Too often, her cheetah side would dream about what was under that plain brown uniform, and her arousal would wake her. Damn man was causing too many unfulfilled nights.
    That’s why I’m here—to put a stop to all this.
    She inhaled to gain some control, but the moment Jackson placed a hand on her back, instant lust bloomed. She had to find a solution quickly to her unwanted reaction or she might do something stupid.
    He led them to the bar and faced her. “What do you want to drink?”
    If she didn’t need to keep her wits about her, she might have asked for a double Jack Daniels. “A Coke is fine.”
    He nodded and ordered one for her and a beer for himself. She didn’t worry about him drinking a glass or two then driving since a shifter’s metabolism was much faster than any human’s.
    Once the bartender delivered the two drinks, Jackson paid and led them over to a table along the far wall. That suited her fine, as she didn’t need anyone listening in on their delicate conversation. Then again, with the fairly loud music, she doubted even the table next to them would be able to eavesdrop.
    Jackson set the drinks down then helped her with her chair. As much as she didn’t want him to think of this as a date, she did enjoy the chivalry.
    He must have sensed her unease about being with him as a small smile claimed his lips. Damn man was enjoying her struggle with this whole mating concept. To make matters worse, he sat next to her instead of across from her. He leaned back and brought the beer bottle to his lips—make those full, lush, sexy lips. If he dragged his tongue around the rim to tease her, she’d have to leave.
    He was trying to tempt her but she wasn’t sure how she could put a halt to it without coming across as a bitch. As if he was attempting to make her squirm even more, he raked his gaze up and down her body, and the corner of his mouth quirked upward once more, dimpling his cheek. With each pass, her insides heated, making her increasingly more uncomfortable.
    She leaned forward to give him a piece of her mind, but all that accomplished was to wet her panties when his pheromones blasted her. Ignore it. “I know what you’re trying to do, and forget it.”
    He gulped some beer then put down his drink, this time the smile fully claiming those tempting lips. “You do? Tell me. What am I doing?”
    Damn. She thought her direct approach would unnerve him, but apparently it didn’t. She could handle him. Selena had been dealing with determined men her whole life. “You think just because we’re mates that I’m going to fall