Read Beary Guarded (Polar Bliss Book 2) for Free Online Page B

Den , and aside from holding hands, they’d only shared a few chaste kisses on the lips. Nate had been true to his word. He approached each stage of intimacy with caution, and concentrated on getting to know her better.
    He still visited Polar Bliss every day on his break, and she’d even visited the sheriff’s office a couple of times on her off days. Their dates ranged from dinner and a movie, to running together in their animal forms, to furniture shopping for Nate’s new home.
    At first, she’d been hesitant to show him the pieces she liked, but she’d finally given in when he refused to buy anything without her input because it would one day be her home, too, and he wanted her to be happy.
    The deep, plum micro-fiber fabric of the sofa was soft and comfortable, and the cornflower blue throw pillows accented the color perfectly. He’d also bought two matching armchairs, and the three pieces of furniture formed a U shape around a dark, chocolate wood coffee table. Two matching end tables sat on either side of the couch, and the table and chairs in the dining room were the same color with cornflower blue fabric seats.
    The deep colors of the room made her smile, and though they hadn’t redecorated his bedroom yet, Nate had sought her opinion about his bedding, too, and had picked two sheet sets and a comforter in shades of purple and blue. The designs were clearly feminine, and anyone who visited his bed would know he belonged to someone else.
    The thought of another woman seeing his bedroom triggered a low, fierce growl, and Nate paused the movie.
    “Everything okay?” he asked. He nudged her head up with his shoulder, and pulled back slightly so he could look into her eyes. She immediately felt bereft at the loss of his warmth.
    “Yeah…sorry,” she forced out, her throat nearly dry.
    She swallowed hard, and tried to remain calm as he studied her for a few seconds before moving back to his original position, and restarting the movie.
    She wanted him, and it was getting harder and harder not to jump into his lap and beg him to ease the need between her legs. She glanced down at the hard bulge in his pants, and smiled as a sense of relief washed over her.
    He wanted her, too.
    Of course, she’d known that all along. He’d been telling her since before their first date, but she liked seeing the evidence. It made it easier, and at the same time, more difficult, to take the next step.
    Could she do it? Should she?
    Over the past two weeks, Nate had given her more chocolates, flowers, and a tiny stuffed grey wolf to remind her of his animal when they were apart. She’d slept with the wolf every night since. When her brothers found out, they’d teased her about sleeping with a dog, but deep down, she knew they were relieved. They’d both disapproved of her ex from day one, but they genuinely liked Nate.
    After his first emotionally charged encounter with Ridge, her mate had made an effort to get know her brothers, and give them the opportunity to get to know him. He often talked with them during his visits to Polar Bliss , and he’d joined them for dinner twice in her family home. One of those times had been her night to cook, and though it was bad, he’d eaten everything on his plate without complaint.
    The best part was, he didn’t try to hide her from anyone.
    He was a good man, and a good mate, and she was ready for more.
    “Nate?”
    “Yeah, baby?”
    “Kiss me.”
    “Gladly.”
    He leaned over, placed a chaste kiss on her lips, and turned back toward the TV.
    “No, I want…”
    He paused the movie, and looked at her again.
    “What do you want, Riley?”
    “More.”
    She didn’t have to ask him twice.
    Their hands remained locked together as Nate’s lips descended on hers slowly, as if he expected her to run or protest before they made contact. She placed her free hand at the nape of his neck and tried to pull him closer, but he wouldn’t be rushed. Instead, he watched her reaction as his free