Read Stripe Search: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Furocious Lust Shorts Book 5) for Free Online

to be fair, I haven’t really tried to learn. It’s just been one of those things I haven’t really had time for.”
    Vanessa brought a pitcher of iced tea to the table. She’d already put some glasses there for them. “You’re always so worried about your brother.”
    Gabby pursed her lips and nodded. “Yes. He’s been my responsibility since my parents died. I‘ve been like a second mother to him.”
    “But you’re not his mother,” Vanessa said, patting Gabby’s hand. “You’re just his older sister. You are allowed to be happy and have a life. He’s a grown man. What he does at this point isn’t something you can control.”
    She knew that. Deep down she did, but how could she turn her back on her only family? She’d never be able to live with herself if she didn’t try to help him. He needed her. She wouldn’t stop herself from having a life though. That was a new promise she’d made to herself the previous night. It was time to do whatever she needed to be happy.
    “You seem a lot more quiet than most of the other dancers, which surprises me because you dance so wonderfully.”
    She smiled and shrugged. “It took a long time for me to get comfortable with the dancing. I think one of the things I enjoy is that Charlie’s allows us to be who we are. Have the bodies we have and dance.”
    “Hell, woman. Have you seen you dance? You’re like a snake. No bones. None!” Vanessa exclaimed.
    “I have bones. Believe me. I started dancing when I was in school, mainly to try and lose some weight. It didn’t really help, but that’s okay, because my dance teacher loved to tell me everyone is beautiful in their own way.”
    “That’s the truth.” Vanessa nodded. “And you, my friend, are gorgeous. I’m particularly fond of your gorgeous hair with those amazing highlights.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Do you feel awkward dancing in a curvy-women club? Is that why you’re so shy?”
    She shook her head and did a circle around the rim of her glass with a finger. “I’ve always been shy. I liked my body, but a lot of people didn’t. They always had something to say about the fat girl. So after making myself invisible—well, as much as I could, anyway—I later on realized that I was fine as I was. That I didn’t need to hide myself.” She bit her lip and scrunched her nose. “The other kids, they were the ones who needed to learn to accept that not everyone had the same body. I didn’t mind being big. I felt I had a nice body, just bigger than a few women. Sure, I have some trouble areas like my arms or my belly, and even my thighs, but overall, I’m a happy, big girl.”
    “Good, I’m glad to hear that. We need more happy, curvy women in this world. Love your body, and fuck those who don’t.”
    Gabby giggled and lifted the tea to her lips, took a sip, and set it down again. “I’ll never be small, and I’m okay with that. It’s just been hard finding someone who’ll be okay with it along with me.”
    “Ah, see that’s the beauty of shifter males. They love them some curves.”
    “What about you?” she asked Vanessa. “How are you enjoying being a shifter’s woman?”
    “Mate,” Vanessa corrected with a grin. “It’s great. The sex is amazing. He treats me like a fucking goddess. Not to mention his parents are ecstatic he finally found someone. I can’t say I’m upset he waited this long, since I got him myself.” She poured the iced tea and continued. “I don’t know how things are looking between you and Slade, but I’ll tell you this, if he wants you, then he really wants you. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts. He will not want another woman after you. It will only be you.”
    It was so refreshing to hear of a man who wouldn’t just want some ass and move on. As much as she questioned what the hell she was doing with a shifter, she didn’t want to reject how he made her feel. Boy did he make her feel. Her insides were all over the place from how nervous and excited she