Free The Cougar's Timid Little Lynx (Sweet Water) by Jenika Snow Page B

that actually had Alice’s lynx rising up a bit from curiosity.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare.”
    Talia shrugged and gestured for Luke to move over. She planted herself on the bench between them and turned her full attention toward her. Alice moved over an inch, feeling a little cramped, but not at all uncomfortable as Talia clearly appraised her.
    “Now worries. I am used to the looks. Besides, I know my eyes are unusual.” She grinned again.
    “Mom, look at what I can do.” Talia turned, and Alice followed suit. Amelia started doing a series of off-balance cartwheels, which had everyone clapping when she was done. Joey looked amazed, with her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide. That had Alice smiling, because seeing that look of wonder on Joey’s face was priceless. “Uncle Luke, come here, come here.”
    Alice watched Luke stand up, but before he made his way to the girls he turned and looked at her one last time. There was still residual heat in his gaze, a promise that what had transpired between them wasn’t nearly finished. When his back was to her once again and he was striding away, Alice let herself breathe. Talia turned and looked at Alice.
    “I’m really glad to meet you, Alice.” Talia faced forward, and there was a pregnant pause between them.
    “Me, too, Talia.” Alice looked at the girls and watched in amusement as Luke showed them how fast he could go across the monkey bars. It was hilarious to see a guy of his size, one that could touch the ground , instead reach up to grip the bars, just to appease two little girls’ request. His muscles bunched as he moved across the bars, and Alice clenched her thighs together as she saw the hard muscles flex beneath the thin material of his shirt. His fingers were long as he gripped the bars, and his forearms, so thickly corded with muscles and veins so prominent, flexed with his every move.
    “He’s a really good guy.” Alice tore her attention away from Luke and the children to stare at Talia. The red fox shifter was looking right at her. “He was screwed over by this bitch a long time ago, and although he acts like everything is fine, he can’t hide his true feelings from me.”
    Joey squealed in delight , and they both looked over at the kids. Was Talia saying he was still in love with someone from his past? And if so, why did that make a painful ache to settle behind her ribs, right in her heart?
    “Yes, he is a good guy.” They watched him in silence as he started taking turns in tossing the little girls in the air and catching them. They screamed in excitement, their faces aglow with happiness.
    “I won’t tell you what happened to him, because I know he will when the time is right, but,” Talia turned and faced her once more, “he is a really, really good guy, and he will be the best mate to you imaginable.” She smiled, and it was a mixture of sadness and relief. “I’m glad he finally found you, Alice. It’s been a long five years for him.” With that she stood and called out for Amelia. The little girl whined for a minute, but after Luke got down on his knees and gave her a big hug, she ran off with her mother. Talia and Luke spoke much too quietly for Alice to hear. Talia looked over at her, smiled kindly, and then walked off. Alice thought about the woman who had hurt Luke, and she felt sadness and pain for him. What could some female have done to him that made a male so big and powerful to feel helpless? And she had sensed that sadness deep inside of him, one he tried to hide but that she still picked up on.
    Joey continued to play, and when Luke made his way back toward her and sat down, that low simmering arousal slammed back into her full force. She placed her hands on her lap, twisted her fingers together, and despite her clenching inner muscles desperately aching for something substantial, she kept thinking about what Talia said. Should she bring it up , or let him tell her on his own time? There was no