Free Wanted By The Soldier Bear (Heroes of Shifter Creek 1) by Clara Moore Page B

Doran. I think you’ll be fine,” she said, leaning back in her seat, sipping her drink. “Me, on the other hand, I’m destined to be in love with gay men and die alone.” Though, she thought frankly, that wouldn’t be so bad.
    “Yeah right. You’re gorgeous..”
    “Shut up. You’re just saying that because you’re my not-brother.”
    “I don’t know what that means, but I’m not just saying that because your dad married my mom. You really are gorgeous.”
    “Thanks. That makes me feel a little better. I think also the shot is catching up to me.”
    “I aim to please. Want to play some cards?”
    “Only if it comes with another drink.”
    “Deal.”
    They played Slapjack together, slapping the Jacks anytime they saw one. A couple times, they slapped down at the same time, touching hands for an awkward, but strangely erotic moment. She liked the change in him since he’d returned. He seemed more compassionate and loving than before, perhaps even nicer.
    “Maybe we should head home. I have to work tomorrow,” she said.
    “That sounds like a good idea,” he answered. “Your dad was worried about you going out anyway.”
    “Why is he so worried?”
    “I guess he’s worried because of what happened with the Rosellis.”
    “Just because our last names are similar doesn’t mean something’s going to happen to us. He thinks if something happens to one Italian family, it’s going to happen to every Italian family.”
    “Maybe he has some unfinished business with them or something,” Doran said, standing up.
    “Do you think they were involved with,” she whispered, looking up at him, “the mob?”
    He laughed, “Do you think that?”
    “I heard some stories. Does that mean my dad…”
    “I wouldn’t worry about it, Izzy. As you said, just because something happened to them doesn’t mean anything will happen to you. Plus, I’d never let anything happen to you or my mom.”
    “But you’d let something happen to my dad?” she asked, getting to her feet.
    He gave a sideways, cocky grin. “I didn’t say that.”
    “I think the point is that you didn’t say it.”
    “Let’s not get into an argument when we’ve had so much fun. Let’s go.”
    She rolled her eyes, but moved to lead the way out. At that moment, she hated the thought of something happening to her father and Doran letting it happen. Then again, she never completely connected with her father - he worked a lot, and sometimes she resented him for not grieving more for her mother. Isadora could never replace her mom, but it seemed he could.
    “I rode my bike here,” she said. “Did you drive?”
    “No, I rode my bike too,” he replied. “We can have a nice night-time ride.”
    She laughed, “Maybe we should just walk the bikes. Or leave them here.”
    “Where’s your sense of adventure, Izzy?”
    She conceded, though she wasn’t happy about it, and they indeed did have a pleasant night-time ride. He made jokes to make her laugh, while also guiding them home safely. At one point, they stopped at an intersection, and he put his arm out protectively so she didn’t ride into the street as a car passed.
    “You’re my knight in shining armor,” she grinned.
    “I’m your Navy SEAL in a white t-shirt,” he grinned in return.
    They rode slowly, finally making their way home. Something about how the soft moonlight touched the asphalt made the night feel magical to her. She looked over to him, marveling at the way the night light illuminated his face. He caught her looking and smiled, his eyes shining.
    They pulled their bikes into the back yard quietly. He banged his knee against a potted plant and almost yelled out in pain, but she covered his mouth with her hand.
    “Shh,” she whispered. “Dad’s a light sleeper.”
    She felt his lips form into a smile against her palm. He wrapped his arms around her to bring her closer. Her heart beat swiftly inside her chest, like a bird fluttering inside her ribcage. He pulled her