Free Bearview Bride (BBW Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance) by Lily Thorn

going to let my friend eat substandard desserts.”
    “I know. You spoil me.”
    Holding the cake up to her eyes, Aubrey peered at it. “I wonder who made this. Do you think they’d hire me to make better cakes for them?”
    “Probably, especially if you pitch it that way. I’m sure they’d really appreciate the compliment.”
    “You know I wouldn’t say that to a baker’s face.” Aubrey slid the cake into the trash. “But I wouldn’t feed this to my guests.”
    “What would you feed them, seeing as you threw away the only food I’ve had for five hours?”
    With a devilish grin, Aubrey rose. “I know you’ve been working hard, so I made you a treat.” She pulled open the freezer and took out two bowls. “Lavender ice cream. Don’t start expecting it regularly, because baking’s much more fun, but I think it turned out okay.”
    The bowl was wondrously frigid against her palms. Tess scooped out a heaping spoonful of pale purple ice cream. Aubrey’s assessment that her creation was “okay” might have been the grossest understatement Tess had ever heard. The cold concoction melted on her tongue, the flavor rich yet subtle. Tess could eat it all day.
    “This is heavenly,” she said.
    “I’m glad you like it. There’s more in the freezer.”
    Tess rose immediately to get a second helping.
    Aubrey laughed. “So how was the gig?”
    “I have to admit, it wasn’t terrible. I’m just not sure how many more weddings I can take.”
    “I know weddings aren’t your favorite.” Finishing her ice cream, Aubrey set her bowl aside. “You’re an incredible photographer, though. I know you’re going to make your clients very happy.”
    “You think so?”
    “I know so. Do you have another gig lined up yet?”
    Tess shook her head. “I was lucky to get this one on such short notice, and that was thanks to Gary. I should probably put up a portfolio online, but that’s going to be so much work.” She rubbed her eyes. “I’m not even sure where to find new clients, honestly. Pin up flyers around town and hope someone calls me?”
    “Actually, I may have a solution for you.” Aubrey handed Tess a folded newspaper. “Look at the wanted ads.”
    Tess read the ad she’d circled. “Wanted: Dedicated wedding photographer. Pay includes free room and board.”
    She lowered the paper to look at Aubrey. “Doesn’t this sound too good to be true to you? Unless room and board is all they’re paying…”
    “It’s at one of the ski lodges, Tess. You know they have to be rolling in money.”
    “It’s at a ski lodge?” She looked closer. “Apply at Bearview Lodge. Bring portfolio.” Her heart thrummed in her chest.
    “I’m sure you could get them to pay you more if you negotiated,” Aubrey said. “You never know unless you ask.”
    Tess stared at the tiny print. Her throat felt dry as she stood.
    “I have to go.”
    “What,” Aubrey said, “now? You didn’t even finish your ice cream. Are you okay?”
    “I’m going to apply for that position.”
    Aubrey frowned, like she was concerned Tess might be running a fever. “You don’t want to wait until Monday?”
    By Monday, the position might be filled. For some reason, the thought made Tess incredibly uneasy. She wanted this job, no matter how little it paid.
    “This seems like a great opportunity,” Tess said. “I don’t want to miss out.”
    “All right. I’ll put your ice cream back in the freezer in case you want it any time soon. Good luck!”
    Tess was already out the door. She took the stairs two at a time. Would she get to see Cade again? And why did that suddenly matter to her more than money?

Chapter Seven
    C ADE GRABBED TWO more cans of paint and headed back to the cabin that had been designated as the new honeymoon suite. He’d been working for three solid days to get everything ready. He had to admit that his brothers had helped a lot, but Cade trusted no one but himself with some of the details.
    Like the last coat of paint,