Free Ski Bear (Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance) (Rescue Bears Book 5) by Scarlett Grove Page B

out the keys. As soon as he opened the front door of the house, he knew it was the right one.
    Maybe it was because Maisie was finally in his life. Maybe it was the magnificent stone fireplace in the living room. Maybe it was the wall of windows that reached up to the high ceiling, but Zach knew that this place was the one.
    He slowly walked across the dark hardwood floors and turned into the dining room of the open concept home. Out the French doors was a big, covered patio that led to a massive backyard.
    He thought of all the barbeques he could have out there and all the games of catch he could play with his cubs.
    Taking the stairs up to the second floor, he imagined family photos lining the walls. There were four bedrooms on the second floor, including the master.
    This place would be big enough for a huge family, a family he hoped to start with Maisie as soon as possible.
    He peeked into the master suite. There was a balcony that looked out on the backyard, a huge bathroom with a jetted tub and a standup shower, and plenty of room for him and Maisie to explore each other every night of their lives.
    He was sold.
    He texted his realtor.
    “I want to make an offer.”

12
    M aisie pulled off her apron and threw it in with the dirty linens. She was off early today, thanks to her new assistant Sadie. The girl was working out perfectly and Maisie couldn’t be happier with her. She’s sent Zach a text, telling him that she couldn’t wait to go skiing with him again.
    That was only partly true. She couldn’t wait to see him again, but she wasn’t too thrilled about skiing in front of him again. That’s why she’d decided to practice on her own before their next date.
    He might like her now, but as soon as he realized she was a complete dork when it came to sports, he would wonder what he ever saw in her in the first place.
    “I’m going to take off now, Sadie. Do you have everything under control?” she asked the petite, curvy girl she’d hired to help her at the bakery.
    Sadie smiled and nodded her head. She’d been running a bakery in Portland for several years and she’d told Maisie she was just looking for a fresh start.
    “I’ve got it under control,” Sadie said, ringing up an order of scones for a new regular customer.
    Maisie hurried upstairs and grabbed her snowsuit. This time she was going to wear clothes under it. Although, not wearing clothes last time had had pleasant results.
    She threw the snowsuit and boots into the back of her car and started across town to the lodge. When she arrived, she went into the lobby to visit her mom. Maisie walked up to the front desk and her mother greeted her with a big smile.
    “What brings you to the lodge today, Maisie?” Kelly asked her.
    “I’m going to practice skiing up on the mountain today.”
    “Really? You, skiing?”
    “Zach taught me.”
    “Well, if Zach taught you then I can believe it.”
    “I’m trying new things.”
    “Coming home to Fate Mountain was a big change for you,” her mom said.
    “That’s not all. I signed up for Mate.com.”
    “You did? Have you been matched yet?” her mom asked excitedly.
    “I was matched instantly.”
    “Who is he?” Kelly was obviously overjoyed. “Anyone I know?”
    “Zach.”
    “Oh my God! I knew it. You two are perfect for each other.”
    “How?”
    “It might not seem that way on the surface but you are. Believe me. I have a sixth sense about these things.”
    “Okay, Mom.”
    “Has he asked you to be his mate yet?”
    “No. He’s very concerned about taking things slowly. He doesn’t want to freak me out, and I can understand why. The pheromone thing is real. I’ve read a lot of articles on the internet about women who got super freaked out by the sexual attraction. Zach is doing his best to pace things.”
    “What a gentleman. Zach is a real sweetie.”
    “I think he’s great. I really like him. I just hope he likes me as much.”
    “Are you serious? I’m sure he’s over the