Free Edward (BBW Western Bear Shifter Romance) (Rodeo Bears Book 1) by Becca Fanning Page A

was joking but Talia could tell that he wasn’t fucking around.  

    More than you think , Talia thought grimly. Instead, she changed the subject. “So, what are you doing around these parts today?”  

    “I had to come into town for some supplies,” Alec replied. “Thought I’d swing by and see if you were home.”  

    “I am, but I can’t go anywhere,” Talia said apologetically. “My son is home. The sitter’s still here, but she’s leaving soon.”  

    Alec nodded. “Got it,” he said. “Well, can I come in and meet him? Just for a few minutes?”  

    “Okay,” Talia said, before she could really think about whether or not it was a good idea. “James is really shy with new people, though,” she added cautiously. “Don’t be surprised if he runs away.”  

    “I’m good with kids,” Alec said. He grinned again and Talia felt her heart skip a beat. What was it with this man that drove her wild? She felt like she could spend forever trying to figure it out and still not be able to come up with a decent answer. Every time she was around Alec, she felt happier, lighter somehow. Like everything was going to work out and be okay in the end, really.  

    “Okay,” Talia said again. “Come on.” She stepped back and let Alec into the foyer. He was so tall that he had to duck to avoid hitting his head on the frame.  

    “Ms. Roberson?”  

    “It’s fine, Amelia, I just brought a friend to meet James.”  

    Talia brought Alec into the living room. James was sitting on the carpet, playing with toy cars while Amelia watched. At the sight of Alec, he didn’t seem frightened. Rather, he seemed entranced with the giant man. His eyes opened wide and his lips were parted.  
    “Hey there, James,” Alec said. He settled down on a carpet a few feet away. “What are you playing?”  

    “Trucks,” James said in a solemn voice. For a moment his face fell slack and Talia was afraid he’d start crying.  
    “That’s awesome, buddy,” Alec said. There was genuine kindness in his voice and Talia felt a warm rush of gratitude. She’d never even thought about introducing anyone to James – not like there had been anyone to ever introduce – and for a moment, she’d regretted her decision. But now she could tell that her son was intrigued by the strange man sitting on the floor.  
    “Play?” James held one of the toy cars up in the car.  

    “Zoom!” Alec replied, reaching forward and taking the car, making it fly around in the air.  
    James laughed. Alec got on all fours and crawled around in a circle. Talia was both amused and slightly disturbed to note that he did resemble the bear from her dream, only smaller.  

    Talia watched James abandon his toy cars and got on his hands and knees, like Alec. She watched as the two of them cautiously started playing – roughhousing, only Alec was being incredibly gentle with James. He’d pick James up and pretend to toss him in the air, then slowly bring him down until he was laughing hysterically. Alec scooted lower to the floor and James crawled onto his back, tugging at his long brown hair and crying out with joy.  

    “Wow, he’s good with kids,” Amelia said under her breath to Talia. Talia smiled. She felt a blush rise up on her cheeks.
    “Talia,” Alec called. “Help, I think he’s got me pinned!” He was on his back and James was sitting on his wide barrel chest, playing with his beard.  

    “That’s enough now, you little monkey,” Talia said. She leaned down and scooped James up, holding him in her arms.  

    Alec got to his feet and brushed himself off. He turned towards Amelia. “Are you the sitter?”  
    Amelia blushed. Talia noted with a slight hint of jealousy that she couldn’t keep her eyes off Alec. “Yeah,” she said. “Why?”  

    Alec dug around in his pockets and came out with two crisp fifty-dollar bills. “Would you be willing to stay a few extra hours?”  
    Amelia’s eyes widened. “Yeah, no