Free Bear in Love: BBW Paranormal Holiday Shape Shifter Romance (Shadow Bears Book 1) by Ruby Shae Page A

ready for battle, instead of the owner of a tiny candy store.
    She had been witness to more than one shocked customer who peeked inside the shop and came face to face with Owen. Fortunate for him, his friendly smile and outgoing personality instantly put everyone at ease. People always walked out with more chocolate than they originally intended to buy, and they always came back for more.
    Many times the women hinted at wanting more than chocolate, but she’d never seen him act on any of their advances. Though he’d never said the words, she was sure it was because Owen considered her his mate.
    He didn’t court her like most men. There were no flowers, long phone calls, or attempts to score in the bedroom, but they’d been out several times and she’d never seen him date anyone else. Every date ended with a chaste kiss on the lips, which she found endearing. She wanted more, but she was prepared to wait a little while longer.
    Owen was dedicated to growing his business and he constantly came up with new and innovative ideas. Those ideas pulled people in off the street and kept his little shop thriving with customers all year. She understood his passion and didn’t fault him for it, but there were times when she wished they could move faster and take their relationship to the next level. She was patient, but she often wondered how long she would have to wait for him to turn his passion onto her.
    The store came into view and she quickened her step.
    She’d taken some time off from work and stayed with her brother over the past weekend. January had rolled into February and Valentine’s Day was now only twelve days away. She hadn’t seen Owen in four days, but he’d promised a surprise upon her return, and she hoped he intended to be her Valentine…and possibly more.
    When she pushed open the shop’s door, the familiar sound of the bell, and the smell of creamy chocolate, triggered the huge smile she only wore for him. It quickly deflated when she came face to face with a stranger.
    Instead of Owen, his employee Dan, or either one of his parents, the person standing behind the counter was a woman. A young, slim, pert, beautiful woman that she’d never seen or scented before. She was definitely a bear, and obviously new to Shadow Ridge.
    “Hi! Welcome to Waverly Chocolates ! How can I help you?” The woman asked in a loud, peppy voice.
    Perky was an understatement. Her smile never faltered, and she yelled the greetings as if she had a hearing problem. Her demeanor reminded Fiona of an overzealous cheerleader. A closer look revealed a young, college fresh face with flawless skin. Her gorgeous, long blond hair hung loose around her small, petite frame. Aside from standing a few inches shorter than Fiona, her perfect proportions resembled a popular fashion doll.
    A twinge of jealousy skated over her less than perfect form, but she squashed it. She had no reason to be jealous of the seemingly perfect woman.
    “Hi, is Owen here?” Fiona asked.
    “Yeah, but he’s busy right now. I can help you!”
    Fiona hesitated, but then agreed when a group of tourists came into the tiny shop. She placed her order, and then kept watch on the door to the kitchen as Perky bagged up her candy and rang up her order. Owen never appeared.
    She’d expected him to be waiting for her arrival, and it was hard not to be disappointed by his absence, especially because he had promised her a surprise. She didn’t want to be rude, but she really wanted to see him.
    “Thank you,” she said when the woman handed over her receipt. “Can you please check on Owen again? Let him know Fiona is here, please.”
    “Sorry, but I can’t. He’s busy and told me to only interrupt him if there’s an emergency. I’m in charge out here now; I’m the new Mrs. Chocolate!” She spread her hands wide, as if to encompass the whole store, and then stuck out her right hand. “My name is Heather Waverly. It’s nice to meet you!”
    “Oh, I see,” Fiona