Read Online Bearly Hanging On (Alpha Werebear Shifter Paranormal Romance) (The Jamesburg Shifters Book 6) by Lynn Red - Free Book Online Page B

crossing his hands over his paunch of a stomach.
    "Do you respect wood?" Ryan asked, leaning forward.
    Boston arched an eyebrow. "Is this one of your weird meditations?"
    "No, it’s a Curb Your Enthusiasm reference. Larry's wife put a drink on a table without a coaster, and it left a ring. Real shame too, since it was such a nice table." He stared over the top of his reading glasses in a way that couldn't possibly be less intimidating if he were wearing a clown nose. He looked at the rack of coasters on the desk top, and then back to his uncle.
    "Huh? Oh. You could've just told me to use a coaster, you big jackass."
    Clacking the coaster down more loudly than absolutely necessary, Boston took another drink and put the mug on top. "Better?"
    A peaceful smile crossed Ryan's face. "Much. Now, we need to talk."
    "What's that there? List of stuff we need?"
    They'd been planning winters like this since Ryan's aunt and uncle moved in. At first, when there were only a few families, it was easy. Over the years, though, as the size of the compound increased, so did the demands - and the complexity - of meeting them. And with winter coming earlier and earlier, it seemed like they were always dancing on the edge of disaster.
    Without saying a word, Ryan turned the book in his uncle's direction and pushed it across the table. "Left column is what we need, right is what we have."
    Another whistle escaped Boston's pursed lips. "Those numbers don't add up."
    "Sure don't." Ryan took the glasses off and placed them back in the desk. He immediately looked about a thousand times scarier. "And I can't come up with much of any way to make them add up, except by getting a hell of a lot more than we have. And for that—”
    "For that, we need a hell of a lot more money," Boston said.
    "Yeah. And for that, we need—"
    "Okay, let's cut the Who’s On First routine," Boston said with a laugh. "What are you planning? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but what the hell, you may as well tell me anyway."
    "I don't know," Ryan said, smiling broadly.
    "Then what are you so happy for?"
    Closing his eyes and interlacing his fingers behind his head, Ryan raised his eyebrows without opening his eyes. He stretched his long legs out in front of himself and sighed. "Because for the first time in a long time - and this mood isn't going to last, so relish it - I have the feeling everything's going to work out. Don't ask me why, but there it is."
    A look of confusion, and then one of understanding, crossed old Boston's lined face. "So I wasn't all that wrong, then?"
    "Hmm?"
    "About you makin' it with the fine young thing?"
    Ryan's answer was a chuckle. "Maybe... not entirely wrong. Go get some rest. I'll come up with something."
    "I'm sure you will," Boston said. "But don't do anything stupid until you talk to me about it. You can do whatever stupid thing you want afterwards, but you can't do it before I know what you're aiming to pull."
    The smile on Ryan's lips lingered. He remembered the way her hair smelled when she was near, how much he wanted to hold her and kiss her in those few moments where she was against his skin, burning hot, and he was still conscious. He remembered how her fingers felt in his hair, how the bare skin on her arms felt around his neck, how her teeth...
    "You okay?" Boston said, turning back from the door as he was leaving. "You're kinda gigglin' over there. Sounds like you're havin' some kind of dream."
    "Something like that," Ryan whispered. "Or maybe it's a nightmare, and I just haven't realized it yet."
    "Keep your eyes open, son," Boston said. "Do what your heart says, but make sure it ain't tricking you."
    Ryan nodded, narrowing his eyes.
    The door clicked shut as his uncle drew it closed. "If only you knew," Ryan whispered. "I'm not sure I mind though. Maybe it's time I really let my heart lead. Fall into a trap or two, just to see what it feels like?" He shook his head, still smiling. "First, I have to set one and let it