Read Online Beret Bear (Rogue Bear Series 3) by Meredith Clarke, Ally Summers - Free Book Online

part yet.” He scratched the back of his head. “You were engaged up until about twenty minutes ago.”
    She chewed on her bottom lip. “Right.” Nothing made sense, but at the same time she had clarity she hadn’t felt since she met Paul.
    “Nothing has changed for me, Avery.” His blue eyes pierced her soul. “I want you just as much as I ever had. I want every part of you. I want to give you everything you need.” His hand lingered against her cheek. She wanted him to touch her as much as she was afraid of it.
    “I was running. Hell-bent on escaping the memories. But I know the reason my bike broke down in St. Claire. It was to meet you.” His touch sent fire across her cheek. “I was in a black hole until I saw you.”
    “I can’t even think.” She tried to push off the bed, but his hands gripped the side of her face, drawing her lips to his.
    She groaned when his tongue slipped in her mouth. He kissed her hungrily, biting and sucking. The fever began to sweep between her legs. She clung to him as the kiss deepened. Then she heard it. The growl. The rumbling in his chest that reminded her she wasn’t kissing a man. This was a bear.
    “Avery?”
    “Oh God.” Avery pushed off his massive chest. “Yes?”
    Jenny was knocking on the office door. Avery rushed to meet her. “We have a guest ready to check in.”
    “Oh, right. The Sneldermans were supposed to be here at ten. Thank you.” She turned to look at Gage.
    “We’ll talk later.” She walked out, plastering a smile on her face. “Hi. Welcome to the Long Pine Inn.”

20

Gage
    H e could kill that fox . The bastard had revealed his shifter identity and almost killed Avery. Gage closed her door behind him, and walked past the reception desk. She didn’t look up as she signed in the new guests.
    He walked through the foyer, deciding he needed an update from Glen on the bike. The air felt chilly. Fall was descending upon the small town.
    Glen was polishing a headlight when Gage walked into the garage.
    “How’s it going?” he asked.
    “It’s going to be awhile. Parts got pushed back another few days.”
    Gage huffed. “All right.”
    “But, I have something for you.”
    “What?”
    Glen walked to the back of the shop and pulled a sheet off a motorcycle. “Want to try her out?”
    Gage circled the bike. “Whoa. Where did you get her?”
    “It’s my brother’s. He doesn’t ride anymore. I replaced the sparkplugs. Thought you might need some wheels while you’re waiting on yours.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “Dead serious. Take her for a spin, Army.”
    “Thanks, man.” Gage threw his leg over the bike and sank onto the seat. He revved the engine, smiling at the mechanic. “That’s a beautiful sound.”
    Glen gave him a toothy grin. “Enjoy. See you back in a few days?”
    Gage saluted him as he wheeled the bike out of the bay and onto the highway. It felt like flying as he roared down the highway. The wind in his face. But this time it was different. He wasn’t running. He was breathing.
    He steered the bike onto the gravel trail Avery had shown him and cut the engine. He rested the helmet on the handlebars and started walking.
    The leaves crunched under his feet. He saw the creek and smiled. He sat on the flat surface of the rocks, watching the water bubble and splash.

21

Avery
    O nce the Sneldermans were checked in she walked to Gage’s room, but he didn’t answer. She checked the kitchen, but it was empty.
    “He went across the street.” Avery stopped in the hallway and spun on her heels to face Jenny.
    “Who?” she asked.
    “You’re looking for the hot guest in 401 aren’t you?”
    Avery felt the blush on her cheeks. “Well, I-I…”
    “You don’t have to explain to me. He’s hot. I saw him leave. Looked like he was going to Glen’s.”
    “Thanks, Jenny.” Avery left her in the hall and crossed the street to the mechanic.
    She found him with his head under the hood of a car. Glen had been St. Claire’s