Read Online Wanted By The Soldier Bear (Heroes of Shifter Creek 1) by Clara Moore - Free Book Online Page A

beginning. Dora came here not long after we started. That’s why she does so much.” Adam winked at her, making her blush. “And so well.”
    “Okay, we are going to go now. I’ll talk to you about the cover when I get back, Adam,” Isadora grabbed Doran’s arm and dragged him to the elevator. She pressed the button manically until it finally opened and pulled him inside. “What was that? Why are you being a jerk to my boss?”
    “I wasn’t…” he tried holding up his hands.
    “You were . You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend. It’s not cute.”
    “I guess I just haven’t had any coffee full of grounds yet today.”
    She held back a chuckle. “The grounds do add a little extra spice.”
    “I do enjoy chewing my drink.”
    “It gives you more energy per capita.”
    “That’s why I like it so much.”
    They shared a smile as the elevator door opened. Together, they moved outside into the sunshine. Isadora shrugged, trying to make her good feelings toward him go away.
    “So, are you and Artie close then?” Doran asked on their way to the restaurant.
    “Who?” she answered, putting fishing around in her purse for her sunglasses..
    “Your boss?”
    “ Adam and I get along pretty well, yeah. I’ve had a crush on him since college.” He stopped walking, just staring at her. “What?”
    “Why would you tell me that?”
    “You asked, I answered,” she grabbed his arm to pull him into motion. “I think he likes blondes though. He’s never seemed interested in me.”
    “Well, I think you’re beautiful as you are.” He hooked his arm with hers.
    “Um. OK. Thanks” she said, unhooking her arm. “Is this the place?”
    “This looks like it.” He held the door open for her and gestured inside. “After you, my lady.”
    “Um thanks.”
    She looked behind her suspiciously, watching to make sure he didn’t make any quick moves. The hostess/bartender mixed drinks for two middle-aged men at the bar before seating the them. Besides the men at the bar, no one else sat in the restaurant.
    “This place looks super busy,” Isadora commented sarcastically. “Good choice, Doran.”
    “I’ve heard the food is really good,” he answered and looked up at her with a smile. “I’m glad you came out with me.”
    “Sure,” she read the menu, then set it down. “I’ll get the spaghetti and an Italian coffee.”
    “That was quick!” he laughed.
    “I have to get back to work so…”
    “Right. I forgot about that.” He waved his hand to call over the waitress/hostess/bartender.
    The woman walked over slowly, seemingly annoyed that she had to actually work. Doran ordered for them and gave the woman a winning smile. She wrote down their order, took their menus, and slumped away. The restaurant looked like the kind of place a mob boss would hang out in. Isadora itched with unease - something seemed off about the whole thing.
    She looked across the table at Doran, who examined the whole room. His stubble appeared thicker since he arrived, making him somehow look more handsome. She’d never noticed how his eyes could look a cool blue and light green at the same time (of course, she’d never spent much time looking into his eyes.) His V-neck white t-shirt showed how the military had done his body good - he looked both leaner and more muscular than before he left.
    “Maybe we should get the food to go. I have to get back to work,” Isadora said, feeling uncomfortable from the environment and from checking out the step-brother she hated.
    “We haven’t been here that long,” he replied with a slightly hurt look in his eyes.
    “I only get a half hour usually. It’s okay if I stay a little longer, but then I have to stay longer after work.” She placed her hand on his. “Sorry, Doran.”
    He smiled, “It’s okay. I’m happy we did get some time together. Let me go talk to the waitress about our food.”
    He rubbed her hand before getting up to talk to the waitress. His black pants hugged his