Mallory's Bears by Jane Jamison

sandwiches, hardly half what he’d normally eat.
    “You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” Rick’s mouth twisted into a smile. “To get the evidence you need, of course.”
    “Thanks.” What more could she say? That she’d use the time to crucify them? Or that she’d love to spend more time with them? More personal, got-to-have-you time?
    She met Gunner’s gaze and felt the sizzle heighten so fast and hard that she was sure they could hear the hum of her body’s sexual motor going into high gear. She crossed her legs, sure that if they looked at that part of her body, they’d see a dark spot forming between her legs. She was wet, hot, and needing relief that only they could provide. She trembled and lowered her eyes. That, however, didn’t help when her attention landed on Gunner’s crotch.
    “We meant to ask at dinner, but we were…” Rick hesitated, searching for a word.
    “Distracted,” offered Gunner.
    She jerked her gaze away.
    “Anyway, we wanted to ask about Kid. He said he was your friend.”
    “He is. I’ve known Mike—Kid—for a year now.”
    “And how good a friend is he?”
    She frowned at Rick. “Not that it’s any of your business, but he’s a very good friend. Why do you ask?”
    “I know you two say you’re friends, but is there anything else between you?” Gunner shifted from one foot to the other.
    “Are you asking if Kid and I are emotionally involved?” The fact that they were asking the question had her trying not to beam. That was verbal proof that they were interested.
    “Emotionally or sexually,” added Rick who didn’t appear half as nervous as Gunner.
    “Again, not that it’s any of your business, but no to both.” She paused, giving her next revelation more impact. “Besides, I’m not his type. He’s gay.”
    If that wasn’t relief swamping their faces, she didn’t know what relief looked like.
    “Gay, huh?” Rick nodded over and over, as though he really liked her answer.
    “Yep. He likes his sexual partners with different equipment than mine. And hairier. You know. As in bears.”
    From their reaction, she wondered if they knew the nickname for gay men who were larger, hairier, and masculine-looking like Kid.
    Gunner’s laugh rang out and Rick soon joined in. “He’s a bear. Well, I’ll be damned. We should’ve picked up on that.”
    “I guess we were too involved to pay attention. That’s a hell of a good deal.”
    “What’s up with you two? I don’t get why Kid being a gay man is so funny.”
    They exchanged another telling look. It was obvious they didn’t want to tell her. “Okay, well, it’s fine if you don’t want to answer. I’d better get some real rest anyway.”
    She never made it to the door.

Chapter Four
     
    Rick grabbed Mallory’s arm and yanked her to him. The force of his hold swung her around until she bumped against his chest. He inhaled, drawing in her sweet aroma, and let the whirling spin of his lust wreak havoc in his body and mind. Restraining himself a minute longer wasn’t an option. Having done so for most of the day had been hard enough on him. If he didn’t have her soon, he’d break apart.
    The soft “oh” she made as he spun her around was like a siren’s call to his inner bear. The beast inside him growled, then burst outward. If he hadn’t expected that to happen, he wouldn’t have been able to hold it back. Even then, it was like standing in front of a fast-moving semitruck and holding up a hand to stop it.
    He held her arms, her body flat against his as he gazed into her brilliant green eyes. Her eyes were unique, smoldering orbs of emerald that took hold of his cock and sent it straight into an erection. Her body was warm against his, radiating a heat that only his intended mate could give him. She trembled and it delighted him.
    “What are you doing?” Her whisper was breathy in an urgent seductress way.
    He shook his head, determined not to let her talk him out of it. “Don’t