Bear in Mind (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 23) Read online

  “I don’t know how familiar you are with shifters and their mates, but my dad has been slowly mentally declining since they disappeared. Over the years, he swore he saw them, but there was never proof until yesterday. He came home from town swearing he saw them and was lucid for the first time in many years.

  “The theory is being close to his mate, my mom, helped clear his mind for a short time. I sent one of my bears to check it out and they scented a familiar bear scent. It wasn’t any in my clan, though.” Quinn glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and she nodded at him. She was following along and was curious where this was headed.

  “Yesterday, we talked for the first time in a really long time, and he told me I was sick the day they left. But shifters don’t get sick. We don’t run fevers ever. I need your help tracking my mom and brother down. I need to find out why they left, and if they left on their own.”

  Quinn leaned back against the couch and watched her.

  Summer was a bit shocked. Not many men, and not an alpha, would trust a woman with such an important job. “I will look into it and let you know anything I find out. But you have to tell me. Why Gerri Wilder’s?”

  Quinn laughed. “Did you taste her baking? I want the recipes for her pastries. I want to feature them in my bed and breakfasts. She’s never given in until we met the other day. I think you’re my lucky charm.”

  Summer slouched on the couch. He was innocent and not involved. She knew it; she should have trusted her instinct all along. Hearing his reasons for visiting made her feel better. She squirmed on the couch, trying to refrain from climbing into his lap and rubbing on him like a cat.

  Quinn’s eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, closer to her. “Did you know a shifter can smell when someone is lying? We also know if someone is wet, and right now, my bear is screaming at me to claim you. You’re mine, Summer. Only mine.”

  “What do you mean yours? I belong to no one.”

  Quinn smirked at her comment.

  “I just told you we can scent a lie. Tell me to stop now or I’m going to kiss you.”

  Stop? Not even if her life depended on it. He was really going to kiss her. Her mind screamed, Do It Now!

  She gave in and leaned forward, rubbing her lips against his. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She gasped when he pulled her against his chest. It wasn’t close enough, so she stood and straddled his lap. This time he angled down and took her mouth. His warm lips caressed hers and she opened her mouth. He slid his tongue in and she moaned at this taste.

  His arms around her waist trailed up her back and one into her hair, tilting her head back. He pulled his lips from hers and kissed down her neck to the slope of her breasts.

  “Summer, I’m going to lay you on the bed and claim you. I wanted to stay away, but you pull me in.”

  Quinn continued to kiss her neck and along her jaw. Summer wasn’t stopping him. She couldn’t ignore her needs any longer.

  “Quinn, take me to bed.” She moved off his lap and walked over to the bed, kicking off her shoes as she went. Summer glanced over her shoulder at him still seated on the couch. With a wink, she unbuttoned her jeans, and slowly slid down the zipper.

  When he didn’t move, just continued watching, she slid her hands into the waistband and slightly pushed them down her hips until her underwear peeked out.

  She heard his intake of breath and a low growl. “You’re teasing the bear, love. Is that a good idea?”

  Summer laughed. “It wouldn’t be a tease if you came over and helped me.” When he didn’t move, she pushed the material down her thighs and then bent over, so her ass was pointed at him. She glanced back at him and pushed the jeans to her feet and slowly stepped out of them.

  “Don’t stop on my account. I’m enjoying the show, vixen.”

  Summer could feel the heat from his stare as his gaze traveled up her legs and across her ass.

  She straightened, running her hands up her legs and to the hem of her T-shirt. “Want me to take this off?”

  “If you don’t want me to rip it off, then you better take it off.” Quinn scooted to the end of the cushion as if preparing to get up.

  “Don’t rush over on my account, sir. I’ve got a few more items of clothing to discard, but feel free to undress over there so I can enjoy the view.” She turned so she faced him in case he decided to give her a peep show, too.

  Quinn stood and Summer inhaled sharply. He grabbed his shirt behind his neck and pulled it over his head. Her mouth dried when she spotted his abs and muscular chest. She tentatively licked her lips, forgetting she was about to pull her shirt off.

  Quinn grabbed the button on his jeans and paused. “I think you owe me a shirt… You have more clothes to take off than I do now.”

  Summer eyed his jeans and narrowed her eyes. “Your shoes count as one, not two. I’ll take off my shirt, but both your shoes come off at once.”

  Quinn grinned. “Fine, but either way I win this contest.”

  Summer muffled a laugh as she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it at him. “Let’s go, Magic Teddy, and show me the goods.”

  “Are you referencing the stripper movie? And the goods? Do you have a foot fetish? That may be a deal breaker for me.” Quinn laughed and kicked his shoes off into the corner of the room. “By my count, we are each at two... But you’re at the disadvantage. One item off you and I get to see your goodies. But you have to wait until both of mine come off.”

  Summer eyed his jeans and tried to figure out a way to get everything off fast. “So, you’re not commando then. Good to know. Well, the way I see it...” She stared at his cock in his tight jeans. “We are both going to win as soon as we are naked.”

  Quinn laughed and unbuttoned his pants, and then slowly pulled the zipper down.

  “Hmm, red. I like that. I was afraid you were a boring tighty-whitey man.” She reached behind her and unsnapped her bra, but held it against her breasts. “Kick off the jeans and I’ll drop my bra.”

  Quin laughed. “I can’t recall ever laughing so much with someone before. You’re going to be the perfect mate.”

  Summer cocked her head and contemplated his statement, his jeans hitting the floor distracting her before she could question him. She licked her lips when she spotted his cock pressing against his shorts. She couldn’t wait to feel him inside her, moving and rubbing against her.

  She let the bra drop and glanced at his face to see his reaction. His eyes grazed over her body and the smile on his face made her relax. She was confident she looked good but it never hurt to see the agreement on a man’s face. Summer giggled when he didn’t take his eyes off her breasts.

  She turned and crawled onto the bed, making sure he got a good view of her ass in her lacy underwear. “Come here, Quinn. The games have just begun.”

  Chapter Ten

  Quinn never expected to open the door and see his mate standing on the other side. He had just arrived at the B & B to check in and do a little baking. His mind worked better when he was concentrating on other stuff. In the past, he had worked out solutions to problems over homemade bread and pies. He figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

  He had heard a car pull up outside but when no one came inside, he went to investigate and found her. Her scent punched him in the gut right away and he knew he was going to find a way to make her his as soon as possible.

  When she mentioned she was a PI, he hatched a plan. One his bear was pissed with, but Quinn would be there every step of the way. No way was his mate going to be put into harm’s way, not as long as he was there to keep her safe.

  The whole way up the stairs, he could feel her staring at his ass, and when he flirted, he could smell her desire. Today was going to be a good day.

  Now she was lying on the bed waiting for him and his bear was eager to get to their mate.

  He walked to the bed, pushing his briefs down his legs as he went. When he reached the end of the bed, he eyed every inch of her caramel-co
lored skin. “I hope you’re not in a rush, because I plan to take my time and lick every inch of your body.”

  Summer moaned and rubbed her foot up her right leg. “What are you waiting for?”

  Quinn shook his head and smiled at her, then knelt on the edge of the bed, below her feet. “Let’s hope you’re not ticklish.”

  He picked up her foot and kissed the arch then along her ankle to her calf. He set her leg down and picked up the other, repeating the process. He scooted up so he sat between her feet now and leaned down, running his hands up her thigh and across her stomach. She shivered. He nibbled his way up one leg, then the other, sucking her inner thighs.

  He glanced up to see her gripping the sheets in her fists and staring down at him. Quinn smirked and rubbed his lips across her panty line. “These need to come off your delectable body.”

  He rubbed his nose along her underwear and then leaned up so he could place kisses along her belly. “I can’t wait to lick your lips and feel you come apart in my mouth.” Summer’s body quivered and Quinn was satisfied she was ready for him. He ran his hands up her ribcage and under breasts, letting his knuckles rub lightly against her nipples.

  She sucked in a breath and Quinn moved closer, gently blowing across the tips. “I’m sorry, are you chilly? It is a bit nipply in here.”

  Summer choked out a laugh. “As long as you’re not suffering from the cold, I’ll be fine.”

  Quinn chuckled and then burst into laughter. He moved to lie beside Summer and then ran his hands from her hips across her stomach. He lightly rubbed around her breast drawing smaller circles with every pass of his fingers. When he reached her nipple, he gave it a light tug. Summer arched her back and tilted her head. Quinn rumbled and leaned down to nibble on the exposed skin of her neck.

  “Is your bear excited to see me, Quinn?” Summer laughed and he was relieved to see she was so comfortable with his other half.

  “Almost as much as me getting to touch you.” Quinn kissed along her neck and down to her collarbone and the crest of her breasts. “I could feast on you forever.”

  Quinn ran his tongue along the curve of her breast, drawing the nipple into his mouth when he got close enough.

  “Damn, Quinn,” Summer moaned out loudly.

  Quinn nipped at her nipple and then moved to the other breast.

  “Quinn, quit teasing me, please. I want to explore you, too. Will you let me?”

  Quinn released her nipple and sighed. “Fine, but next time I get to explore your other side.”

  Summer looked apprehensive for a moment then laughed. “On your back, Teddy Bear. I want to play the adult version of cuddle your bear.”

  Quinn groaned but did as she asked. “It’s only fair, my mate, that you lose the underwear. I want to feel your hot pussy against me as you explore my body."

  Summer climbed off and shimmied her underwear to the floor, then climbed onto the bed and knelt next to his hip. Quinn felt her gaze as it traveled his body like a physical caress.

  “Quinn, can I meet your bear later? I want to see both sides of you, please.”

  Quinn felt his bear’s pleasure and knew his mate would make the perfect match for them. She was the missing piece in his life. He was dragged out of his thoughts when he felt the gentle caress on his thigh. “Touch me, Summer, I want to feel your hands on my skin.”

  Summer slowly moved her hand up his leg and he couldn’t control his muscles contracting at her touch. He jumped when he felt her hot breath on his cock. “Dear God above, you’re killing me.” Summer giggled and licked the tip of his cock before sucking him into her mouth.

  “Fuck, that feels so good.” She murmured something and Quinn thought he was going to explode. The vibration of her lips, tongue, throat. Hell, he didn’t know which it was, but it felt damn good. “Summer, come here. I want to kiss you.” Quinn pulled her up and she straddled his hips. He could feel her wet heat against his cock and he strained not to flip her over.

  Summer leaned down and Quinn traced the seam of her lips until she opened and he sucked her tongue into his mouth. “Your turn’s over.” Quinn flipped them so he was on top and grabbed a pillow. “I’m not ready and you haven’t screamed yet. If you don’t want the other guests to hear from you…there’s the pillow.”

  Summer got a gleam in her eye. “Challenge accepted, Mr. Bear. Do your best!”

  Quinn smiled and kissed his way down her body to the lips of her pussy. “This is the sweetest honey a bear could find. I can’t wait to savor you on my lips.”

  “All talk, big man. Back up your words already.” Summer giggled and Quinn grumbled.

  He leaned down and nuzzled his nose through her trimmed pussy. With a fast swipe of his tongue, he licked her clit and she jumped. “Oh, that’s a good start, my mate. But there’s a lot more to come.” Quinn swirled his tongue around her clit a few times then moved down to her slit. “Yeah, you’re wet for me already.”

  Summer moaned and Quinn’s cock throbbed, he licked her pussy up to her clit and back down a few times. With his tongue, he swirled it around saying things in his mind as if writing with his tongue. Each swipe had her panting harder.

  When she was moaning even louder, he slowly inserted a finger and mimicked his tongue’s movements. After a few minutes, he added a second finger.

  “Fuck, Quinn, I’m so close,” Summer ground out.

  “Scream for me and I’ll give you the best orgasm of your life.” He licked again. “You’re so fucking perfect, Summer. I can’t wait to feel your pussy gripping me hard.”

  Summer started to shake and Quinn took her clit into his mouth and sucked. She screamed and grabbed the pillow to cover her mouth. Quinn kissed his way up her body until his cock was nestled in the crook of her legs. He watched and waited for her to move the pillow. “Thank you, love, now the fun really begins.”

  Summer smiled and wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her ankles. “Let’s go, bear. Show me what you got.”

  Quinn nudged her lips with his cock and slowly slid inside her warm sheath. “Oh damn, that…that’s quite fucking amazing.”

  Quinn waited a moment to savor being inside his mate for the first time, then pulled out and pushed back in. Summer tightened her legs around his waist, and he laughed. “Okay, sweetheart, you want to play?” Quinn grabbed her around the waist and scooted them off the bed. “Perk of being a bear…I can hold you easily.”

  He walked them to the closest wall. “Ready for this, my love?” Summer nodded and let her head fall against the wall she now leaned on. “I’m going to hold you up, so relax your legs.”

  Summer unlatched her legs and let him support her weight. Her body sank onto his more and he groaned. “Now, hold on tight.”

  Quinn pulled out and slammed back into her core over and over. They were both becoming a sweaty mess. When Summer started to clench around him, he kissed her and pushed into her one last time, putting pressure on her clit. His mouth muffled her scream and his groans. A few minutes later, he let her legs drop to the floor but kept his arm wrapped around her waist.

  “Quinn, does that very amazing tub in the bathroom fit two people?”

  Quinn lifted his head from her shoulder and glanced in the bathroom. “It’s even stocked with my favorite bath products.” He picked her up with an arm under her knees and the other around her back. He carried her into the bathroom and set her on the counter then turned to fill the tub.

  “Are your car keys in your jeans pocket?” he asked. Summer nodded. “I’ll get your luggage so you have clean clothing. Get in. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Summer watched Quinn walk out of the bathroom and a few moments later, leave the room. She jumped down from the counter and did a little dance. He was amazing and not at all what she expected. She shut the water off to the tub and climbed in. Her mind wandered to everything that had happened that week. Winter was going to be shocked to find out she slept with Quinn. But it felt right, and
she didn’t care.

  It was sad he lost his twin brother. She wondered if he were still alive or if it was just his mother that his dad had seen the day before.

  “I love that dreamy smile on your face. Dare I hope I’m the cause of it?”

  Summer looked up to see Quinn fully dressed in the doorway. “I thought you were joining me. I have some questions. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.”

  Quinn tossed her keys onto the bathroom counter and undressed. “Move over, my lady. I’m coming in.”

  Summer laughed and moved forward in the tub so he could slide in behind her. She felt the water shift as he gingerly stepped into the tub and he groaned as the warm water hit him. A moment later, he was settled and his legs were on either side of her. She leaned back against his chest and looked up at him. “Hi.”

  Quinn laughed and she could feel the rumble in his chest. “Are you an identical twin?” Summer leaned forward and grabbed the body soap on the ledge and poured some on the loofah that hung from the faucet. “Lift your leg for me.”

  She started running it along his skin and waited for him to answer her first question.

  “No, we were...are...fraternal. But everyone said we looked enough alike to be identical. I don’t remember him really.” Quinn shifted in the water and set his leg down, then lifted the other.

  “Can you tell me about your bear?” She ran the loofah down his other leg.

  “I’m not sure what to tell you about him. He’s a brown bear, most aren’t very tall, around five feet. When shift, I weigh around a thousand pounds.” Quinn leaned forward and took the soapy loofah from her hands. “Lean forward so I can wash your back.”

  Summer rinsed her hands and then scooted a little away. “As the alpha, are you the biggest bear?”

  Quinn chuckled. “You women are obsessed with size, aren’t you?” Summer didn’t reply, but grabbed some of his leg hair and tugged. “Ouch, woman! Fine, I’m kidding. No, I’m not the largest, but close. I assume you’re wondering about my alpha status.”