Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Thank God, I insisted on wearing my comfy black yoga pants instead of the short skirt Brenna picked out for me, or the entire busy airport would be staring at my pink and yellow polka dot thong.
Of course, it’s that instant when I feel an imposing figure standing next to me as I drag myself off the carousel.
Wishing the ground would open up and swallow me, I glance out the corner of my eye, hoping I’m wrong and the man standing way the heck too close isn’t Kodi.
"Need a hand with that?" God, I’d recognize that deep, growly voice anywhere. It’s even more potent than it was on the phone, and I barely resist the urge to fan myself as I look way the heck up into his dark green eyes. The rest of the airport fades into a soft blur around us as I try not to melt into a puddle of goo at his rather huge feet.
Kodi Brute is a freaking giant. I’m five-foot-seven and this man towers over me. And holy cow, the bear shifter is hot as heck with thick, black hair cut close to his head in a typical military fade. His angular face is too rugged to be considered classically handsome, but he’s stunning all the same. His deep green eyes sparkle with life and are highlighted by flecks of gold and dark brown, adding depth and complexity to their appearance. The shifter’s height and imposing presence make him stand out in a crowd, lending an air of authority and confidence.
"Oh, um, yes, thank you," I stammer, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. “Kodi?” I ask, even though there’s no doubt this is the shifter who’s invaded my mind with just a few emails and one phone call. My heart pounds in my chest as I stand close to the imposing shifter. Oh my. I’m in trouble here.
He steps forward, effortlessly lifting my suitcase as if it weighs nothing. His hand brushes lightly against mine, and a spark of nervous excitement shivers through me.
"That’s right, Beauty. Nice to meet you." He places the suitcase down beside me and extends his broad hand.
As our skin touches, sparks of electricity flow down my spine and a sudden thought occurs to me. Freaking shifters can smell emotion. I may as well have a bright neon sign hanging over my head that reads, “Ready to jump the shifter.”
Taking several deep breaths, hoping to gain control of my wayward lady bits, I manage a small laugh, still caught in the sudden intensity of his gaze. "Beauty?" I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear, feeling oddly transparent under his look.
"How was your flight?” he asks, avoiding my question with one of his own.
"It wasn’t horrible," I lie. I freaking hate flying. In fact, I’d rather have toothpicks jabbed under my fingernails than board a plane.
"I’m glad." He reaches down and takes my hand in his before nodding at my lone bag. “Is this your only suitcase?” Having his large hand engulfing mine causes the sizzle to ramp up.
I nod my head and he leans close to whisper, “You didn’t bring much with you.”
As his potent, woodsy scent reaches my nose, my mind goes blank, and it takes me several seconds to remember what we were talking about. “I pack light,” I sputter as he leads me out of the crowded airport.
The warm summer air hits me in the face when we step out into the bright afternoon sunlight, and I realize I’m going to be a puddle of goo by the time we get wherever we’re going. We walk through the rows of parked cars until he stops at a huge black SUV. “This is us.” He smiles and opens the passenger door to help me in.
“Thank you.”
He winks at me and closes the door before grabbing my suitcase and hefting it into the back of the vehicle.
As I watch the hot bear shifter in the rearview mirror, I take several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing pulse and the crazy sensations coursing through my overheated body.
Chapter 3
Kodi
I slam the hatch of the SUV closed and take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm my fucking bear. The first time I saw Briella’s photo, I knew she packed a huge punch. Little did I know meeting her in person would be like taking a sledgehammer to the head.
I still feel the little invisible birdies floating around my head as I walk around the side of the vehicle.
Before I open the door, I give my inner bear a strongly worded warning not to interfere as I try to win over our mate. I open the door and get a whiff of her delicate floral scent combined with the overwhelming desire emanating off her in waves and all bets are off.