Bare Instincts: A BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance by Vella Day Page A

fish. Using her paws, she batted at it then snapped her jaw over its head.
    Victory! She leaped out of the river with her prize in her mouth. As a bear, she should probably eat it, but grilling it over a fire would be much sweeter.
    Burke looked up. “ You got one!”
    The time for playing was over. She tossed the fish on the rocky ground before shifting into human form. That was a mistake. She was still naked and now very wet and cold. “Brr.”
    A flash of light glinted off the sun-kissed stream, and a human Burke stood in the middle of the river, gloriously naked. His cock had deflated, but she held in her chuckle. “Cold much?”
    He looked down. “I’ll show you cold.” Barefoot, he stepped from the river onto the bank. “Let’s get the blanket you brought.”
    Burke rushed ahead of her, acting as if the harsh ground was as smooth as sand. Grabbing her slippery fish, Tasha picked her way toward him. Halfway there, Burke returned with the blanket, wrapped it around her shoulders, and then lifted her in his arms—fish and all. “We both need to get dressed.”
    Her teeth chattered. “For sure.”
    “How about I start a small fire? We can grill your catch for lunch.”
    “Sounds like a plan.” She tossed the fish near the picnic basket. Once she dried off, she handed him the blanket.
    They donned their clothes, but putting them on over a damp body wasn’t all that pleasurable. Being here in this beautiful spot on a balmy day with Burke made up for it, however.
    While he got the fire going, she rounded up a long stick that she used to skewer the fish. Once their fresh meal was ready to cook, she spread out the rest of the food. She’d purchased fried chicken, potato salad, and some cheese wedges. In truth, she had no idea what he liked to eat. While she’d known him for many years, things like his favorite TV show or his favorite song would have changed—as would have his eating habits. He was buff and probably didn’t eat fried foods. She on the other hand, loved food of any kind. Now she wished she’d thought this through.
    Tasha opened the picnic basket. “Do you eat fried chicken?”
    He leaned over and checked out the contents. “I’ll eat whatever you brought.”
    Burke certainly knew how to make a woman feel special, but he was a player after all. She removed the food from the basket and placed the containers on the blanket. “What do you eat for breakfast?”
    He cocked a brow. “Now, you’re getting personal.”
    Maybe no woman, other than his mother, knew that answer. “I’m sorry.”
    He stretched out on the blanket while still managing to rotate the fish over the fire. “Don’t be. Eggs.”
    “Bacon?” She loved both bacon and sausage.
    “Nah.” He patted his stomach, and she covered hers.
    He was so damned fit. Her idea of exercise was walking across the street to lunch instead of driving the one block. So much for having anything in common. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Oh, crap. He probably thought she believed he’d spend the night. “I mean if I ever pack another picnic.”
    He leaned the fish stick against the fire ring and motioned her to come close. Burke then gathered her in his arms. “I know I’ve made a mess of things, and you have this idea about me that’s only partially true. While I have no desire to ruin this wonderful day talking about my brother, you have to understand that his death has made me realize a lot of things. One is that actions have consequences. Give me some time to figure everything out. My goal is to come out of this tragedy a better person.”
    “I’m not in any hurry.” She smiled, but her lips wobbled.
    “Not in any hurry? You could have fooled me. Every time you’re in my arms, you want to grab my cock and kiss me.”
    She leaned back and studied him. The glint in his eye implied he was kidding. “Me? If I recall, you’re the one who always ravishes me.”
    He ran a finger between her breasts. “Oh, yeah? Want to prove who needs