“I know,” she whispered, “but my bear doesn’t enjoy crowds.”
He couldn’t stop from laughing, softly so as not to spook her further. “Vegas might not be the best holiday destination for you, sweetheart.”
Her shoulders lifted slightly. “It was my only chance, and I thought I could handle it.”
The urge to touch was too tempting to resist any longer. Jim caressed his hand over her cheek, continuing back until his fingers made contact with her hair, fondling the shiny mass again and again as he smoothed out the rough spots. Petting her with long, slow strokes until she let out a low breath, body relaxing.
“There we go. You’re safe.”
A contented sigh escaped her. The sound was a bugle call, waking up his cock all over. Jim liked the feel of this sweet honey in his arms, all soft and warm. He was ready to take her somewhere, strip her and return to this position. Maybe with her knees on either side of his hips, so he’d be able to cup her ass and help her ride.
His bear rumbled in interest. His human agreed—his cock was harder now than before, but he had to do the right thing and make sure she wasn’t with a partner already.
“Is there someone I should call?”
Instant response. She jolted upright as if she’d been plugged into an electric source. “Oh no. That’s fine. I’m good now. Thank you for all your help.”
When she would have crawled off him, Jim resisted, holding her with firm care. “Let me take you to your room, then. You need to give your bear a time-out so you don’t do something foolish.”
Her eyes widened before she pulled herself under control. Her gaze twisted toward the ceiling as she closed her mouth and chewed her lower lip frantically.
Obviously his package of trouble was trying to come up with a convincing lie. This was getting more entertaining by the minute.
“I’ll be fine,” she repeated. “Thank you for rescuing me though.” She glanced down, her hands slowly retreating from his chest as she attempted to wiggle away.
“At least let me come with you to get your winnings. You need a guard if you’re going to collect that amount of money.”
He watched her mouth move, positive a silent oh shit escaped her pouting lips. “That’s right. The money.”
“Yes, the money.” More entertaining by the minute, indeed. “Did you not intend on winning money in Vegas?”
“Not that much.” She slapped a hand over her mouth.
Now Jim was completely intrigued. No way would he allow this woman out of his sight, not only because everything about her called to him, but she was so damn amusing. “Well, it looks as if it’s your lucky day. What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Lillie.”
“And mine is Jim. You okay to go for a walk?”
This time when she tried to rise, he let her go, waiting patiently and admiring every move she made as she straightened her clothing and patted her hair behind her ears. Standing between his legs, her hazel-green eyes were nearly in line with his as she wiggled and tugged, adjusting the soft fabric of her hoodie back over that ample chest.
For the first time he noticed what the polka dots actually were. Her top had teeny teddy bears all over it, and he smiled.
Smiled even harder when she finished tidying herself and turned her attention on him. Smoothing the wrinkles from his shirt with her hands, shaking her head in dismay as she adjusted his collar and tugged his suit jacket back into position. “I’m sorry. I seem to have gotten you ruffled up.”
“You go right ahead and ruffle me anytime you want.”
Her gaze shot to meet his, eyes widening and cheeks brightening with a rosy flush. “Oh…”
Damn if she wasn’t the most charming thing he’d seen in a long time. “In fact, if you’re interested in a little more ruffling, I have no problem with helping.”
A hesitant swallow. Eyes turned downward. “I think I’d like that.”
Soft, but clear.
Jim took her by the hand and led her from the room, intrigued to discover where this lovely diversion would take him. It wasn’t what he had expected to be doing right now, but hell if he wanted to stop.
5
Why?
Why did she have to be so damn lucky?
It was a good thing Jim had been there to help save the day, but it wouldn’t have been necessary in the first place if she could have won some measly amount, like twenty bucks, or fifty. But no…
She glanced over her shoulder at the room they had just left. “Do all the casinos have shifter-friendly sections? I did as much research as possible, but only heard about invitation-only rooms.”