Jim brought Lillie to her feet at his side, laughingly bumping his friend. “Movie marathon if you want, or we take out the snowmobiles. Freak out the local mountain lions—have some fun.”
Damon offered a hand. “You’re a good man, bro. You deserve to be happy.”
Like old times, Jim clasped his friend’s hand firmly. “This isn’t goodbye forever. You’ll be out for our wedding in the spring.”
“And you need to meet Addie—she’ll be coming out then as well.” Lillie could pull off beseeching like whoa.
“I’m defenseless against your united assault.” Damon pressed a hand to his chest. “Of course I’ll be here to support you. But now? I’m gonna wipe you both off the mountainside.”
Jim let his friend get ahead of them, holding Lillie back until they had privacy. She waited for him to speak, her happy glow turning her into a shimmering human statue.
“You trusted me an awful lot with that bet.” Jim caught her hair in his hand, tugging her face toward him.
“Maybe, maybe not.” Lillie wrapped her fingers around his neck. “I already trusted you with my heart. There’s not anything bigger than that.”
And that was true, and she was right.
And this was just the beginning of forever as far as he was concerned. “So, there’s only one thing left to say.”
She raised a brow expectantly.
“What do I win when I beat you on the trail today? I think a dirty massage works.”
Lillie laughed. “With my tongue?”
Oh fuck. Jim adjusted his stance, his cock instantly reacting in a Pavlovian response. “Shit.”
She danced out of reach. “Deal. I’ll even be naked the entire time. Hmmm, I might use the music I did the pole dance to in the club. Remember? I’ll play it in the background.”
Then she turned, her hips swaying vigorously as she hummed the dirty tune, passing Damon in the front room as Jim walked awkwardly, hindered by his body but hopelessly and utterly in love with his lady.
His luck had come home forever.
* * *
I hope you enjoyed Jim & Lillie's story! If you’d like to follow up on Lillie and Jim a few months later, there’s a bonus scene called “Lovers and Friends” at the end of the stand alone version of COPPER KING.
Next book in the series is LAIRD WOLF. Damon is off to Scotland on a rescue mission. He’s going to find far more than he expected.
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About the Author
With over 1.6 million books sold, Vivian Arend is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary and paranormal romance books, including the Six Pack Ranch and Granite Lake Wolves.
Her books are all standalone reads with no cliffhangers. They’re humorous yet emotional, with sexy-times and happily-ever-afters. Vivian pretty much thinks she’s got the best job in the world, and she’s looking forward to giving readers more HEAs. She lives in B.C. Canada with her husband of many years and a fluffy attack Shitzu named Luna who ignores everyone except when treats are deployed.
For news, free vignettes, and all sorts of mischief, sign up for Vivian’s newsletter
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Scarlett Grove - Commander Bear
Foreword
Can a cop and a jewel thief find love on Fate Mountain?
She’s on his radar ...
Jaguar shifter Zoe Bright knows trouble. Growing up, she was the “bad kid” who could never measure up to her bear-shifter brother Corey -- and now she’s in debt to the mob. So the last thing she expects is for Corey’s matchmaking program to pair her up with Fate Mountain’s handsome, hunky chief of police!
He’s on her tail ...
Grizzly shifter Rollo Morris can’t believe his fated mate is almost certainly a jewel thief. Still, he and his bear know that curvy, sassy Zoe belongs to them. Pursuing her is a must … and interrogating her is the naughtiest thing he’s ever done.
And both of them are in the bullseye
When the mafia comes after Zoe, will she trust Rollo with her secrets? And even if she does, can he and the Bear Patrol find a way to solve the case and keep her safe?
1
The jaguar prowled on silent feet through the dense, misty forest. The moonless sky was covered in a haze of clouds, blocking out even the light from the stars. The jaguar sniffed the air as she approached the mansion grounds. She’d studied the security system and knew that there were no alarms that could detect her movements.