A Lion Shame (Bear Creek Grizzlies Book 3) Read Online Free

to the general store and see what we can find. We don't have much in the way of clothes, so you can borrow mine until we can order online or take a trip over to the department store. It's an hour away, but we can make the hike this weekend, depending on the weather."
    Then Rosie shooed SJ toward the back bedroom and the en suite bathroom, where shampoo and fresh towels and a new toothbrush already waited. SJ closed her eyes and tried to relax under the hot water, almost scalding as she tried to scrub away any vestiges of her previous life. This was her fresh start. This time she'd do everything right. She'd help Rosie in the bar until she got some money saved up, then she'd finally pay off the school fees that kept her from graduating and taking her nursing exam. Once she could finally get her license, she could find another job in town or maybe look for a new town, a fresher fresh start, even though she didn't want to leave Rosie. The older woman felt like she'd be the backbone SJ always needed to stand up for herself. SJ could be brave with Rosie standing beside her.
    She'd almost found her courage by the time the water cooled and she stepped into the bedroom, grateful that the plush towels were generous enough to cover all her curves without any gaps, and eyed the clothes that Rosie had put out. SJ had more hips and thighs and boobs than Rosie, so squeezing into some of them might not have been possible or comfortable, since SJ preferred loose clothes after having the baby. She'd never been small but Dakota's arrival added a few cup sizes to her bra and some extra junk to her trunk.
    SJ hummed to herself as she found some thick black leggings and a longish sweater dress, comfortable enough with those that she braved the living room for an impromptu fashion show. Rosie gave her a thumbs up and Dakota clapped and shrieked, so SJ considered it a win. She was laughing at Dakota's expression when SJ glanced out the window and saw the big dude from the bar the night before standing next to her car. Cleaning off her car, then staring into the windows as if searching for something. He moved around the car, knocking off the snow, and SJ's heart climbed to her throat.
    Maybe Chuck reported the car stolen. Maybe that big guy was a sheriff or something. He had that look — either a total thug or a cop. SJ couldn't breathe, staring out the window, then he glanced up and caught her watching. His pale eyes flashed paler, and she bit her lip. Something about him seemed familiar but very dangerous.
    "See something you like?" Rosie asked from right next to her, also peering out the window, and SJ jumped.
    She laughed a little nervously, turning away from the window and pulling at where the sweater dress hugged her curves a little too closely. "No, I just — he was cleaning the snow off my car. I don't know him, it just seemed strange."
    "That's Tate," Rosie said, shrugging. She waved out the window and bustled back to the kitchen, putting the dishes in the dishwasher before pulling scarves and hats and gloves from the coat closet near the door. "He's a nice guy. Looks like a grade-A asshole but he's a good dude. And muscles for days, my God. I would do terrible things to him if I could just get his pants off."
    "Rosie!" SJ laughed even as her cheeks burned and she slapped a hand over her eyes. Rosie wasn't quite old enough to be her mother, but she was close. And the idea of Rosie getting her claws into a younger man like Tate... SJ couldn't stop laughing or blushing, waving her hands in the air when Rosie started to go on in more detail about all the things she'd do with Tate. And to Tate. "Oh my God. That poor man. I'll never be able to look at him again."
    "Don't punish yourself like that, honey." Rosie chuckled, handing her a bulky winter coat as well. "Enjoy the scenery, there's no harm in it. He hasn't chased any of the girls in town, and he hasn't taken me up on my offer for a night of passion, so I'm not sure what his deal is.