Beret Bear (Rogue Bear Series 3) Read Online Free Page A

her. “So why are you here? What brought you to St. Claire?”
    “The Long Pine,” she stated. “My grandfather owned it, and when I was ten we moved here so my dad could help run it. He eventually took it over and I’m following in his footsteps. As long as I can I guess.”
    “What does that mean?”
    She shrugged. “I’m sure you’ve noticed we’re low on guests.”
    She hadn’t meant to discuss the inn’s financial struggles with Gage, but there was something about him. She felt like he was hanging on to her every word. It had been awhile since someone had paid her that kind of attention.
    “It’s quiet. I like it.”
    She stared at him. She didn’t think she had ever seen such beautiful chiseled lines on a man’s face.
    “You do seem like the type of guy who likes his solitude.”
    He nodded, pulling his hat closer to his forehead. The bill looked small in his massive hands.
    The wine warmed her as she finished her glass. “I bet you’d like the springs.”
    His gaze landed on her, and for an instant she thought he was studying her throat, watching as her pulse beat rhythmically.
    “Why?”
    She sighed. “It’s quiet there. One of my favorite places in St. Claire.”
    They finished their burgers, half-watching the game when Avery realized it was close to eleven.
    She waved Rick down from the other side of the bar. “Rick, can I get my check?”
    “I’ve got it.” Gage tried to wave him off.
    “No, I can’t let you pay for my dinner.”
    “I insist.” He eyed Rick, and the bartender seemed to take his hint. “Payback for that discount you gave me. I didn’t deserve it.”
    “But I-I-” She didn’t know exactly what the protest was, only that she should make one. “If you’re in the military you certainly deserve it.”
    “I don’t.” His deep voice reverberated over her ears.
    Her lips clamped together when Rick handed Gage the check and they exchanged money for her dinner.
    “Where do you live?” he asked while she slipped her arms through her jacket sleeves.
    “At the inn. For now. But my fiancé and I are going to buy a place somewhere on the outside of town. We might build.” She suddenly felt the need to reintroduce Paul into the conversation. She didn’t want to admit that for the past hour she had forgotten about him.
    “Hmm.” He held the door for her as they walked out of the Lucky Coin.
    They crossed the street, entering the empty Long Pine lobby.
    “So are you ever going to tell me what you do?” She was feeling slightly brave with a couple glasses of wine steeling her.
    He exhaled. “I was in the Army. I’m not anymore, though.”
    “Oh.” She saw the light reflect off the chain around his neck. She didn’t need to spend a lot of time with him to know there was something he wanted to keep to himself about the Army. Maybe it was best to stop pestering him about it.
    “Well, good night Gage.” She stopped to face him before retreating to the room she kept behind the office. “Thanks for dinner.”
    “You’re welcome.” His hand rested on the banister. “Good night.” He took a steady breath, his blue eyes piercing in the dim light.
    Before she let the effect swim through her, she darted past the reception desk and closed the door behind her. But she knew it didn’t matter how fast she ran out of the lobby. She couldn’t outrun what was already happening.
    She sank onto her bed and stared at the door, twisting the diamond on her left hand. Thank God he was leaving in the morning.

9
    Gage
    H e hesitated in front of the banister. Something had sent Avery running, but he couldn’t think of what he had said or done. He shook his head and climbed the stairs.
    He knew he wasn’t sharing much with her, but he was torn. He didn’t want to talk about Special Forces. He didn’t want her to know about the demons chasing him. He reached the top of the stairs and turned down the empty hallway.
    Tonight he would sleep under the same roof as his mate, only she