Sweet Mercy - Lynn Hagen Page 0,9

when he smiled.

“Did you stretch before you left the house?”

“Uh, no.” Mercy’s arm tightened on Ford. “That might have been a good idea. I wish I’d thought of that before you tried to whip me into shape. I’ll do that before we run tomorrow morning.”

A burp of laughter escaped Ford. “You seriously want to run again? I thought you’d give up the idea after this.”

“I’m not a quitter,” Mercy huffed. “I learn from my mistakes and try harder the next time. My twigs will just have to get used to running.”

Ford liked Mercy’s determination, though he wasn’t sure his mate would fare any better tomorrow. Not only was Mercy limping but he seemed out of breath.

“Back to your bakery.”

“Let it go.” Mercy tried to pull away again, but Ford was having none of that. Not when Mercy looked as though he was barely staying upright. “I should have never told you about that. Some dreams are never meant to be.”

“What if I told you I could help you realize that dream?”

Mercy stopped, forcing Ford to stop, too. He eyed Ford with an arched brow. “What’re you talking about?”

“You need the money, and I love interior restoration. I could be a silent partner, help you get the bakery up and running. No strings attached.”

Mercy’s dark brows dipped, and if anything, he looked even more distrustful. “But you don’t even know me. Why would you do that for a complete stranger?”

Because you’re my mate and I would do anything to make you happy. The truth jumped out at Ford. If he didn’t stick around, the least he could do was ensure Mercy was happy with his life before he took off. “We’re not strangers,” he said. “I’ve tasted your biscuits. That makes us friends.”

Mercy chuckled. “You’re a strange man, Ford—” He frowned. “What’s your last name? See, I don’t even know your last name and you’re offering to loan me the money to start my own business.”

“Bowers,” Ford said.

“Well, Mr. Bowers, let me think about your offer.” Mercy started walking again. “It’s not something I would take lightly. I need time to mull it over.”

“Whatever you decide, you know where to find me.” Ford felt that prickly feeling again, as if someone were watching him. Unease settled over him as he looked around.

“What?” Mercy asked.

All he heard were crickets and an owl hooting off in the distance. A light breeze rustled the grass, and the nearby tree branches creaked. “Nothing.”

“Should I use hot or cold for my leg?” Mercy grunted as they turned into the driveway, but Ford still couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes were on him.

“Heat until the pain improves then switch to a cold compress. If the pain doesn’t go away, you can use some kind of topical analgesic cream.”

“Some what?”

“Something like Bengay.”

“No way,” Mercy protested. “I’m not running around smelling like an old man.”

“You won’t be running anywhere with that cramp,” Ford teased as they neared the yard. “Are you still going to make those cinnamon rolls, or should I get a rain check from you?”

“Typical guy,” Mercy snorted. “I’m injured, and all you can think about is food.”

Ford had to force his words down. He’d started to tell Mercy that he was a bear shifter and loved sweets. That was another reason he wanted to help his mate with his bakery. Ford would be in heaven in the shop.

He was also a typical guy when it came to thinking about sex. Seeing Mercy in those tiny shorts was playing havoc with Ford’s body. He couldn’t stop thinking about sliding them down Mercy’s legs and bending him over.

“Fine.” Ford made himself sound put out. “I guess I’ll have to wait on them.”

They reached the steps, and Mercy sat. Ford sat next to him. He hated to remove his arm from around the guy. If he could have, Ford would’ve pulled Mercy onto his lap.

“Sorry about your workout,” Mercy said as he rubbed at his calf. “I didn’t mean to make you miss it.”

“No worries. I jog more to clear my mind than for the actual benefits.” He stood, hating that he’d told his mate that. It was too damn easy talking with Mercy. “Let me help you inside. We should get some heat on your leg.”

And some ice on my dick.

Mercy held up his hand, and Ford pulled his mate to his feet. He helped him up the steps and into the house. Ford looked around. It looked homey inside, with a large fireplace against one wall and