Wolf Tracks - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,40
it a bit, looking down and smoothing the fabric over one thigh. “It’s so soft.”
That’s it. He was going to die, right there on the spot. She was killing him with her innocent sexiness.
“The color really makes your eyes sparkle,” he said, looking for something that was both complimentary and somewhat neutral to hide the rather obvious reaction of his body to her presence in that form-fitting swath of fabric.
“Thanks,” she said, stepping out of her room and closing the door behind her. She had left the big bag in the room and carried a much smaller floppy tote, instead. “I see you got a new outfit, too.”
“The sheriff delivered it,” Jim explained. “Joe sent it over. But I want to pick up a few more things on our way to dinner, if that’s okay with you.”
“Fine with me,” she replied. “I’d like to get a chance to see a bit more of the town while I’m here.”
Jim wanted to see how the town reacted to her presence, as well. So far, everyone had been welcoming, but they hadn’t met that many people yet. Still, things were looking good for Jim being able to leave Helen on her own while he pursued his mission. He just wanted to see how the regular townsfolk responded to her. If all went well while they were shopping, he’d be able to leave her alone without worry.
They went out of the B&B without running into anyone, then headed down the street toward a clothing shop. That would be their first stop. Inside, Jim picked up two new pairs of cargo pants, one black and one camouflage patterned. He also got a few dark T-shirts and some underwear, as well as a web-gear vest that was a surprise to find in such a store.
While he shopped on the men’s side of the store, Helen did the same on the women’s side. He noticed she had a few things on the counter when he went up to pay. He nodded to the salesclerk and had them add her purchases to his.
“That’s very sweet, but I can’t let you pay for my stuff,” Helen objected softly.
“You’re here because of me, and I’m on an expense account,” he reminded her. “It’s my treat. Or rather, SeaLife’s treat. And besides, you saved my life. This is the least I can do for you.”
The clerk watched their banter with wide eyes.
“You saved his life?” the teenaged girl asked, seemingly unable to stop herself. “But you’re…”
“Human,” Helen supplied, smiling kindly. “It’s okay. I know it seems odd. I just did what I could. Right place, right time, you know?”
“It was much more than that,” Jim said, speaking to both Helen and the clerk girl. He figured building Helen’s rep in this town could only help her. “She chased away a pack of mercenary hyena shifters using fireworks and then dragged my badly bleeding butt to safety before healing my wounds and quite literally saving my life.” He rounded on Helen as he said the last bit, handing the company credit card that Ezra Tate had sent him when he’d signed on for this mission to the gawking girl.
“When you say it that way it sounds…” Helen was blushing so prettily Jim had to smile at her while the girl ran the credit card through her machine.
“Heroic?” he prompted. “Courageous?” He was enjoying this, he realized. “Badass?” He nodded as if to himself. “Yeah, that was totally badass, Helen. You were amazing, and I will never forget the way you came to my rescue.”
Their eyes met and held…and the moment stretched. Jim felt the pull of attraction, the joy of just being with Helen, and the need for more. So much more.
The girl behind the counter broke the spell, sliding the credit card slip across the counter for Jim to sign. He turned away and picked up the pen, scribbling his signature on the receipt. The girl then handed over a large shopping bag with both their purchases inside. Jim thanked the girl, took possession of the bag and headed for the door, Helen following close behind.
“You shouldn’t have told her all that,” Helen hissed as soon as they were back outside. “If she’s like any other teenage girl, I bet she’s already on her cellphone telling all her friends about the weird couple that was just in the shop.”
“I hope so,” Jim said, smiling smugly as Helen walked at his side. “I want this Pack to know not to mess with