Chapter 3

Chapter Three

W hen Bear stepped into the reception area later that morning, he didn’t see anyone at first. He was behind the desk. He squinted into the sunlight streaming in from the front windows as a slight movement caught his eye.

Someone was over in the corner. She must have been squatting down, reaching for something in the cabinet under the beverage center. As she rose with her back to him, he drew in a breath.

Was this Addie? She was incredibly petite with long, silky black hair. But what stood out was the halo that seemed to hover above her. It was simply a trick of the sunlight, but it made her look like an angel.

He watched as she stocked the counter with coffee pods, creamers, and sugar. He hadn’t seen her face yet, but he could tell she was dainty. Her fingers were tiny. So was her waist and even her hips. Her hair was a glossy curtain that swayed back and forth as she moved.

Bear held his breath as he waited for her to turn around, which was probably a bad idea because when she finally spun, she yelped and nearly jumped out of her skin. He’d scared her to death.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” He took a step forward, even more mesmerized now that he could see her face. Damn, she was pretty. Rosy cheeks, a button nose, full pink lips, and green eyes a man could get lost in.

“I didn’t hear you,” she murmured, breathing heavily.

He stopped himself from advancing farther as he realized he was scaring her. She had no idea who he was, and he was far more than twice her size. “I’m so sorry,” he repeated. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Little one.”

Was she Little? He had no idea.

Her gaze darted from him to the counter, and when he followed it, he noticed the covered plate of pancakes. When he looked back at her, she winced. “Are you Bear?”

He grinned. “I am. I guess you’ve heard about me. I assume you’re Adelaine?”

“Addie,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry about the pancakes. I, uh, my nerves, and…”

Ah, the Little angel was worried about hurting his feelings. “No problem, Angel. Don’t you worry. Eden was so excited about you being here this morning that she insisted I fix you a plate. Obviously, she didn’t take into consideration the fact that you might have already eaten, or perhaps you don’t like pancakes, or that nervous jitters on your first day would make it hard for you to eat.”

She slowly gifted him with the most beautiful smile as her shoulders relaxed. “I do like pancakes,” she murmured.

“Then I’ll whisk these away and make you some another day. How does that sound?”

The smile grew. “Thank you.”

As he picked up the plate, she lurched forward. “But…”

“What, Little one?”

She chewed on the corner of her lower lip for a moment, contemplating something before answering. “I should eat them so I don’t hurt Eden’s feelings.”

Bear tipped his head back and laughed harder than he had in a long time. After wiping his eyes, he found her staring at him wide-eyed, mouth open.

“My apologies again, Addie.” She was so thoughtful. He set the plate back down, lifted the lid, and cut off a bite of pancake. After dipping it into the syrup, he held a hand under it and reached toward her. “If you eat one bite, you can truthfully tell Eden they were delicious.”

Her adorable smile came back, and she giggled. “We don’t know that yet. I’ll be able to truthfully tell her I tried them. What if they’re yucky?”

He laughed again. Damn, she was something. His heart was beating faster than it had in a long time. He couldn’t remember when a woman had last caught his attention. A very long time, that was for sure. “You’ve got me there. It’s worth a try, though, right?”

She closed the distance and opened her pretty mouth.

Bear’s cock jumped to full attention as he fed this precious Little girl a bite of pancake. The sweet thing even closed her eyes as she thoughtfully chewed and swallowed.

He held his breath the entire time, knowing without a doubt this Little angel had stolen his heart. “Well?”

She smiled again. “I bet they were better a few hours ago, but they’re delicious.” She tapped her lips. “To be sure, I should probably try another bite.”

Bear’s heart stopped as he cut her another bite, making sure to include chocolate chips. He dipped the bite in the syrup and held it out.

Addie leaned in closer, accepted the bite, and grinned. “Yep. Delicious. Thank you.”

He set the fork on the plate and dropped the lid over it before meeting her gaze again. “I’m glad you like them. I assume if you won’t lie to Eden, you won’t lie to me either.”

She shook her head, all that gorgeous hair flying around her shoulders. “I’m not a good liar. I’m really good at omitting the truth, though, when it’s necessary. This is one of those situations where I’m pretty sure Eden is going to bound out here in a bit and flat-out ask me how the pancakes were.”

Yep. Adorable. And what the hell was Bear thinking? He had no business standing here flirting with this woman, even if she was Little. He had no idea if that was true or not, but as strong as his Daddy instincts were, he made a much better Uncle to the other Littles in the club than an actual Daddy to anyone.

Sobering at this thought, he decided he really should get away from this woman before he lost his head. After picking up the plate, he gave her a slight bow. “It was nice meeting you, Addie. I hope you enjoy working here.”

“Thank you.” She gave him another award-winning smile as he backed out of the room.

Jesus. What had gotten into him? For a few minutes, he’d taken leave of his senses and had found himself wishing the raven-haired pixie could be his.

Bear hurried back to the kitchen, quickly disposed of the cold pancakes, and put the dishes in the dishwasher. When he spun around, he discovered the kitchen was spotless, so he needed to find something else to do to occupy his mind.

Hiding seemed like a good plan. He could go to his apartment, type up the notes from the latest club meeting, and… And then what? He really needed to get a hobby. He’d been spending too much time in the clubhouse, helping his brothers with their Littles. He’d loved every moment of it, but it must have gone to his head, causing him to suddenly lust after the first single Little girl he’d seen in a long time.

That had to have been what had happened. It had been a long time since he’d dated anyone. He’d been watching his brothers moon over their Littles, and he’d been basically babysitting them with far too much frequency. He should cut that out. Make himself scarce and too busy.

After entering his apartment, he ran a hand through his thick hair and began to pace. He would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit the last several months had been far more entertaining now that several of his brothers had found their Littles. Laughter and shenanigans filled the clubhouse.

Bear had loved every minute of it.

He dropped down on the couch, propped his elbows on his knees, and leaned his forehead against his palms. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to block the memories that flooded in unbidden.

“I can’t do this anymore, Eddie. I’ve tried—Lord knows I’ve tried—but the truth is, there’s something seriously wrong with you.”

“Valerie…” He had no idea how to respond to her. She’d dropped this huge bomb in his lap, and he was speechless.

“You need to see a therapist,” she continued as she stuffed more of her things into a giant suitcase. “It’s not normal for a grown man to want to treat his girlfriend like she’s a Little girl.”

Bile rose in his throat. They’d been together for over a year. He’d thought she was the perfect Little for him, and now, suddenly…

If he were honest with himself, there had been signs that Valerie had been unhappy. She’d started spending more and more time out of the house, hanging with her friends. Even when she’d been at home, she’d given him every excuse she could come up with not to submit to him.

She was too tired. She had too much work to do. She wasn’t in the mood for coloring. The list was long.

“How long have you felt this way?” he asked in the calmest voice he could manage. Meanwhile, he stood rooted to his spot in the middle of their bedroom, watching helplessly while the woman he’d intended to spend his life with packed her belongings.

She groaned and rolled her eyes. “Since you first mentioned the idea, Eddie.”

His breath hitched. “Then why the hell did you go along with it? Why did you move in with me? Why did you waste a year of our lives pretending to enjoy the same kink as me if you didn’t care for it?”

She turned toward him, put her hands on her hips, and shot him a glare. “Are you serious?”

He lifted both brows, confused. “Yes, Valerie. I’m serious. Answer the question.”

She rolled her eyes. “Eddie, you’re so dense sometimes.” She turned back around and closed her suitcase. “Money, Eddie. It was always about the money.”

He stopped breathing. The room was spinning. His heart felt like it would leap out of his chest. “You dated me because I have money?”

She jerked her suitcase off the bed and let it hit the floor with a thud. “Yes, big guy. I thought you were the entire package. Tall, dark, and handsome, in addition to funny, smart, and kind. But more importantly, you’re rich.”

More importantly? That was harsh and hit him so hard he nearly stumbled backward.

She pulled her suitcase past him and turned around at the door. “Word of advice. Next time you meet a woman you like, don’t tell her you have any money. That’s the only way you’ll know if she authentically cares about you. You’re a nice guy, Eddie. I wish I could be the woman you want, but I just can’t do it. Lord knows, I tried. It would’ve been nice spending my life without having to worry about how to pay the rent. But in the end, it’s not worth it. I’m not Little. I’m a grown woman. Good luck, Eddie.”

He stared at the open doorway, listening to her lug that suitcase down the stairs. He flinched when the front door shut but otherwise didn’t move an inch for a long time.

The house was too quiet without her. Though, again, if he was honest with himself, the house had been quiet most of the time for months because that’s how long it had been since she’d last spent much time here. It had been even longer since she’d laughed with him or looked at him with those doe eyes.

He was a fool. He’d been so into her that he’d lied to himself for a very long time. In his mind, he’d accepted all her excuses and pretended she would eventually come around.

It hadn’t happened, and now, she was gone.

He wouldn’t be heeding her advice, though. He wouldn’t need to lie to his next girlfriend and pretend he didn’t have a sizable inheritance.

Because there wouldn’t be a next time.