Tempted by the Bear - Complete by V. Vaughn Page A

got an internship. The thing is, I think he’s old, like—” I almost said “like you,” and Carly’s smile tells me she knows it. “Well, too old for her.”
    “I know. She’s been dreaming about my friend Keith. We’re trying to find her someone more suitable.”
    “Oh, good.”
    The odor of sweat approaches us, and I glance up to see the blonde and Ian coming our way. I smile at Ian, and he says, “Lucy. Good to see you.” He’s a shameless flirt, but it works for me anyway when he gives me the once-over with his eyes. “You look fabulous as usual.”
    “Thanks.” I’ve gotten bold with him over time, so I banter back. “You look— hot .”
    He chuckles as he reaches for a cup to get water. “Have you met Isabelle yet?”
    Ian’s about Carly’s age, and I know he doesn’t think of me as dating material, but I haven’t given up hope. I eye the girl and paste on a smile. “Hi.”
    She frowns at me when Ian says, “This is Lucy Robichaux.”
    “Are you related to Luke?”
    “I am. He’s my twin.”
    Her grin is huge when she says, “I know him.”
    I’ll bet you do. My brother’s a player, and I guess they’ve hooked up. But it makes me happy, because that means she’s probably not after Ian. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
    “It is.” She takes a sip of water and swallows. “It most definitely is.”
    “Will I see you at his party Friday night?” My brother is on the board of his fraternity. It’s a werebear frat, and they’re known to get wild.
    Isabelle frowns as she says, “No. I wasn’t invited.”
    “Oh, it’s not something you need to be invited to. It’s at the Delta house.”
    “Delta house?”
    Ian says, “That’s a frat house at Orono.”
    Realization dawns on Isabelle’s face. But she doesn’t look happy, and I wonder if she has a thing against frat boys. She shrugs. “Maybe.”
    Ian says, “Break time’s over. Let’s get back at it.”
    Isabelle’s cup crunches in her hand before she tosses it in the garbage, and I have a feeling she’s got plans for my brother. But they may not be pretty.
    As they walk away, I say, “Maybe I should bring Tori to that party. There will be lots of eligible werebear, and she might find one she likes.”
    Carly nods. “That’s not a bad idea. Because Keith isn’t a good match for her, and it would be nice if we could divert that attraction.”
    “I’ll see what I can do.”
    Carly places her hand on my shoulder. “Thank you, Lucy. I appreciate your help.”
    Her gratitude makes me smile, and I’m surprised by it. When I first learned that Carly was my stepsister I wasn’t pleased. But now that she’s welcomed me into her life with open arms, I don’t mind having a sister after all.

Chapter 7
    I sabelle

    W onderful . I’ve fallen for a college boy. Icy wind whips around my sweaty skin, cooling me off from my workout as I pound down the sidewalk to the truck I drive. Fortunately my intense workout calmed me. I wonder if Luke’s legally able to drink. Although he did get more than one bottle of wine at the restaurant for our date. But that could have been because it was a werebear hangout, and we do tend to follow our own set of rules. The familiar rush of heat to my skin as sexual desire runs through my veins is clouding my judgment, because I’d like to ignore age and be with Luke again. That man-child sure knows what he’s doing when it comes to pleasing a woman. What are a few years, anyway?
    I’ve fought the urge to call him for a couple days, because I don’t do that. Men chase me. And that’s how I like it. A growl forms in my throat, and the plastic of my phone case is slippery in my fingers when I pull it from my back pocket. I do need to chat with my contact about what’s going on with my brother, right? I send a simple text.
    We need to talk.
    Luke reads it right away, and his text is quick to follow. Busy tonight?
    Where and when? I’ve reached my vehicle, and a quick double beep sounds as I