EVERY BEAR HAS ITS THORN BONUS SHORT. Lily Cahill

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2 EVERY BEAR HAS ITS THORN BONUS SHORT Lily Cahill

3 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, are entirely coincidental. Copyright 2016 Nameless Shameless Women, LLC. All rights reserved.

4 CHAPTER ONE Chase CHASE HART LEANED BACK ON his arms and looked out over the bay. The rising sun streaked the sky, bathing the little houseboat moored just across the Golden Gate Bridge in gold. He closed his eyes and let the new day wash over him. The giant sliding glass door behind him whispered open, and he felt Emily sit beside him. You re up early, she said quietly, her voice still raspy with sleep. It was true. Since Qinding his soulmate in Emily St. Clair a few months ago, Chase had become something of a morning person. It was odd, but he woke each morning excited for what possibilities the day held. The old Chase would have gagged at this new, positive attitude. In Chase s opinion, that old version of himself could shut up. Chase rolled his neck to look at his love and quirked a grin. I could give it all up and live on this houseboat in Sausalito forever. Would you still want to marry me then? Emily wrapped her arms around her knees and 1

5 Lily Cahill snuggled deeper into her oversized sweater. She stared out over the clear, still water. Then a matching smile warmed her face. No. Engagement over. She wriggled one hand out of the sleeve of her sweater and held it out to Chase like she wanted him to shake it. It s been nice knowing you, Chase. Chase growled and lunged for Emily, pinning her underneath him. She squealed and clutched at him. Stop it! she laughed. You re making the boat rock! Chase nipped at her nose. If the boat s a rockin, don t come a knockin. Emily rolled her eyes, but giggled. That is the lamest joke ever. She pressed a quick kiss to Chase s mouth, then pushed herself up to her feet and offered a hand to help Chase up. Come on. I put coffee on. They Qiled back into the cozy houseboat, and Emily collapsed into a soft leather banquette while Chase poured the coffee. He d rented the place for a long weekend from a friend of Mac s and hadn t been exactly lying when he said he could stay here indeqinitely. The houseboat was simple, but perfect. It had warm teak wood inside and soft leather furniture. A rolling ladder led up to the sleeping loft, and the bathroom Qit a gorgeous clawfoot tub he and Emily had put to good use. Spending the last couple days on the houseboat at the end of Sausalito s Liberty Dock, Chase was struck with just how much he enjoyed a quiet life with Emily by his side. The previous few months had Qlown by, with both of them running near ragged with work. The sophomore release from Wild Harts was set to drop in early January, and they were headed to LA soon for the big interview with Nina Marten. It was to 2

6 Every Bear Has Its Thorn Bonus Short coincide with the release and kick-off of the new tour. Chase and Emily had been careful to set aside time alone, but this was their Qirst real chance to stop, take a breath, and just enjoy each other. It d been, in a word, amazing. Their profound connection had only grown stronger since they d committed to each other. Each new day with Emily seemed to bind Chase closer to her, to weave their life together. It was a deep connection, and Chase was certain he d never Qind the bottom. And in just a day, they d make that connection legal. Chase couldn t wait. But he was afraid this was all too fast for Emily, too sudden. She d promised Chase this was how she wanted to do it just the two of them, without the expectations and pressure of her family or status but now that they were facing it, Chase worried. He didn t want her to look back one day and regret how they d married. But they d already secured a minister. It seemed too late to back out now. And if Chase was honest with himself, he was afraid of what Emily would say if he pressed too much. Chase added a dash of milk to Emily s coffee and walked the mug over to her. They sat side by side at the teak table and watched the sun rise through the giant windows at the stern of the houseboat. What do you want to do today? Chase asked after a long while. His mug had grown cool under his palms. Emily sipped the last of her coffee, her gaze still on the sunrise. I m picking up my dress, which you are absolutely not allowed to see, and I have a few lastminute errands to run. Plus, Sven wanted to do a 3

7 Lily Cahill video call about the upcoming trip to LA. Chase raised an eyebrow. What was that last one? Emily shot Chase a look, her eyes going bright. Nothing. No, Chase said, scooting closer. I think you said something about work. Emily gasped. I d never. This is strictly a no-work vacation, she said, inching away. Her cheeks were pink, and she licked her lips, her eyes never leaving Chase. We need to call in a judge for a Qinal ruling, but I think you just violated our terms. And you know what that means. Emily shrieked with laughter and darted away from Chase. They d promised each other that if either of them even mentioned work, the violator would perform a sexual favor. Their Qirst evening on the houseboat, Chase had been so overcome at the sight of Emily in her black dress that he d brought up the new album on purpose. They d been late for dinner that night. Now, Emily dashed down the stairs to the sunken living space, laughing the whole way. Chase caught her easily and attacked her with a searing kiss. His hands caught up in her messy morning hair, and he hauled her body against his. She laughed deeply in her throat and delved into their kiss. Chase groaned, already hard with the promise of what was to come. His heart was a steady drumbeat in his chest, and his skin sparked with anticipation as Emily kissed him deeply. After a while, she pulled away, a naughty smile playing on her lips. She sauntered over to the ladder that led to the sleeping loft and climbed up a step. She peered over 4

8 Every Bear Has Its Thorn Bonus Short her shoulder at Chase, then stretched her arms up the ladder. Chase realized what was hiding under the oversized sweater: nothing. The hem of the garment tugged up her thighs, then up and over her amazing, naked ass. I believe I owe you one favor, Emily purred, staring at Chase. Are you coming or what? Just like they d agreed, Chase met Emily in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. He hadn t seen her in hours, and Chase realized how tight his chest had felt, how anxious he was to be without her for so long. He broke into a dazzling smile when he caught sight of her across the street and fought the urge to dart through trafqic to meet her. Chase tugged her close when she crossed over to him and nuzzled her neck. I ve missed you, he whispered. Emily beamed up at him, then secured the garment bag hanging over her arm. She shook her head when Chase tried to take it from her. No peeking, she said. She peered up and down the street. So, where s this place we re going for dinner? I m starving. Chase offered his arm, and Emily slipped her free hand through. He led her up the lovely little street toward a homey Italian place he d found. Around them, couples and families ambled up and down the streets, ducking into tiny restaurants or standing in line for late-night coffee or relaxing in one of the many greenspaces. It was nice to walk slowly, with nowhere to really be or no one demanding something of them. A woman s voice wafted over the pedestrians and 5

9 Lily Cahill trafqic, a soulful, rich voice that sent shivers down Chase s spine. Emily s hand went tight around his arm, and she walked a little faster toward the corner. They were at the edge of a little park, and before them stood a young woman no more than eighteen, by the look of it playing her heart out on a guitar and singing. Her eyes were closed, her Qingers working intricacies into the music that accompanied her amazing voice. Chase stood transqixed at the raw talent on display. Wow, he breathed. Yeah, Emily said, her voice just as reverent. She s amazing. Chase didn t recognize the song, but it dug deep inside of him, and he knew he d be humming the chorus for weeks. When the young woman Qinished, the crowd whistled and clapped, and she Qinally opened her eyes. She smiled shyly and tilted her head. Then after only a breath, she closed her eyes and dove into a new song, just as soaring and emotional as the Qirst. I know we said no work, Emily began. Chase glanced at her. Was she thinking what he was? Her brows were raised hopefully, and her eyes snapped with excitement. He had no doubts about what Emily was thinking. She d need help on stage, a lot of guidance. She s just so young, Chase said quietly. Yeah, but the talent is there. Chase nodded. Would Sven want to hear a demo? Emily chewed at her lip. I m not sure this is the right sound for him. But I d love to manage someone like this. Especially if I had you to help me guide someone through the process. She looked up at 6

10 Every Bear Has Its Thorn Bonus Short Chase, hope Qlaring in her face. If we were a team. Chase, I could see us really doing this. The music had stopped again, and Chase realized he and Emily had drifted closer, until they were at the front of the crowd. The girl nodded her head again, then pressed her lips together. She looked like she didn t know what to do next for the expectant crowd. Chase shared a look with Emily, then stepped forward. He introduced himself, then teased out that the girl was nineteen, named Maddie, and busked to help pay for college. Emily joined him, holding out a business card. Maddie looked unsure, but she took the card and pocketed it. I d like to talk more about your music, Emily said. She spoke soothingly, like she was afraid to scare off the shy girl. You have something here that you shouldn t let go to waste. Finally, Maddie nodded and promised to call Emily after Qinals in a month. As they walked away toward the restaurant, Chase squeezed Emily hand. You think she ll call? Emily s eyes were far away when she looked up at Chase. I hope so. She grew quiet for a moment. Chase, I wasn t kidding about wanting to manage someone like that. Would you would you want to be partners with me if I did that? Chase stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and tugged Emily around to face him. Emily, I want to be your partner in all things. Wherever you go, I ll be there. He held on to Emily shoulders. He had to know. He had to hear her say it for sure, to quell the fear kindling in his heart. Em, tomorrow. Are you really ready for it? Eloping is a big deal. Are you sure you don t want 7

11 Lily Cahill your parents there? Emily blinked quickly, her lips parted in a small gasp. Yes, Chase. I thought you knew. I only want you tomorrow. Anyone else around putting demands on how we get married would only muddy it. Chase breathed out suddenly, the weight in his shoulders easing. He pulled Emily into a hug. I m sorry I doubted you. Emily pulled back, then held up a Qinger. Don t doubt me, but I need you to go ahead to the restaurant. I m Qive minutes behind you. Chase frowned, but he trusted Emily with his entire heart and soul. Ten minutes later, she joined him at their secluded table. She was beaming. 8

12 CHAPTER TWO Emily EMILY HELD ON TIGHT TO Chase s arm as they left the Italian restaurant. She was pleasantly stuffed, but felt so buoyant she was sure she d Qloat away from happiness if she didn t grab hold of Chase. She was going to be married to this man tomorrow. Her heart Qlipped over in her chest at the realization. In less than twenty-four hours, she would be bound to him in every way. Emily squeezed Chase s arm and fought back tears. She looked up at him, this wonderful man of hers. His dark beard was trimmed, and though he d taken out the eyebrow piercing, his sleeves of tattoos were still vibrant as ever. Funny, how before she d thought tattoos were awful. The retro-style tattoos scrawled up Chase s arms were beautiful. She loved to trace their patterns and lines with her Qingers while they lounged in bed. In fact. Emily stared at the shopfront they were passing. It was a tattoo parlor called Bear Ink, with a logo featuring the California bear. Emily stopped dead, yanking Chase to a stop with her. She laughed, 9

13 Lily Cahill staring at the sign. What s wrong? The sign, Emily said. She laughed again and looked up at Chase. It s, you know, a sign. Chase shook his head. I think we need to get you to bed. No! Emily dragged him closer to the shop. Let s do it. Let s get tattoos. What better moment than the night before we get married? Chase frowned, unsure. Emily reached up and pulled his chin down to look at her. Chase Hart, I love you more than anything in this world. Let me show you how much, please. She dragged him another step closer to the shop, walking backward. Come on, she teased. Don t disappoint your bride. Chase s lips curved into a smile. Really? Emily grinned and nodded. Then she turned and practically skipped into the shop. Together, she and Chase sat and looked through books of tattoo designs. But nothing seemed quite right. Emily sat back in the chair, her lips pursed. Maybe this wasn t a good idea. She leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling. Above the lights, the ceiling was painted dark blue and pierced with a wash of gold constellations. Emily sat up so quickly, her head swam for a second. I know what I want, she announced. For both of us. Chase quirked an eyebrow in question. She pointed at him. Ursa major, then at herself, and Ursa minor. The constellations? 10

14 Every Bear Has Its Thorn Bonus Short Emily nodded. It s perfect! She motioned the tattoo artist over and explained what she wanted. Then before she had a moment to back out, she was in a chair with her foot sanitized and her hand clutched between Chase s. She was getting the tattoo also known as the Little Dipper tattooed on the top of her foot, and Chase was going to add his to a bare spot on the front of his left shoulder. The needle contraption buzzed, the tattoo artist looked to her for Qinal approval, then he leaned over her foot. Emily gasped at the Qirst plunge of the needle, but Chase held her tight. God, it hurt, but there was something exhilarating about it too. She watched the progress as the tattoo artist inked her skin with a permanent mark displaying her love for Chase Hart. Through the stabbing pain, Emily held onto Chase and held onto the love she had for him. She looked up at him through the sting of tears and smiled. Emily blinked awake, a smile still etched onto her face. Chase was still curled against her side, his skin warm with sleep. Looking down, Emily glanced at her foot. It d been wrapped in cellophane after the tattoo was done, and she d slept with it propped up on a pillow. She marveled at the design so simple, yet Qilled with so much meaning to her and Chase. Next to her, Chase s new tattoo was more stark than his other tattoos, but it seemed to meld in perfectly with the others surrounding it. As she stared at him, Chase opened his eyes. Good morning, he said, his voice rumbling through her. He held her close, and Emily basked in 11

15 Lily Cahill this feeling of utter joy. Are you ready to become my wife? Chase whispered against Emily s neck. Yes, Chase. Absolutely ready. And you, husband? Chase squeezed Emily closer and kissed her neck. They spent the early morning in bed, savoring each second of the momentous day. The minister was to come at ten, then they d be wed right on the deck of the little houseboat. At nine, Emily Qinally got out of bed, though part of her longed to stay nestled with Chase. Maybe the minister could just pronounce them husband and wife from the bed. Instead, she slipped into the bathroom and took her time getting ready. Finally, she slipped on the dress she d bought just yesterday. It was done in cream lace, with a knee-length hem and threequarter sleeves. The neckline, though, plunged to accentuate her round breasts, and the silhouette skimmed over her waist and the curve of her generous hips and ass. Carefully, she unwrapped the cellophane around the tattoo and took in the full picture of herself in the bathroom mirror. She nearly pinched herself to make sure this was all real. It just felt too perfect. Chase? she called through a crack in the door. She heard rustling as he walked toward her. Are you dressed? Yeah, he said. You? Go wait outside. I have a surprise. Emily peeked out the side window to see Maddie walking up the dock with her guitar at her side. She looked nervous, but Emily was excited she d agreed to come. They did need a witness, after all. Why not have one that could sing? 12

16 Every Bear Has Its Thorn Bonus Short Emily heard voices talking two male, then Maddie joining. The minister must have arrived as well. So all they needed was her. Emily looked in the mirror one last time, smiling at her reqlection. She felt beautiful. She felt sure of this. But most of all, she felt loved. She opened the door and found a bouquet of fresh pink tulips laying outside the door. The note simply said, I love you more than all the stars in the sky. Emily clutched the Qlowers and slowly walked toward her future. She took a breath, then opened the glass door. Chase turned to her, and his mouth fell open. They stood together, barefoot, on the dock of the houseboat, staring. Simply staring at each other. She d promised herself she wouldn t cry, but she didn t last a minute. She swiped away a tear and laughed. The minister joined their hands and stood before them, Maddie off to the side. The ceremony was short and simple, and they repeated their vows to each other without ever looking away. A few months ago, Emily had promised herself she d never settle again. She d promised herself that she d Qind someone deserving of her love. And here she was, in a dream. Chase Hart was everything she wanted, everything she needed. Smiling through her tears, Emily whispered I do. She couldn t wait any longer. Emily pressed up onto her toes and sealed their commitment with a kiss. The minister pronounced them husband and wife, but Emily barely heard him past the sound of her own heart beating in her chest. I love you, she whispered against Chase s lips. My lovely wife, Chase whispered back. 13

17 Lily Cahill Then, as Maddie played softly in the corner, Chase and Emily shared their Qirst dance as a married couple. 14