Page 25 of My Forever Bear

His eyes radiate with so much joy as he talks about the future. He’s so sure of us.

“Is that not something you want?” he questions, voice laced with concern.

I shrug. “I guess I haven’t given it much thought. I’m only twenty-five, and I don’t have the best track record with relationships.”

“Baby, I would never rush you, or force you to do something you don’t want. We have plenty of time to figure out what we want, okay?”

Nodding my head, I thread our fingers together, needing his touch to calm me.

“Okay. For what it’s worth, I like the idea of having your babies, too. Someday.” I wink.

A low growl ripples out of his mouth before morphing into a chuckle. He pulls me in for a hug, slowly rocking us side to side until Reese’s growl breaks the tender moment.

“Come on, let’s go rescue Tyler before Reese kills him.”

Aweek passes with no sign of whoever vandalized my car. I’m starting to get my footing in Cypress Valley as Kiernan and I settle into a routine.

We wake up together in the morning, which is pure bliss. His warm body wrapped around mine makes every morning paradise on Earth.

I’ve learned that Kiernan is a phenomenal cook, except when it comes to breakfast. The only thing he seems capable of making is oatmeal with various toppings. So, like the good mate I am, I’ve started cooking breakfast for us every morning. Pancakes, eggs and bacon, waffles; he loves them all.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time with Tyler. Kiernan spends most of the daylight hours chopping down trees with Reese, processing trees into lumber, or hunting deer in preparation for winter. Rather than waste away at his cabin, I wander to the greenhouse most days to help Tyler.

We’re heading back to the greenhouse from lunch when I notice a green pickup truck and trailer parked outside the cabin that’s used as a food pantry.

An older man is talking with Reese. Gesturing wildly with his hands as he speaks. The giant grumpy alpha listens intently, nodding every so often. A younger woman, maybe around my age, leans against the passenger door of the truck, paperback book in hand.

Her eyes are glued to the pages, making her totally unaware of Tyler giving her heart eyes. She’s extremely beautiful. Tall and curvy, with a mass of bright red curls tumbling over her shoulders.

“Who's that?” I tip my head in her direction, knocking my shoulder with Tyler's… well, with his elbow, because he's so damn tall. “She's pretty.”

The blush that spreads across his cheeks has me stifling a laugh. I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but I am curious why he's watching this woman. Pretty sure he hasn’t blinked since he spotted her.

His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows. “That's Adelaide. Addie.”

His eyes turn wistful and glazed as he gets lost in his thoughts.

Interesting.

Clearing his throat, he continues toward the greenhouse. “Yeah, Addie and her dad drop off supplies to us a few times a month. They live in Oak Ridge, about an hour from here.” His emerald eyes track the truck as it drives by us.

“Mhm. You wouldn't happen to have a crush on her, would you, Tyler?” I tease, giving him a saucy wink. Now his cheeks flame bright red. Oh, he definitely has a crush!

“Nah.” He shoves my shoulder playfully before tucking his hands into his pockets, shoulders hunching forward. For someone who’s usually so confident, cocky even, it’s odd to see him acting so bashful. “We're just friends. Plus, she's way outta my league.”

“Aw, Tyler, you're a total catch. You've got that bad boy, golden retriever vibe. It's really working for ya.”

“We're better as friends.” He sighs, nodding his head toward the greenhouse. “Breaktime’s over. Let's get back to work.”

That evening, I’m snuggled on the couch, reading the newest small town romance novel I stole from Tyler. The man is a closet romantic. He has a whole wall of bookshelves in his cabin, filled with smutty romance novels. I knew there was a reason we hit it off as friends.

The fire crackles, setting the perfect romantic ambience against the reds and purples of the setting sun outside. Kiernan and I have settled into a companionable routine over the last week, but things haven’t progressed any further sexually.

Sure, we’ve been making out like teenagers and the man never turns down an opportunity to make me fall apart on his fingers and tongue.

I know he doesn’t want to rush me, or scare me off, but I have to admit that I’m falling for him… hard.

He’s encouraged me to spend time with Tyler, learning that I actually enjoy working with my hands and getting dirty. He listens when I tell him about my day. Praising me for the hard work I’ve put in at the greenhouse.

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