Page 8 of Bearly Believable Romance

Bram grinned down at her, his eyes bright in the dappled sunlight. “Just wait until we reach the overlook. It’ll take your breath away.”

“Is that your master plan? To leave me breathless?” She arched a playful brow. She could hope, right?

“Maybe.” His smirk was pure mischief. “Is it working?”

Tabitha laughed, nudging him with her elbow. “Keep dreaming, Casanova.”

They walked in companionable silence for a bit. The only sounds were their breathing and the distant trill of birdsong. It was peaceful, the forest wrapping around them like a cocoon.

“So,” Bram broke the quiet, “tell me something about yourself. Something not many people know.”

She slanted him a curious look. “Like what?”

He shrugged broad shoulders. “I don’t know. A hidden talent, a guilty pleasure, an embarrassing childhood memory. We need to get to know each other to make this fake romance more believable. Tell me anything.”

Tabitha pursed her lips, considering. “Okay. When I was eight, I got stuck up in a tree trying to rescue my neighbor’s cat. I was too scared to climb down, so I started yowling until someone came to get me.”

Bram’s laughter echoed through the trees, rich and warm. “No way. How long were you up there?”

“Like an hour! My mom was so mad. She grounded me for a week.” Tabitha chuckled at the memory. “Okay, your turn. Spill an embarrassing story.”

“Hmm.” Bram rubbed his chin, grinning wryly. “When I was ten, I thought it would be a good idea to gift my Aunt Hilda perfume for her birthday. Except I couldn’t afford the real stuff, so I made my own using dish soap and potpourri.”

“Oh no.” Tabitha bit her lip, trying valiantly not to laugh.

“Oh yes. Let’s just say Aunt Hilda was not impressed. The whole house reeked of lavender Dial for days.”

Tabitha lost her battle, laughter spilling out of her. “Okay, that’s amazing. You get points for creativity at least.”

His eyes twinkled at her, crinkling at the corners. “Thanks. I like to think I’ve refined my gift-giving skills since then.”

“Good to know.” Her lips quirked. “I promise not to get you dish soap for Christmas then.”

“You’re the best fake girlfriend ever.” He clasped a dramatic hand to his heart. Except the way his muscles shifted made her suck in a quick breath.

As they rounded a bend in the trail, the trees opened to a breathtaking view of the valley below, all vibrant patchwork hills and gleaming ribbons of river.

Tabitha exhaled in wonder. “Wow. You weren’t kidding about this view.”

“Told you.” Bram looked inordinately pleased with himself as he unslung his pack and pulled out a blanket. “Come on, let’s take a break.”

They settled cross-legged on the blanket, knees almost brushing as they unpacked the lunch Bram had brought - hearty sandwiches, crisp apples, and chewy oatmeal cookies.

Tabitha took an appreciative bite of her turkey and swiss. “Okay, where did you get these? They’re amazing.”

“I made them, actually. I like to cook.” Bram popped a piece of apple into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “It relaxes me after a long day. There’s something soothing about throwing ingredients together and creating something tasty, you know?”

“Huh.” She tilted her head, considering him with new eyes. “Bram Hartley, culinary wizard. Who knew?”

He waved a dismissive hand, though his smile was pleased. “I’m no wizard. I just like food.”

“Hey, that’s magic in my book.” She took another big bite, humming happily.

Bram watched her, a strange mix of affection and hesitation in his gaze. “So what about you? What do you like to do when you’re not casting spells and enchanting unsuspecting bear shifters?”

“Ha! You wish you could blame enchantment, buddy.” She swatted playfully at his knee. “But let’s see... I like to garden, actually. There’s something really satisfying about getting my hands in the dirt and helping things grow. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have fresh herbs on hand for potions. Or, you know, spaghetti sauce.”

He chuckled. “A witch after my own heart. Guess we’re both magic in the kitchen.”

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