Page 51 of Beary In Love

"I could lift you up," he offered, fighting back a grin.

"Don't you dare." She jabbed him with her elbow, but he caught the smile in her voice. "The last time you tried that, I ended up with potion in my hair for a week."

"That was ten years ago. I've gotten much better at lifting things since then."

"Uh-huh." She finished the rune with a flourish. "I'll take my chances with gravity, thanks."

Later that night, Logan's bear practically purred as he watched Serena do one final check on the fox kit. Her gentle hands moved with care, and the way she cooed at the animal made his chest tight with emotion.

"Everyone's looking good," she said, straightening up and brushing her hands on her jeans. "That counter-potion worked better than I expected."

"Never doubted you for a second." Logan's stomach growled, and an idea struck him. "Hey, you hungry?"

"Now that you mention it..." She glanced at her watch and blinked. "Wow, is it really that late?"

"Come on." He grabbed his keys. "I know just the place."

The neon sign of Betty's Drive-In cast a pink glow across Serena's face as Logan pulled into a spot. The place hadn't changed since high school - same checkered awning, same roller-skating waitresses, same mouthwatering smell of burgers and fries.

"I can't believe this place is still here," Serena laughed, her eyes lighting up behind her glasses.

"Best milkshakes in three counties." Logan caught the server's eye and placed their order, remembering exactly how Serena liked her burger. His bear practically smiled with pride when she noticed.

"You remembered my order after all these years?"

"Some things just stick with you." He shifted in his seat to face her better, enjoying how the neon light played across her features. "Like how you always steal my fries even after claiming you don't want any."

"I do not!" She protested, but her smile gave her away.

Their food arrived, and sure enough, within minutes Serena's fingers were sneaking toward his fries. Logan caught her wrist, his thumb brushing over her pulse point.

"Caught you."

"Fine," she sighed dramatically. "I admit it. Your fries just taste better than mine."

"Here." He pushed the container between them. "We can share. I'm feeling generous tonight."

"My hero," she teased, popping a fry into her mouth.

Logan watched her enjoy the food, his bear contentedly rumbling at providing for her. The way her eyes closed in pleasure as she sipped her strawberry milkshake made him want to kiss the sweetness from her lips.

"What?" she asked, catching his stare.

"Just thinking how good today was. Seeing you stand up to Beatrice, healing the animals..." He reached over and touched her hand on the seat. "Having dinner with you."

The blush that spread across her cheeks was more beautiful than any sunset he'd ever seen.

Logan soon pulled up in front of Serena's small house. The evening had been perfect - better than he'd dared hope for. He rounded the truck to open her door before she could reach for the handle.

"Such a gentleman," Serena teased, accepting his offered hand as she stepped down.

"Only with you." The words slipped out, but he didn't regret them. Not when her cheeks flushed that pretty pink color he loved.

The porch light cast a soft glow over them as they reached her door. Logan's bear pushed forward, wanting to pull her close, but he held back. He wouldn't rush this.

"Thank you," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "For coming back. To Saltwater Grove. To the sanctuary." To me, he didn't add, but his eyes said it for him.

"Thank you for letting me in." Serena's eyes sparkled with happiness. "The sanctuary's become my favorite place in town."

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