Page 29 of Stout Bear

The mayor tapped the microphone, gaining everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the highlight of our evening. First, we’ll announce the winner of this year’s regional beer tasting contest.”

Max felt a flutter of nervous energy in his stomach. He’d put months of work into perfecting Timberline Sunrise, adjusting the recipe countless times until he was satisfied.

“And the winner is,” the mayor paused dramatically, “Fate Mountain Brewery’s new Timberline Sunrise!”

Applause erupted from the crowd. Laney beamed at him, squeezing his arm in congratulation. Max felt a surge of satisfaction as he made his way to the stage, accepting the small trophy and certificate from the mayor.

“Thank you,” he said into the microphone, keeping his remarks brief. “This one’s for everyone at Fate Mountain Brewery who helped bring this recipe to life.”

He stepped to the side of the stage as the mayor moved on to announce the BBQ contest winner. As predicted, Theo Keenan took first place, joining Max onstage with a victorious pump of his fist. The two men shook hands as the crowd cheered.

“And this year,” the mayor announced, “festival sponsors have provided a special prize for both winners. Each will receive a ‘Full Package Stay at Fate Mountain Lodge,’ including an overnight in a suite, dinner for two, and spa treatments. Congratulations, gentlemen!”

Max accepted the voucher, glancing at the details. His mind immediately jumped to the possibility of sharing this with Laney. As he stepped off the stage, Laney approached, congratulating him on the win.

“That’s a nice prize,” she said, nodding toward the voucher in his hand.

Max took a deep breath. Would inviting her seem too forward? They’d only known each other a short time, even if their mate bond made it feel like forever. Yet the idea of spending a night with her at the lodge was too tempting to ignore.

“Would you, um... want to come with me?” he asked, his voice quieter than intended. “Next weekend?”

Laney looked momentarily surprised, her eyes widening slightly. Then, the corners of her mouth quirked into a warm smile, her eyes brightening. “Yes,” she said simply. “I’d like that.”

Relief and excitement washed over Max. “Great,” he said, unable to keep the grin from spreading across his face. “It’ll be nice to get away from everything for a bit.”

The crowd began to disperse to other booths or toward the stage where the band had resumed playing. Max and Laney lingered at the beer garden, sharing one last sample each, riding a surge of relief at her acceptance.

“I still can’t believe how good Timberline Sunrise is,” Laney said, finishing her sample. “You deserved that win.”

“Thanks,” Max replied, watching her in the gentle glow of the festival lights. “It’s been a work in progress for months.”

As the evening wound down, Max offered to walk Laney home. “Your family must be pleased with the turnout,” Laney commented as they turned onto her street.

“They are,” Max agreed. “Noah’s already running financial projections for next year.”

Laney laughed. “He doesn’t waste any time, does he?”

“Not when it comes to numbers.”

They reached her apartment building and climbed the steps to her door. Max prepared himself for the usual polite goodnight, even as his heart pounded with the desire to stay longer. Every moment with Laney felt precious, and he wasn’t ready for the evening to end.

Laney fished her keys from her purse, then hesitated, looking up at him with an expression he couldn’t quite read. “Would you like to come inside?” she asked softly.

Heat surged through him, his tension spiking. “I’d like that,” he answered, his voice low.

Laney unlocked the door and stepped back, allowing him to cross the threshold. Max walked into her apartment, and she closed the door behind them.

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

Laney was suddenlyaware of the state of her apartment. She winced at the stack of unpacked boxes lining one wall and the scattered papers across her coffee table.

“Sorry about the mess,” she said, hastily gathering a pile of research notes from the couch. “I’ve barely had time to unpack with everything going on.”

She gestured vaguely around the small living room, embarrassed by the disorganization. Between her new job at the Bright Institute, the ongoing water contamination studies, and her own anxiety, settling in had fallen to the bottom of her priority list.

“It’s fine, really,” Max said, his voice warm and free from judgment.

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