Page 13 of Fire Bear

Ash found himself wanting to stare at her. Even as he returned his attention to his own plate, he couldn’t help but glance up to witness Eliana’s enjoyment of the flavors dancing across her tongue.

Eliana met his gaze. For a moment, it seemed the rest of the dining room faded, leaving just them. She parted her lips, but no words came out. Instead, her smile told him enough.

Their plates were cleared, and a waiter arrived with dessert—a decadent apple crumble drizzled with caramel sauce. As theyshared the dish, Ash had to fight the impulse to kiss her. When the last spoonful disappeared, Eliana let out a satisfied sigh. “That was delicious.”

After Ash covered the bill, he offered a hand to help Eliana rise. “Want to step outside to the lodge’s patio? Maybe take a walk? The view over Lake Fate is gorgeous at night.”

Her eyes lit up. “I’d love that.”

Leading her through large double doors, Ash stepped onto the wide patio that overlooked Lake Fate. A light breeze carried a faint pine scent, and overhead, the sky glowed with stars and moonlight that glistened in the water.

Eliana let out a soft gasp, stepping to the railing. “Oh wow,” she said quietly, taking in the expanse. In the distance, the silhouettes of Fate Mountain’s ridges formed a protective backdrop.

Ash stood beside her. “My father and the owner are friends. I spent a lot of time here as a kid.”

“That’s cool. I bet you know all the best places.”

He gestured toward a footpath that looped along the shore. “There’s a path along the lakeside that’s really easy to walk. There’s a path along the lakeside that’s really easy to walk. It goes past a large gazebo, and we can check it out—I have the key.”

Eliana’s eyes brightened at the idea. “Sounds fun,” she said. “Lead the way, Fire Bear.”

Chapter

Nine

They strolledalong a smoothly paved walkway curving around the lodge’s grounds. Subtle lanterns lit the edges of the path, making it easy to see the rolling lawns and clusters of shrubs.

Beyond a row of carefully pruned hedges, Eliana glimpsed Fate Lake’s surface, glinting in the moonlight. The reflection of the mountain shimmered on the water’s wide expanse. She breathed in, inhaling the sweet night air.

Ash offered Eliana his arm with a tilt of his head. She laced hers around the crook of his elbow, relishing the feel of his muscular frame close to her. As they ambled farther down the trail, crickets whispered, and a light breeze rustled through the treetops.

“I’m glad you suggested a walk,” she said. “It’s so beautiful out here at night.”

Ash’s lips curved in a half smile. “I come out here sometimes after a shift. The lodge grounds connect to a trail that circles part of the lake. It’s a peaceful place to clear my head.” He lookeddown at her, hazel eyes reflecting the moon’s glow. “Though it’s even better with company.”

A sweet rush of warmth spread across Eliana’s cheeks. “I’m happy to keep you company anytime,” she teased.

A hush fell as they reached an intersection where a sign pointed “To Lake Shore” one way and “Garden Overlook” the other. They were lit by small LED lights. Ash gently steered them toward the shore.

They paused at a small clearing near the water’s edge. “I’ve lived on Fate Mountain my whole life. It’s hard to believe we never crossed paths.”

“I’ve spent so much of my life working my land, my social life has been... minimal.”

“I’ve been focused on Fire Patrol training since I was fifteen. Maybe we were both too busy in our corners of the mountain.”

She nodded in understanding. “It’s funny. The community isn’t that large, but fate kept us separate until now.”

Ash’s lips tilted into a wry smile. “Until mate.com gave us a push,” he teased. Then his expression softened. “I’m grateful. Because if not for that push, maybe we would have kept missing each other forever.”

Eliana’s heart squeezed. She slid her hand around his bicep again. “I’m starting to believe in fate,” she admitted.

They fell silent. The lake lapped softly at the shore, and overhead, a cluster of stars shimmered against the velvet sky. Eliana slid a hand around Ash’s waist, her eyes flicking to his mouth. She heard the subtle hitch in his breathing.

Then he leaned forward. Their gazes locked for an electrified heartbeat, and she felt the world hold its breath. His lips touched hers in a kiss that quickly turned heated. A soft moan escaped her.

She slid her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The taste of him sparked a fierce wave of emotion. She pressed against him, their mouths parting, exchanging deeper, more urgent kisses. Her heart hammered a wild rhythm.

After a long, breathless moment, he pulled away by an inch, forehead resting lightly against hers. “God, Eliana,” he murmured. “You make me...” He trailed off.

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