Page 38 of Chasing Stripes

Artemis surprised him with a small, genuine smile. “Actually, I’d like to. Unless you’d rather I didn’t?”

The relief that flooded him was too powerful to hide. “No. I mean, yes. I’d like you to come.”

For once, his human and tiger sides were in perfect harmony.

Bartek cast one final glance toward the bakery before leading his family around the corner. The golden shimmer on his palms brightened as though his tiger had already claimed what his human side still hesitated to embrace.

Tonight would change everything. The certainty of it settled in his bones with a rightness he couldn’t deny.

THIRTY-THREE

“You’re sure this dress looks okay?” Artemis smoothed her hands over the emerald fabric, turning sideways to examine her reflection in the bakery’s back office mirror. The color complemented her golden blonde hair, and—she hoped—would match Bartek’s eyes.

Tilly leaned against the doorframe, watching with a knowing smile. “For the fifth time, you look gorgeous. Though I’m curious why you’re so concerned about dinner with the Arbor family.”

Heat crept up Artemis’s neck. “It’s important to make a good impression on potential... business partners.”

“Business partners. Of course.” Tilly’s eyes twinkled. “That’s why you’ve changed outfits three times and why those handprints on your waist haven’t stopped glowing all day.”

Artemis glanced down where golden light shimmered faintly through her dress. “They have a mind of their own.”

“Mm-hmm.” Tilly straightened, brushing a speck of flour from her niece’s shoulder. “Well, your ‘business partner’ is here.”

The bell above the bakery door chimed, and Artemis’s heart skipped. She’d recognize that steady tread anywhere, the purposeful gait of someone accustomed to commanding attention without trying.

Bartek stood in the bakery’s front room, examining a display of fruit tarts with surprising intensity. The evening light streamed through the windows, illuminating his profile—strong jaw, straight nose, those expressive eyebrows drawn together in concentration. He’d exchanged his usual Henley for a dark button-down that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders.

He glanced up as she approached, and the world seemed to pause. His eyes widened slightly, that amber flicker dancing in their depths.

“You look...” He cleared his throat. “The dress suits you.”

“Eloquent as always, Mr. Arbor,” Tilly teased, emerging from the back.

Bartek’s lips quirked. “I save my speeches for pride meetings.”

“Smart man.” Tilly winked at Artemis. “Don’t keep her out too late. We’ve got the festival planning meeting tomorrow.”

“I’ll have her back at a reasonable hour,” Bartek promised, his tone so formal that Artemis nearly laughed.

“I’m standing right here,” she reminded them both. “And perfectly capable of setting my own curfew.”

Bartek’s expression softened, something warm and private passing between them. “Ready?”

The question felt weighted with meaning beyond this evening.

“Lead the way,” she replied.

Outside, his sleek black SUV waited at the curb. Bartek opened the passenger door for her, his hand instinctively finding the small of her back to guide her. The contact, even through clothing, sent electricity racing up her spine.

The handprints at her waist pulsed in response, glowing through her dress.

“They’re getting stronger,” he observed, his voice dropping an octave as he helped her into the seat.

“They respond to proximity,” Artemis admitted. “And... other things.”

His eyes darkened momentarily before he closed her door and circled to the driver’s side.

Inside the car, his scent enveloped her—cedar and spice with that underlying wild note that marked him as shifter. Artemis inhaled discreetly, finding comfort in the now-familiar fragrance.

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