Page 14 of Bear's Heart

“I don’t think that’s the case.He seemed impressed by you.”

“No.”

“He did say he owes you an apology—”

“He doesn’t,” she answered quickly.

“If he thinks he does, he does.Men usually know when they’ve crossed the line.”Rye merged onto the frontage road, easing between a huge semi-truck hauling lumber and another truck hauling livestock.

“I didn’t think he crossed a line.I think he was just frustrated with his situation and unwilling to invest a lot more into a house that wasn’t making him happy.It’s a shame, though, as it’s a gorgeous place—at least what I saw of it.”

“He does have an incredible view of the Crazies.”

“It was his grandfather’s property, which is why I’d hate to see him sell it.”

“But the house was built for his fiancé, and that weighs on him.”

“That’s a problem,” she agreed.

“I gave him the name of the realtor I used when Ansley and I bought our house in Marietta.Not sure if Bear needs one, but Paul was honest and easy to work with.”

“Thank you for taking the time to go out there.I really appreciate it, Rye.”

“I know you do, and I’m glad I went.Bear’s a good guy.I liked him, and happy to help him out.”

Chapter Four

The week passedquickly with Josie spending every free hour at her desk, putting the finishing details on a proposal Melissa asked her to work on.The project was a big one and would bring in significant income and recognition to the firm, but first they needed to get the job.A number of other design firms were putting in proposals, too, for the new private club with luxury homes that would be built in Gardiner, just outside Yellowstone.Melissa had done a considerable amount of work but wanted Josie to polish up the power point presentation, along with ensuring that their proposal included universal design elements.

Josie had been more than happy to review and polish, feeling strongly that public—and private—spaces should be flexible and inclusive.People changed.People aged.Homes and community spaces should grow with people.

It was easy for her to get lost in the work, and it wasn’t until her alarm buzzed, letting her know it was time to leave for class, that she realized just how focused she’d been.Hours had gone by, and she hadn’t even had lunch and now there would be no time.

She quickly changed, grabbed her backpack, and headed down the stairs to Main Street when she spotted someone bumping across the street in a wheelchair.She recognized the wide set of the shoulders and the square jaw.

What was Bear Anderson doing in Bozeman?

Josie hurried across the street and caught up with him before he reached the next light.

She tapped him on the shoulder.“Hey,” she said, suddenly nervous as he turned to face her.“Hi.It’s Josie.”

The edge of his mouth lifted.“I know who you are.”

“How are you?”

“Good.And you?”

“Very good.Just off to class.”She glanced around.“What are you doing in Bozeman?”

“I’m meeting with a commercial real estate agent.He’s going to show me a few available spaces for a business I’m starting.”

“That’s exciting.But what about your home?Are you staying or looking for something different?Rye said you might want to move.”

“I’m only looking to rent a place for now, but yes, that’s on my to-do list, too.”

Josie glanced at her watch.She was going to be late for class for sure.“I need to go, but if you ever need anything—even mediocre design ideas,” she said with a wink, “you’ve got my card.”

His eyes crinkled as he smiled.“I do.”

---