Page 6 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

And as handsome as hell. He was tall—easily over six feet—and broad-shouldered, with arms that looked well-used to physical labor. His dark hair was slightly disheveled as if he’d been running his hands through it, and his warm brown eyes regarded her with curiosity. No, not curiosity. Something more. Something deeper.

For a moment he robbed her of breath, but then she forced a bright smile. “Hi, I’m, um…Cassia? I answered your ad for the new restaurant?”

Confusion flickered across his features, but the warmth of his faint grin made her knees wobble, anyway. He tugged his brows together. “A…new restaurant, you say?”

Cassia hesitated, a jolt of apprehension spreading through her. She got the distinct impression he had no idea what she was talking about. She forced a polite laugh, trying to hide her fears. “Yes, the…the one at Thornberg Vineyard? With the job listing for a sommelier? I came all this way for an interview… It said to apply in person, so here I am.”

Kris’s expression shifted into something akin to recognition, then mild panic. He swallowed hard, and Cassia’s stomach twisted. She’d made a terrible mistake and if she didn’t act fast, she was going to make a fool of herself. And worse, if this got out, it could dent her reputation. Just as Dante had dented her pride and self-respect.

Her instincts screamed at her to turn on her heel and run back to her car. But the sight of the vineyard, the quiet openness of the land, and the tinge of vulnerability in Kris’s gaze anchored her in place.

She was not going to run anywhere.

“Yes.” She nodded slowly. “I do have the right place, don’t I? The sign said Thornberg Vineyard.”

He nodded, still looking more than a little bewildered. “It is.”

“Okay.” She dug a hand in her purse and pulled out her phone. “And this is your ad.” She held out a screenshot of the ad.

“Oh.” His eyes widened. “Thatad.”

How many other ads were there for this job? Cassia tensed her jaw. This was not going well. Not well at all.

But then his expression cleared, and he smiled, shaking his head as if he’d just figured something out. “I’m Kris. Kris Thornberg.” He extended his hand. “My brother put that ad up. I’m sorry for the confusion. I didn’t realize he’d actually posted it yet.”

“Oh.” Cassia’s face turned red with embarrassment when a surge of electricity traveled up her arm as she slipped her hand into his. He tightened his grip on her hand, and she was sure he felt it, too, like they had an instant connection. “So you’re not hiring?” she asked when she finally got control of herself.

His eyes held hers for a moment longer than necessary, and something unfurled in her stomach. Longing. “Hiring? Oh, hiring. We are. Definitely. Just…” He glanced toward the main house. “The timing’s a surprise. My brother tends to jump the gun sometimes.”

Relief washed through her. “So I didn’t drive all this way for nothing? I was worried since the ad said to apply in person, which is a little on the odd…side.”

She had just called Kris Thornberg, the man she hoped would be her boss, odd. Good start, Cassia!

“No, ma’am.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Though I should warn you, the restaurant’s still more concept than reality at this point.”

Cassia couldn’t help but notice how his accent deepened when he said “ma’am,” a gentle drawl that hadn’t been there before. It was…charming.

“I don’t mind a challenge,” she said, lifting her chin slightly. “Actually, I prefer it.”

Something flickered in his eyes. Approval perhaps, or maybe even a hint of admiration.

She squared her shoulders, hoping to exude confidence she didn’t feel. “Could we talk about the position?” she asked. “If it’s still available?”

Kris’s lips parted, and for a moment, she thought he might say no or maybe laugh at her. Instead, he nodded slowly. “Yes. Of course. This way.” His voice held a tentative kindness that made her heart skip despite the confusion.

Clutching the folder containing her ideas a bit tighter, Cassia followed behind Kris as he headed off between a row of vines. Something definitely felt off here, but this was her best shot at a fresh start.

“I hope this isn’t an awkward time,” she said, hurrying to keep up with him. “I know you must be very busy.”

“No, it’s…” Kris ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not your fault. There’s just been…some confusion. That’s all.”

But there was no confusion about the effect Kris had on her. As they passed through the rows of vines, Cassia had to force herself not to stare at him. He moved with the ease of someone completely at home in his surroundings. His broad shoulders shifted beneath his worn flannel shirt, and despite her determination to stay professionally focused, she found herself appreciating the view.

But then they left the vines behind, and he led her to a large rustic-looking building she recognized asthe place where Kris Thornberg works his magic. At least that was the caption in the magazine article. And boy, she would love for him to work his magic on her!

“Come on in.” Kris pulled open the door to the tasting room and held it for her.

“Thanks,” she squawked as she stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of large casks of wine, barrels lining the walls, and the rich, woody scent of fermenting grapes that filled the air. The space was rustic yet elegant, with exposed beams overhead and wide windows that bathed everything in golden afternoon light.

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