Page 6 of Honey for the Bear

“Does it bother you?”he asks finally, his voice low.

“No,” I say quickly, shaking my head.“It’s just… I don’t get it.You’re always so distant, like you’re afraid to let anyone in.But then you show up and do things like this, and…” I’m unsure how to finish the sentence.

Cameron’s jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think he’s going to walk away.But then he turns to face me, his gray eyes stormy and conflicted.

“Hannah,” he says, my name coming out like a sigh.

“Yes?”I prompt, my heart pounding.

He takes a step closer, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.The air between us feels charged, like the storm never really left, and I feel the heat radiating off his body.

“You don’t know what you’re asking,” he says quietly, his voice rough.

“Then tell me,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

His hand twitches at his side, like he wants to reach for me but is holding himself back.“You don’t understand.I’m not… I’m not who you think I am.”

“Then show me who you are,” I say, stepping closer until there’s barely any space between us.

The tension is unbearable now, a tight, electric pull that makes my skin prickle.Cameron’s eyes search mine, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.

But then he steps back, his expression hardening.

“I can’t,” he says, his voice cold and final.

Before I can say anything, he turns and walks away.His broad shoulders turn the corner around the house, and I hear the sound of his truck starting up soon after.

I stand there, staring after him, my chest aching with confusion and something else I can’t name.

What are you so afraid of, Cameron Barrett?

The question lingers in the air, unanswered, as I turn back to the fence and try to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest.

Chapter 4

Cameron

Istormbacktomy cabin, the door slamming shut behind me loud enough to rattle the windows.My chest is tight, my breath coming in sharp bursts as I pace the living room.The space feels too small, too constricting, and the walls seem to close in on me with every step I take.

I shouldn’t have gone to her.

I shouldn’t have helped her.

I shouldn’t have let myself get close.

My bear growls inside me, a low, rumbling sound that vibrates through my chest.It’s restless, angry, clawing at the edges of my control like a caged animal.It wanted to stay.It wanted to claim her.

I wanted it, too.

My hands curl into fists, the rough pads of my fingers digging into my palms.I can still feel the warmth of her skin, the way her hand brushed against mine when I handed her the hammer.That tiny, accidental touch had sent a jolt through me, a spark that burned hotter and brighter than anything I’ve felt in years.

That’s the problem.

Hannah is dangerous to me, in ways she doesn’t even realize.She’s kind and warm and so damn good that it makes my chest ache just being near her.But she doesn’t know what I am.She doesn’t know what she’d be getting herself into if I let myself want her the way my bear does.

And God help me, I do want her.

I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the roots hard enough to sting.The image of her standing in the sunlight, sweat glistening on her skin, her hair falling loose around her face—it’s burned into my mind, a brand I can’t shake.

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