Page 31 of Bear Hunt

So we’re now practically holding hands, in this long stare off, and I should find it strange.

I don’t.

A lot of my interactions with this man, in fact, all of them, are things I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do comfortably, but he defies everything I thought I ever knew.

“Come on, lovebirds. Church is in thirty minutes.” The guy with Boner written on his sleeveless leather jacket slides his helmet over his head.

They go to church? On a Thursday?

“Come back with me.” Another not-question-not-statement, and again, I’m finding it difficult to deny him.

“Okay.” I’m being bold, brave. Everything I’m not, but want to be.

I’m rewarded with a breathtaking smile and feel my cheeks heat in response.

“You guys go ahead, I’ll help with all this first.” Bear takes the tray from my hand and breaks our little spell of whatever, but his grip on my other hand doesn’t falter.

“No fucking on the way back or Hoops will have your ass.” Grinder is next to swing his leg over his own motorcycle before sliding his helmet over his head.

“Ignore him. Come on.” Bear tugs lightly on my hand and leads me to the front of the house. “You coming, Paxton?” he calls over his shoulder.

“Watching these leave first. Be in soon.” Paxton’s reply makes me chuckle.

Once inside, Bear quickly loads the dishwasher with the dirty mugs and plates, all one handed, as if he doesn’t want to break our connection for fear of losing it. I don’t want to lose it either. Not yet, anyway.

“So, you go to church?” I’m not sure I can actually go into a church seeing as I don’t exactly believe in the one singular God. Although, I’m curious to learn about it, especially if it’s something Bear likes.

He laughs, light and heartfelt, shaking his head. “No. It’s not that kinda church. It’s where my club brothers and I have our meetings to discuss club business.”

“Oh, the garage stuff? Why is it called church and not just a meeting?” To be fair, a meeting seems more likely than picturing them sitting in pews.

“The term church started sometime in the seventies as kind of a joke, and it stuck.” He shrugs, like that small piece of information is useless, but it’s not, and the way he easily explains things to me without thinking twice about why he has to explain it is refreshing to say the least.

We make it back to the truck and I grip the long sleeves of Bear’s black hoodie as soon as he releases my hand to help me into the cab. He climbs in beside me and starts the engine, but instead of driving, he turns to face me.

“I almost forgot.” He reaches beneath the seat and pulls out a small box. “This is for you.” He passes me the white box and my eyes widen in surprise.

“This… is for me? It’s a phone!” I’m not even trying to hide my surprise or how happy I am. This is… wow.

“Yeah. All yours, Baby Girl. I’ve already programmed my number in, Mac’s and Maribel’s too, and even Lucy from the coffee shop.” As if he didn’t just give me the best gift I’ve ever received, he turns to face the front, puts the truck in gear, and begins to drive.

The beautiful buildings of the town woosh by as I turn on my new phone, wondering how in the Underworld I’m going to figure this thing out, but I’m sure I can do it. I know they take pictures too, so I need to learn how to do that, quickly. I want evidence of this perfect day.

I could really get used to this…

If only.

Chapter Thirteen

Bear

“Hey, Psycho? Why’s he lookin’ at me like that?”

“He’s probably hungry.”

“Bullshit, they don’t eat meat.”

“They do if it’s fresh meat.”

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