Page 6 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
Sophie cleared her throat, aware that she was practically drooling over the guy in the same way her fans drooled over her overnight oats with honey-cinnamon apples. The recipe was ridiculously simple, just five ingredients—but her followers had gone wild for it.
“Would you mind signing this for me?” the man asked, holding out Sophie’s recipe card. “I’ve made your three-ingredient chocolate mousse four times this month alone.”
“It’s good to treat yourself from time to time,” Sophie said, taking the proffered pen.
“Can you put ‘to Max’?” the man asked.
“Of course.” She signed with a flourish, adding her tagline: “To Max. Eat it simple! xox Sophie.”
“Could we get a quick selfie, too?” the man asked, looking a little awkward.
“Sure thing,” Sophie obliged, summoning her camera-ready smile as the man leaned in and snapped the photo.
“Thank you,” Max said as he glanced at Nero and then at Sophie before walking away.
“You’re very welcome.” Sophie waited until Max was out of earshot and then switched her attention back to Nero Thornberg. She was surprised to find him still waiting patiently, watching her with that same intense gaze.
“You were saying?” Sophie asked, curious despite herself.
“I was...” he looked a little dazed, as if he’d been lost in thought. He shook his head slightly. “Sorry, I was just thinking how natural you are with your fans. It’s impressive.”
Sophie felt her cheeks flush pink at the compliment. “It’s easy when people are nice. And they usually are.”
“I can imagine,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners when he smiled. “You have a way about you that’s...inviting.”
The word hung between them, charged with meaning that Sophie didn’t quite understand. Or maybe she simply wasn’t ready to acknowledge it.
However, she couldn’t ignore the basic, instinctive pull she felt toward Nero.
“The ring,” she said, changing the subject. “It was stunning. Truly beautiful work. I hope the bride-to-be likes it.”
“I don’t know if the proposal is happening now.” Nero glanced over his shoulder and said, “I think I ruined the surprise.”
“You don’t say,” Sophie said sarcastically. But then she felt bad as Nero’s obvious distress showed in his expression. His dark brows drew together, and his shoulders slumped slightly.
“I’m sure it’ll all work out for them,” Sophie whispered. Like it had for her, she thought ironically. Two days ago, her life had been perfect: a successful career, a loving boyfriend. Then she’d discovered Tito’s betrayal, and everything had crumbled.
“You’re kind to say so,” Nero said. “Most people wouldn’t be so understanding after being accidentally proposed to.” He looked around. “In such a public way. By a stranger.”
Sophie laughed, surprised by how genuine it felt. “Well, it’ll make a good story for my social media. ‘Weirdest expo experience ever.’”
“I hope I’m not just relegated to ‘weird experience’ status,” Nero said, as if it truly mattered to him. “Maybe I could make it up to you? Coffee, perhaps?”
Sophie felt herself warming to him despite her reservations. “I don’t know,” she hedged. “I’m pretty busy with the expo today.”
“After? We could meet in town…” he said. Was there a slightly desperate undercurrent to his tone? Goodness, what if he was trying to set her up for another social media-worthy stunt? “I’d like the chance to show you I’m not usually this awkward. Though I kind of am in crowds. And around beautiful women…”
The compliment sent up a warning flag. He was trying too hard. “Do you expect me to say yes because you’re flattering me?”
“No!” He held up his hands. “I was… It was just a…” Nero let out a long breath. “The truth is, I’m terrible at this. I craft jewelry that helps people express their deepest feelings, but I struggle to express my own.”
Something about his candor disarmed her. She’d been prepared for another smooth-talking charmer like Tito Alvarez, but Nero seemed...different.
Was she letting herself be fooled again? It was time to keep things simple and play it safe.
“I’m sorry, I’m busy,” Sophie said firmly. “It was...interesting meeting you, Mr. Thornberg.”
She turned away before he could respond, the treacherous voice in her head screaming at her that she was making the biggest mistake in her life.
