Page 40 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
All she had to do was open herself up to the possibility.
She slowly raised her head and looked at her reflection. Was that it? Was she the reason he was holding back?
Was she sending out the wrong signals? Signals that said,Stay back, buddy, there’s nothing for you here.
Shaking her head, she went downstairs. Perhaps a hot cup of coffee would clear her head.
“Morning,” Barb said, not looking up from the toast she was buttering as June entered the kitchen. Her voice lacked its usual edge, the one that had sharpened every time Stanley’s name had come up in the past week. Ever since Barb got home last night, she’d sounded more…reserved. As if she were holding something back.
“Morning,” June replied, watching her aunt’s face for clues. “Coffee smells good.”
Barb pushed a mug toward her in silence, then sat down, her expression unreadable. She didn’t nag. Didn’t pry.
Just like Stanley, June thought. Both of them were more comfortable with quiet than with questions.
But something about Barb’s silence this morning felt less like disapproval and more like…consideration. As if she were mulling something over.
Goodness, June hoped she wasn’t changing her mind about June and Oli living here.
No, Barb would not do that to them. Barb had offered June and Oli a place to live until June got a job. And her aunt might be many things, but once she made a promise, she stuck to it.
June poured herself a cup of coffee and settled at the table. “I was thinking of taking Oli to the pet store to see Herbert after school today.”
June waited for the inevitable comment about Stanley, about shifters, about being careful. But, “Hmm,” was all Barb said, the sound so neutral it could have meant anything.
June blinked, thrown off balance by the lack of reaction. No lecture. No warnings. No raised eyebrows. Just... “hmm.”
“Did you say we are going to visit Herbert today?” The kitchen door swung open and Oli shuffled in, still in his pajamas, clutching his sketchbook to his chest. He climbed onto his chair, immediately opened the book.
“I might have,” June said.
“I’m drawing Herbert as a superhero.” Oli picked up a crayon.
Barb set a plate of toast and fruit in front of Oli, careful not to disturb his drawing space. “Eat something while you work, kiddo.”
Oli reached for a piece of toast without looking up, taking a small bite before returning to his drawing.
“I thought you were going to update your resume and drive over to the clinic in Haverford. You know, the personal touch might give you an edge,” Barb said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and offered June a top-up.
“Thanks,” June said and reached for a piece of toast. “I am. It’s a long drive. I would not be able to commute…” She glanced at Oli, but he wasn’t listening to their adult conversation; he was too busy giving Herbert a red cloak.
Barb nodded thoughtfully. “True. But it would be a good start. Something to build on while you look for something closer.”
June nodded. Aunt Barb was right. But the longer she lived in Bear Creek, the more she knew this was where she wanted to stay.
And not just because of Stanley. Was it?
“I suppose,” June said, stirring her coffee though she had added nothing to it. “I’ll check whether the position is still open.”
Barb’s smile was warm but didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Good. You’ve worked so hard for this, June. I’d hate to see you sidetracked.”
There it was, the warning. Don’t get distracted by Stanley Thornberg.
“I don’t intend to,” June said as she bit into her toast.
“No matter what happens,” Barb said as she got up, kissed Oli on the top of the cheek, and headed for the door. “Have fun at the pet store. See you later.”
“Bye,” June said, tugging her brows together in confusion.
