Page 49 of The Bear's Chosen Mate
She faced him.James, who she could see perfectly.James, who was the center of her universe, now and always, the way it was supposed to be.
“He hasn’t only told me recently, though.He started years ago.Everything he’s done, and all the time we’ve spent together, affirmed how much he cares about me and how proud he is of all the things I’ve accomplished.How certain he is that I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to.”
James stepped toward her.
Kaylee took a deep breath.“Sometimes it’s scary to step out from behind the camera or step into a new relationship.But when your best friend tells you you’ve got the balls to do it, you have to believe the guy.”
The ripple of laughter that burst free from the darkness sparkled like fireworks, but Kaylee barely registered it because James had caught her fingers in his hands.He tugged her body against his as he slid an arm around her torso and held on tight.
“Does this mean you’ll stop arguing with me?”he teased, his voice going softer.
She clicked off the power on the microphone.“In your dreams, Borealis.”
James tilted his head.“Then what are you saying, Banks?”
“I think…” She slid a hand up his chest until her palm rested over where his heart beat as rapidly as her own.“I think I’m perfect for you, even if I’m not your mate.I’m yours, you’re mine.Ichooseto believe that one hundred percent with everything in me.I’m going to do everything I can to love you with every bit of me.Always—”
A sudden storm hit the stage.James grabbed hold of her and tucked her head against his body as a whirlwind swept out of nowhere.Her hair fluttered around them, lights flashed, and there was a rumble under her feet that set their bodies trembling.
Inside her, something tumbled.A set of dominoes, spiraling outward until the tingling sensation that started in her core reached her fingers and toes, reaching for James as if to tangle him in a spider web right next to her.The two of them, together.Wrapped up tight, side by side…
No—
It was far more than that.They were connected.Together.
One.
Oh wow.
James’s grin grew wider if that was even possible.“Holyshit.”
It was clear they were not alone, because spontaneous applause burst out from behind them, echoing off the walls of the auditorium and filling the space with the rumble of approval.
None of that mattered because the only thing Kaylee felt was him.Connected to her inside and out and surrounded and together in the midst of the storm.
She clutched the front of his shirt.“James?Does this mean—?”
“That we’re mates?”His voice sounded in her head and she wanted to cry from sheer joy.“Seems that way.”
Giddiness rocked her as she tried to respond back using the incredible, unbelievable brand-new connection between them.“Go ahead, tell me I told you so.”
He slid his hand around the back of her neck, tangling his fingers in her messy hair.He brushed their noses together.Lips barely touching.Wind still whirling at their backs.
“I told you that I chose to keep you forever.I think you owe me something big for this.”
How was it possible for her to be able to sense his teasing tone, even in her brain?
She curled her arms around him and pressed their bodies together tight.“I’m pretty sure I can think of something,” she promised.
He pulled back, and she laughed out loud, her hand flying up to cover her mouth.
James frowned.“What?”
She reached out to brush mud off his nose.“You’re a mess, and I love you.”
He caught hold of her fingers and turned her toward the side of the stage.The unnatural whirlwind calmed, leaving papers from the podium scattered across the stage floor.
Grandpa Giles made his way over, gathering the mess as he walked.His suit jacket and tie were rumpled, and he smoothed them back into place as he nodded with approval at James and Kaylee.
