Page 18 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
“I prefer the tartness of berries,” Wren countered, enjoying the easy back-and-forth between them. “Sweet on sweet is too much.”
“Well, well,” a familiar voice interrupted. “I didn’t expect to see you out and about so early, dear.”
Wren turned to find Mrs. Abernathy standing behind them, a basket over one arm and a knowing twinkle in her eye. Her godmother looked between them with undisguised interest, her gaze lingering on their still-joined hands.
“Mrs. Abernathy,” Wren said, feeling a blush warm her cheeks. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“I never miss the farmers’ market,” Mrs. Abernathy replied, clearly delighted to find her goddaughter out and about. “Although I never see certain people here this early in the morning.” She gave Finn a pointed look that made him shift his weight from one foot to the other.
“The early bird gets the pastries,” Finn said, lifting the paper bag from Henderson’s as evidence.
“Indeed,” Mrs. Abernathy agreed, her smile widening. “Just remember, you still owe me that garden consultation. Free of charge, I believe!”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Finn assured Mrs. Abernathy. “I’ll come by soon to take a look.”
“Excellent. And Wren, dear, you must come for dinner soon. Maybe Finn could join us, too.” Mrs. Abernathy’s tone made it clear this was less an invitation and more a decree.
Before Wren could formulate a response, Mrs. Abernathy patted her arm and moved on, disappearing into the crowd with a satisfied smile that suggested she’d accomplished exactly what she’d come to do.
“Your godmother is...” Finn began.
“Determined?” Wren offered.
“I was going to say ‘terrifying,’ but in the best possible way.”
Terrifying in the best possible way.That was exactly how her feelings for Finn felt. They rushed through her veins like wildfire, warming places inside her that had gone cold, threatening to consume every careful boundary she’d built.
But those feelings were also exhilarating.
With Finn’s hand still in hers, Wren felt a sudden rush of certainty. Whatever this was between them, she wanted more. So much more.
Chapter Seven – Finn
This has to be one of the best mornings ever,Finn’s bear said.
I agree,Finn replied as he watched Wren lick sauce from her fingers.
“I think I’ve got salsa everywhere,” she confessed, grabbing another napkin to dab at the corner of her mouth. A smudge of avocado still clung to her lower lip, and Finn had to clench his fist to keep from reaching out to brush it away himself.
“Breakfast burritos aren’t meant to be eaten gracefully,” Finn said, wrestling with his own overstuffed creation. The spicy chorizo and eggs threatened to spill with each bite, but he couldn’t remember food ever tasting this good. “That’s how you know they’re worth eating.”
His bear rumbled contentedly.Perfect morning. Perfect mate. Perfect food.
Finn couldn’t help agreeing. Sitting here with Wren, sharing messy food and easy conversation felt so natural, as if they’d been doing this for years instead of days. She’d let her guard down this morning. It was like she was letting him in, opening a door to her heart. Her laughter came more freely while her eyes held his gaze longer. It was like a hundred small victories rolled into one.
“You’ve got…” Wren gestured to his face, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Where?” Finn asked, swiping blindly at his cheek.
“No, other side.” She leaned forward, napkin in hand, and gently dabbed at the corner of his mouth. The simple touch sentelectricity racing across his skin, and he caught the slight hitch in her breath that told him she’d felt it, too.
His bear practically purred at her touch.We’re winning her over. Soon you’ll be able to tell her the truth.
Finn nearly said something sappy, but bit down on it, not wanting to spoil the moment.
However, when Finn’s phone buzzed against the wooden table, it did just that. He reluctantly tore his gaze from Wren’s face to check the message.
It was from Philip.Hey Finn, can you do me a favor? The Ag Supply store just called to let me know the special fertilizer I ordered is in, and I need it picked up today. But everyone at the vineyard is tied up until late afternoon. Can you swing by and pick up? Thanks!
