Page 50 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
Relief washed through her, loosening the knot in her chest. She patted his shoulder, grateful for the moment to collect herself. “Well, I don’t think that’s a good idea, even though I appreciate the sentiment.”
Finn laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Don’t worry, that side of me will always remain a secret from the press.”
“But the rest of you?” she asked, her voice softer now.
Finn stood in one fluid motion and swept her off her feet, his arms strong and secure around her. His mouth found hers in a kiss that made her toes curl.
“The rest of me,” he murmured against her lips, “wants the world to know that you are mine. Always and forever.”
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver through her. Not the controlling kind she’d known before, but something deeper, more primal, the recognition of a bond that transcended ordinary relationships.
“I am,” she whispered.
Wren reluctantly pulled away, needing space to breathe before she abandoned all plans for the day and dragged him backto bed. “Okay, give me ten minutes to get ready, and then we’ll go.”
Finn held her a moment longer, his arms tightening briefly before he released her. The grin that spread across his face was brighter than the sunlight streaming through the windows. She could see how long he’d been waiting for this moment, his need to claim her in public, at least figuratively speaking.
The physical claiming would always remain behind closed doors, their sacred secret.
Wren hurried to the bedroom, filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The shower’s hot spray helped clear her head as she shampooed quickly, rehearsing what she might say to anyone who recognized her. For the first time in months, the thought of being recognized didn’t fill her with dread.
She toweled off and pulled on her favorite worn jeans, a pair of boots, and a loose chambray shirt that brought out the green in her eyes. The beanie she usually wore to hide her identity caught her eye as it lay on the bed. After a moment’s hesitation, she left it there.
No more hiding.
She shook out her hair, letting the dark waves fall freely around her shoulders, and headed back downstairs. Finn looked up from gathering his papers, and his eyes darkened as they traveled slowly from her face to her feet and back again. The heat in his gaze made her skin tingle.
It would be so easy to take his hand and lead him back upstairs, to lose themselves in each other for the rest of the day. But she’d made up her mind. Today was about stepping out of the shadows and back into the light. On her terms, with her mate by her side.
“Ready?” she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.
Finn nodded, taking her hand. His palm was warm against hers, his grip firm and yet gentle. They walked outside into the bright mountain sunshine, fingers intertwined.
Finn walked her around to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door for her. A shock of recognition threaded up her arm as he hooked his hand under her elbow and helped her into the passenger seat.
That feeling of connection would never grow old.
A moment later, Finn was in the driver’s seat, inserting the key into the ignition. The engine rumbled to life, and they drove toward town, the windows down, the spring air whipping through her hair.
As they approached the community garden, Wren spotted several figures already gathered there. Alfie was holding a pile of leaflets, talking to his mate Marion, who wore a pretty floral dress. While Stanley was holding hands with his mate, June, as they watched her son Oli and June’s son Charlie dart between the raised beds, a blur of energy.
Finn parked the truck, and Wren’s hand froze on her seatbelt. This was it, her first deliberate step into the public eye since arriving in Bear Creek. Her choice to be seen, to be known, not just as Wren Hayes the singer, but as Wren, Finn Thornberg’s mate.
Wren closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. Her fingers trembled slightly against the door handle. This was different from performing on stage. There, she had an identity to slip into, a role to play. Here she was just...herself.
“Ready?” Finn asked, his voice soft with understanding.
She opened her eyes to find him watching her, those warm brown eyes filled with patience. The sight of him calmed the fluttering in her stomach.
“Yes.” With a determined nod, she pushed open the door and stepped out into the sunshine.
The moment her boots hit the gravel, Alfie spotted them. “They’re here!” he called out, waving enthusiastically. “The master planner and hismysteriouslady friend have arrived!”
Finn’s hand found the small of her back, a reassuring touch as they approached the group. June and Marion broke away from the group, heading straight for Wren with open arms and warm smiles that instantly eased the tension in her shoulders.
“Welcome to the madness,” June said, pulling Wren into a hug.
“She’s talking about Alfie,” Marion said, glancing at her mate.
