Page 34 of Sunshine for the Grumpy Grizzly

“Later,” he growls, and wraps his arms around me.

After a while, a vehicle pulls up outside, its engine spluttering.

“What’s that?” I shove myself up on my elbow.

“Sounds a heck of a lot like the minibus that brought you all here.”

I frown, listening to the sound of doors slamming and raised voices. “But it’s not due till tomorrow.”

He shrugs.

I crook an eyebrow. “What did you do?”

“I decided they’ve done enough team-building already, and I told your hot-tub buddy that I’d refund their last night. Funny enough, they seemed quite happy with that.”

I give a little gasp. “But, Preston. You didn’t need to do that.”

“Lucy, these are the first days of our life together. They’re going to be special. I don’t want to have to think of those assholes when I wake up with you in my arms tomorrow.”

There’s a hesitant knock at the door.

“Yes?” I call.

“Lucy?” Natasha’s tone is much softer than before. “Are you coming?”

“Nope!” I say cheerfully.

I hear her sigh. “Look, I’m sorry for everything. You’ve been really great.”

“Thanks,” I say. “Safe journey home.”

I fall back on the pillow, and listen as the voices die away and the minibus door slides shut. The engine starts up again, and they’re gone.

They’re gone.

Then I turn to my mate. “You’re pretty romantic for a grumpy grizzly bear. You know that?”

“Didn’t until I met you. Didn’t know much of anything until I met you.” He takes my face in his hands and kisses me.

EPILOGUE

One year later

“Preston! Preston!” I shriek, busting out of the yoga studio and running across the resort as fast as my legs can carry me.

Preston charges out of the cabin he’s working on. He’s half-naked, rivulets of sweat running over his gorgeous muscular torso. “What is it, baby?”

He looks so worried, I burst out laughing. But that’s not gonna fly, when I also need my lungs for breathing. I screech to a stop, doubled over. “Aggh, I’ve got a stitch,” I complain. “I only finished my lunch five minutes ago.”

“Lucy, honey, slow down. Whatever it is, it’s not worth breaking a rib over.” He lays his big hands on my shoulders and I instantly calm.

I lift up my phone. “Look.” I thrust the glowing screen up to his face.

“Congratulations! You have received your first review,” he reads. He shakes his head. “So, what did they say?”

“I don’t know yet,” I squeak. “I wanted you to be there when I read it.”

He breaks into a grin and puts his arm around my shoulders. He knows how important it is to me that we experience all our big events together. I swipe and scroll on the app.

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