Page 34 of Her Embarrassed Bear Mate

"Magic," Alix said because she had no real explanation.

She spotted Lena nearing with a large box, clearly struggling. Before Alix could help her, Aditihad already dashed over to her. The concern on her face was so obvious, a stranger would be able to tell that she was clearly still head over heels with her ex.

"You okay?" Aditi asked.

Lena's smile was frosty despite the heat. "I got it."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I said I got it." Lena pushed the box into the van and let out a defeated puff. From everyone here, she looked to be struggling the most with the heat and the labour. Sweat was dripping down her brow and running down the sides of her face. She glared in Alix's direction. "Why did you pick the hottest day of the year to move?"

"V and I were finally ready to move in together," Alix said with a little shrug. She was used to Lena's dramatics and they had come to help her out for just the promise of pizza, she wasn't about to be ungrateful.

As if summoned, Veronica appeared behind her with a box. "I think there's only one more but then that's it."

"Lena and I can get it," Aditi volunteered quickly.

Lena gave her a withering stare. "Can't you doit by yourself?"

"It looked like a big box," Veronica said with an apologetic smile.

"Fine." Despite her complaint, Lena went along with Aditi.

Alix couldn't help but feel bad. She knew it was awkward for them to be around each other but she still appreciated both of them showing up to help her. They were good friends, that was for sure.

Even from a distance, she could see the two bickering over the last box and who was holding it how.

"Are they okay?" Veronica asked.

"As okay as they can be."

"Guess they're not being the classic stereotype of being best friends despite being exes."

"No, although that would've been nice." Alix watched her friends with a pensive look. "I guess it's hard to be friends when you're still in love with each other."

"I suppose that's true." Veronica hummed as she fanned her face. "Gosh, it's so hot."

"Yeah, I can see that," Alix flirted, no longer thinking about her friends.

"You can't possibly find me attractive right now. I'm sweating buckets."

"You clearly underestimate how hot I find you." With a big grin, Alixpulled Veronica in for a kiss. She didn't linger long because it really was too warm for that now. Instead, she turned to look at the packed van. "I can't believe I'm moving in with you. It feels like not that long ago, we were talking about taking things slow."

"Nine months is pretty slow."

Alix chuckled. "Some people would say it's way too fast."

"Are those people here?"

"Nope."

"I guess only you and I can decide what the right pace is for our relationship." Veronica swung her arm over Alix's sweaty shoulders. "How do you feel? Ready to leave the nest?"

"Hmm, I am but it is bittersweet. It's hard leaving Trixie behind but I know it's good for everyone involved. And Mum has been a lot more hands-on so I don't have to worry too much," Alix said. "And I really look forward to seeing you every day."

Veronica's laugh was warm like the summer breeze. "Same. I miss you when you're not around."

"Sappy."

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