Page 7 of Her Embarrassed Bear Mate

A horrible feeling of dread settled in Alix'ss stomach and she was pretty sure it wouldn't soon clear up. Of all the people, why did she have to run into Veronica again? Memories of last night flooded her mind and it made her stomach clench. It has been such a wild and wonderful night, it was cruel that it ended like this.

And Alix thought the empty bed was bad. This was a hundred times worse.

The dark-haired woman paused in front of her, her expression and eyes blank. She held out her hand. “Hi, I'm Veronica.”

So they were pretending they didn’t know each other then? That was probably for the best. Alix had no desire to explain to anyone how they already knew each other.

“Alix. Nice to meet you,” Alix said, surprised her mouth was still working considering how heavy her tongue felt.

“I’m Trixie! Trixie Jones,” her little sister announced again, as always happy to meet new people.

Veronica chuckled, a lovely sound. “Nice to meet you, Trixie Jones. I’m Veronica Bearson.”

Bearson. So on the nose.

Dirk clapped his hands. “Great, now that everyone has met, we can get this party started. Boys, help me set the table.”

“We’ll help too,” her mum said, pulling Trixie along.

While the others got into action, Alix had only eyes for Veronica. Her vibe was totally different from last night. Her whole body was stiff and tense, and her smile was so disingenuous.

Alix didn't need to ask, she remembered Veronica’s lamenting crystal clear. She wanted to say something but she didn't know what. What was there to say?

Veronica spoke first. “I’m sorry.”

Alix made sure nobody was within earshot but she didn't need to worry, nobody was paying them any attention.

“What are you apologising for? Accidentally sleeping with the daughter of your dad’s new fiancée or abandoning me in the hotel this morning?” Alix asked. It came out snappier than she intended but this whole situation was already bad enough, she didn't need this on top of the mess.

A sheepish look appeared on Veronica's face. “Both. My dad called really early because Jonas finally arrived.”

“You could've woken me.”

“Yeah, I'm sorry. I just felt awkward and wanted to get out of there,” Veronica admitted, her gaze falling to the floor.

At least she was honest.

“I’m guessing the engagement was the news?” Alix asked.

“Yup, that and this surprise meet-the-family dinner.” Veronica looked like she could murder someone and that someone was likely her dad.

Alix felt a little twinge of compassion. At least she’d known this was happening.

“Sorry,” Alix said.

The smallest of smiles lifted Veronica’s lips. “For what? For being the daughter of my dad’s new fiancée or for unknowingly ambushing me and my siblings?”

“Also both.”

Before they could chat more, her mother called them over and that put an end to the conversation. The last thing Alix wanted was to have dinner with them but she had no choice. She just hoped it would be over soon and that Veronica wasn’t going to tell them about last night.

FIVE

Veronica

Veronica was tryingher hardest not to stare at Alix but it was difficult when they were sitting opposite of each other at the table. Her heart was still pounding like crazy from seeing her again. The one time she let her hair down and did something wild. It was like the universe was punishing her.

To make matters worse, Alix looked super cute in her low jeans and floral shirt. It was a different outfit than last night but it suited her. She wore a dangly necklace that disappeared into her cleavage andVeronica remembered running her hands all over Alix's body.

---