Page 43 of Beary In Love

"But-"

"Serena." His voice dropped lower, taking on that commanding tone that made her knees weak. "Sit for a minute."

She huffed but let him guide her to a bench. "You're bossy when you're worried."

"I'm always bossy." He handed her a bottle of water. "Drink."

Serena tilted her head back, letting the cool water soothe her parched throat. The moon hung fat and bright above them, casting elongated shadows across the sanctuary grounds. Hermuscles ached from hours of cleanup, and exhaustion tugged at her bones.

"Stay the night." Logan's voice pierced through the quiet.

She nearly choked on her water. "What?"

"In my cabin." He gestured toward the small house. "You're dead on your feet, and I don't want you driving home like this."

"I couldn't-"

"You can take my bed. I'll crash on the couch."

Serena fiddled with the water bottle cap, weighing her options. The thought of driving home in her current state made her wince. Plus, what if Silas came back?

"I don't have any clothes to sleep in," she protested weakly.

Logan crossed his arms, his expression brooking no argument. "I'll loan you something."

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Nope." The corner of his mouth twitched. "Consider it payback for making me sit still while you played nurse earlier."

Warmth filled her body at the memory of her hands on his bare skin. "Fine. But if you give me some ratty old t-shirt to sleep in, I'm turning it into something pink and frilly."

His laugh echoed across the sanctuary. "Threats already? Come on. Let's get you settled."

As they walked to his cabin, Serena couldn't help but notice how he positioned himself between her and the tree line, his shoulders tensed and alert. The alpha protector, even now. Some things never changed.

"You know," she said, trying to lighten the mood, "the last time I spent the night here, we were dating and you tried to cook me breakfast. The fire department wasn't very impressed."

"That pan was defective."

"The pan was fine. Your attention span was defective."

"If I remember correctly," he said, holding open his front door, "you were very distracting that morning."

Serena ducked inside, hoping the darkness hid her blush. Some memories were better left in the past. Weren't they?

Logan disappeared down the hallway and returned with a stack of folded clothes. "These should work. Pants might be a bit long."

"Thanks." Serena accepted the clothes, trying not to focus on how his fingers brushed hers or how the soft cotton t-shirt still held traces of his warmth.

"Bathroom's through there if you want to change." He gestured to a door, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Bedroom's just past it."

"Right." She clutched the clothes tighter, suddenly very aware of being alone with him in his cabin again. "Thanks again for letting me stay."

His bathroom was unusually neat, with forest-green towels and a pine-scented candle on the counter. Serena changed quickly, rolling up the legs of his flannel pants several times. His gray t-shirt hung loose on her frame, the soft material carrying his distinctive scent - pine needles and something uniquely Logan.

When she emerged, Logan was making up the couch with spare blankets. He'd stripped off his shirt again, and Serena found herself staring at the play of muscles across his back.

"Bedroom's all yours." He turned, catching her gaze. Heat flooded her cheeks at being caught looking.

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