Page 6 of Beary In Love

"That same piece you've been holding for the past five minutes?"

Heat crept up Serena's neck. She set down her sandwich. "I just want to know what they're talking about. Nina seems worked up about something."

"Mm-hmm." Julie's knowing smile made Serena want to hex her. "Nothing to do with the way Logan's forearms flex when he gestures?"

"I hadn't noticed." The lie tasted worse than a failed healing potion.

Nina's voice rose slightly, carrying across the café. "I have the perfect solution. She's brilliant with both potions and animals..."

Serena's stomach dropped as Nina gestured in her direction. Logan's head turned. Those gold-flecked brown eyes widened as they met hers. The surprise on his face matched what she felt - like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her head.

"Oh god," Serena muttered, fumbling with her napkin. Logan quickly turned back to his conversation with Nina.

Despite Serena's best efforts, her gaze kept drifting to Logan. He'd lean in to listen to Nina, then glance her way again, running a hand through his messy dark hair. The gesture was so familiar it made her chest ache.

"He's looking over here."

"You're looking back," Julie pointed out.

"Maybe if I slide under the table..."

"And what? Live there forever?" Julie snorted. "Besides, he's coming over."

"What?" Serena's head snapped up. Sure enough, Logan had pushed away from the counter. He took two steps in their direction, hesitated, then pretended to be very interested in the floating menu board.

"This is ridiculous," Serena whispered. "We're adults. Why are we acting like teenagers at a school dance?"

"Because it's more fun this way?" Julie grinned. "Oh look, he's trying again."

Logan had indeed started toward their table once more. He cleared his throat as he approached. Serena's heart hammered against her ribs as she fiddled with her napkin.

"Hey Serena." His voice carried the same warm roughness she remembered. "Julie."

Julie kicked Serena under the table. "Hi Logan," Julie said too cheerfully.

"Hi," Serena said sheepishly. "You look... good." The words tumbled out before she could stop them.

A half-smile tugged at his mouth. "You too. Welcome back."

"Thanks." She gestured to the chair across from her. "Want to join us?"

He slid into the seat, and Serena caught a whiff of sawdust and pine needles. "How's life been treating you?"

"I finished vet school." She twisted a loose strand of hair around her finger. "Then worked at a clinic in the city until recently."

"Until the divorce," Julie supplied helpfully. Serena shot her a look.

Logan's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It was for the best." Serena waved her hand dismissively. "What about you? Julie mentioned something about a wildlife sanctuary?"

His eyes lit up, gold flecks catching the lantern light. "Built it myself after... well, a while back. We take in injured wildlife, rehabilitate them. Some magical creatures too, when they need help."

"That's amazing." The genuine admiration in her voice surprised her. "Always knew you had a soft spot for animals."

"Remember when he rescued that baby raccoon from Mrs. Peterson's chimney?" Julie grinned.

"And it wouldn't leave him alone for weeks?" Serena found herself smiling at the memory. "Followed him everywhere."

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