Page 15 of Beary In Love

"You too? Everyone's a critic." Logan checked the locks one final time. "At least Serena's potions are working. That's something."

His phone buzzed - a text from Julie: "Serena says don't forget to log temp changes in the sick ones."

Logan smiled despite himself. Even after all these years, Serena was still detail-oriented to a fault.

"Yes, doc," he typed back, then started taking temperatures. The bear inside him preened at how well their charges were doing under her care.

"Shut up," he told it firmly. "She's just doing her job. Professional relationship only."

The bear disagreed. Strongly.

"This is going to be a long week," Logan sighed, making his final notes. But he couldn't quite suppress the warmth in his chest at the thought of tomorrow's check-up.

7

SERENA

Serena tossed and turned all night. Every time she closed her eyes, ancient memories of Logan flooded back - his laugh, the way he'd scoop her up when she least expected it, those tender moments when he'd brush her hair from her face. The digital clock on her nightstand seemed to mock her with its slow progression toward morning.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered into her pillow. "He's just another client now."

But her dreams didn't get the memo, filling her head with snapshots of their past - stolen kisses behind the school, late-night stargazing in his pickup truck. She woke up feeling like she'd run a marathon.

Before long, her Honda pulled into the sanctuary's gravel driveway. The morning sun painted everything in soft golden hues, including the wooden sign that read "Steele Wildlife Sanctuary." Her stomach did a little flip when she spotted Logan's truck parked near the entrance.

"You're here for the animals. Just the animals," she muttered.

The gate creaked open before she reached it. Logan stood there, wearing a faded henley that did nothing to hide his broad shoulders.

"Morning." His voice was warm honey. "The fox is doing much better."

"That's... that's good." Serena murmured. "I brought fresh supplies to make another batch."

They walked side by side down the path, close enough that their arms almost brushed. The air between them crackled with unspoken words.

"Here, let me take that." Logan reached for her heavy kit.

Their fingers touched. Serena yanked her hand back as if burned. "I've got it."

"Still stubborn as ever, huh?"

"Still trying to fix everything yourself?"

They shared a look, then both laughed, breaking some of the tension.

Inside the treatment area, Serena laid out her ingredients while Logan brought in the first patient - a young deer with glassy eyes. As she worked, mixing herbs and channeling magic into the potion, she caught Logan watching her.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just... you always get this little crease between your eyebrows when you concentrate."

Her cheeks felt warmer. "Well, you still tap your foot when you're impatient."

"I do not-" He glanced down at his tapping foot and stopped.

The potion turned a brilliant blue, filling the air with the scent of summer rain. As they moved from animal to animal, administering the medicine, their movements fell into an easy rhythm. It felt familiar. Dangerous.

When their hands met passing a bottle, neither pulled away immediately. Serena's heart beat erratically in her chest. Shecouldn't afford to feel this way again. Couldn't risk another heartbreak. Especially from him.

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