Page 7 of Beary In Love

Logan rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks flushing. "Yeah, well. Speaking of which, I should head back. Got a few patients that need checking on."

He stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "It was good seeing you, Serena."

"You too, Logan."

She watched him leave, the bell's melodic chime marking his exit. The scent of pine lingered, mixing with the café's magical atmosphere in a way that made her chest ache with nostalgia.

"Well," Julie said, "that wasn't completely awkward."

"Yeah, sure." Serena muttered. "I can't believe you brought up the divorce."

Serena watched as a floating teacup pirouetted past their table, the steam forming little hearts that dissipated in the air. She wished she could disappear as easily as that steam.

"You have to admit," Julie said, stirring her drink with a wave of her finger, "he's filled out nicely. Those arms? Come on."

"Can you not?" Serena adjusted her glasses. "I mean, yes, the sanctuary thing is impressive. It suits him. But that's it."

"That's it?" Julie raised an eyebrow. "The way you two were looking at each other, I thought Nina's lanterns might burst."

"We weren't-" Serena paused as Nina sent a plate of cookies floating their way. "Okay, maybe I looked. A little. But it doesn't matter. I'm forever done with relationships."

"Forever? That's a long time."

"My track record speaks for itself." Serena picked up a cookie, examining it rather than eating it. "I thought Richardwas perfect, and look how that turned out. Before that, Logan and I imploded spectacularly. I clearly have terrible judgment when it comes to men."

Julie snorted. "Logan was different. You were both young and stupid. He wanted to stay here, you wanted to go to vet school..."

"And neither of us knew how to compromise." The cookie crumbled in Serena's fingers. "Besides, that's ancient history. We're different people now."

"Exactly! Different, more mature people who might-"

"No." Serena pointed her cookie at Julie. "Don't even finish that thought. I need to focus on rebuilding my life, not complicating it with ex-boyfriend drama. Even if he did look unfairly good in that t-shirt."

"Ha! So you did notice."

"I have eyes, Julie." Serena finally bit into her cookie. "But I also have common sense. Ex-boyfriends are ex for a reason."

"Fine, fine." Julie raised her hands in surrender. "But when you two inevitably fall back in love, I expect to be maid of honor."

"I'm hexing you with hiccups the next time you sleep."

"Worth it." Julie grinned. "Your cheeks still get all pink when you talk about him."

Serena touched her face, feeling the warmth there. "They do not. It's just... warm in here. Nina's lanterns are extra bright today."

"Mm-hmm. Keep telling yourself that."

4

LOGAN

Logan gripped his truck's steering wheel, his knuckles white as he navigated the winding roads. Cherry blossoms drifted across his windshield as he made his way back to the sanctuary. Their sweet scent mixed with the salt air through his open window. He couldn't shake the image of Serena from his mind - the way she'd twisted that loose strand of hair around her finger, just like she used to do when they were together.

"Damn it," he muttered, hitting the steering wheel. Nina was right - Serena would be perfect for helping with his sick animals. A vet who could work with magic? That's exactly what he needed. But seeing her again, looking so vulnerable yet still so beautiful...

His bear stirred restlessly inside him, remembering her scent - lavender and vanilla, with an underlying hint of something uniquely Serena. The same scent that used to drive him wild a long time ago.

"Get it together," he growled at himself, pulling over to the side of the road. The spring breeze rustled through the buddingtrees, carrying the distant sound of songbirds. "She's got her own problems. She doesn't need yours too."

---