Page 34 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

It was more of a thrill. As if an instinctual part of her was reacting to him.

Yet when he spoke, his tone was gentle. “You said you needed space, right? Then that’s exactly what he should give you. If he truly loves you, if he’s truly sorry, he’d respect your time to heal. And your choice. Because you don’t owe him anything just because he suddenly realized his mistake.”

“That’s…exactly what I said,” she replied, her breath wavering as a potent mix of emotions pulsed through her. Pain and anger, and also a flicker of relief that Kris understood. “I guess I never realized he might come crawling back. And ironically, I was afraid maybe I was jumping into something else too fast.” She hesitated, glancing toward Kris, but he didn’t flinch. “I mean, with the restaurant,” she added hastily, “not…well, you know.”

He nodded. “I get it. You’re second-guessing yourself.”

Cassia let out a shaky laugh. “You have no idea. A couple of days ago, I was in a city apartment, feeling like my world was caving in. Now I’m on a mountain, planning a restaurant with a family I’ve only just met, and I’m…enjoying it more than any job I’ve had before.” Her voice caught. “It makes me think maybe I’m just on the rebound. That I’m only throwing myself into this because I’m scared to be alone, or because I’m angry at him. And that’s not fair to your family, or you.”

She’d braced for Kris to look crestfallen, but his expression softened with empathy. “I can’t speak for your ex, but I know my family is happy you’re here. And me…” He trailed off, pushing a pine branch aside for her to pass. “I’m…happy, too.” He paused and then added, “That doesn’t mean you owe us your future.”

Cassia’s throat tightened at the earnestness in his tone. Yet she got the feeling that it was exactly what she owed him. Because her future was here with him. It was a done deal.

But she could not trust her feelings. Not when they were so heightened after the phone call. As for Kris, he was simply being kind.

Or maybe he was simply trying to persuade her to give herself time, give herself two weeks to think things over because that’s what he needed from her.

Two weeks to plan the menus for the vineyard restaurant. Two weeks to fulfill the bargain they’d struck.

“You make it sound so simple,” she whispered. “But I’m still terrified of making a mistake.”

“Then let’s keep it professional, like you said.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “You commit to the restaurant at least for the two-week trial. We get the opening off the ground. After that…well, hopefully, you won’t vanish on us. But if you do…” He let out a ragged breath. “We’ll deal with it then.”

She was right. This had everything to do with the restaurant. How foolish she had been to think otherwise.

When he’d brought her up here to talk about his family being different, his big secret was probably to do with the Thornberg wine. Some secret blends they used. Or something unique about the barrels they used.

She swiped at a stray tear that threatened to escape. “Right, yes. The two-week trial. As we agreed,” she repeated. “As for afterward, it’s not that I will leave you high and dry. But realistically, once the restaurant is open, and the menu is set, you might not need me.” She forced a weak smile. “A pairings consultant can swing by once a month, update a few items…that’s all.”

A subtle crease appeared on Kris’s brow. “We’ll always need you,” he said, so quietly she almost missed it. Then, as if catching himself, he cleared his throat and added in a more pragmatic tone, “I mean, your expertise. But yes, if you wanted to scale back, that’s your call.”

Her heart squeezed painfully.He said he’ll always need me.The way he looked at her…made her want to believe that their connection was more than a rebound, more than a fleeting comfort. But then she remembered her ex’s words:You’re the only woman I want.

She’d heard it all before. Where had it led?

To pain and heartache.

They crested a small rise in the trail, and the lights of Bear’s Rest Guest House came into view through the trees. Cassia’s steps slowed. She didn’t want him to leave. She didn’t want to be alone with her thoughts. She would never have guessed, when they set off on their walk to talk, that things would have turned out this way.

Side by side, they walked silently toward the guest house. The evening air had grown cooler, and Cassia pulled her jacket tighter around herself, feeling the chill seep deeper than her skin.

When they reached the porch, Kris hesitated, his large frame silhouetted against the warm glow from the windows. “Will you be okay?” he asked, his deep voice gentle in the darkness.

Cassia nodded, not trusting herself to speak. A part of her wanted to ask him to stay, to talk more, but the rational side of her brain knew that would only complicate things further.

“Thank you for walking me back,” she managed finally, her fingers fumbling with her keys.

“Always,” Kris replied, and something in that single word made her heart stutter.

He waited until she had the door open before stepping back. “Get some rest, Cassia. Tomorrow’s another day.”

For a moment, she thought he might lean in and kiss her. Her heart raced, wishing he would cross that line.

But Kris stayed where he was. His arms twitched at his sides as if he was waging an internal battle to either gather her close or keep a respectful distance. At last, he stepped back, offering a gentle smile. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

“Of course,” she murmured, tears prickling again at the corners of her eyes. “And I promise I won’t let this interfere with my work. I’ll have those updated pairing notes first thing…”

“That’s not what I meant,” Kris cut in gently, a hint of regret in his tone.

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