Page 56 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“Yes. Although, I think ‘okay’ might be the understatement of the century,” she added with a soft laugh. “That was...incredible.”

“I am a man of many talents,” he said with a smile that made her insides turn to liquid fire.

She wanted him to make love to her all over again. And again. And again.

“I’ve noticed,” Cassia replied, running her hands over his broad shoulders. The cooler air under the trees finally registered on her naked skin, raising goosebumps along her arms. Kris noticed immediately, ever attentive to her needs.

“We should get dressed before you catch a cold,” he said, though reluctance colored his voice. He bent to retrieve their scattered clothing from the forest floor.

As they dressed in comfortable silence, Cassia couldn’t help stealing glances at him—the way the muscles in his back flexed as he pulled on his shirt, how his hands, so powerful yet gentle, fastened his belt. Everything about him called to something deep within her.

When they were both clothed again, Kris pulled her into his arms, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Hungry?”

“You’re thinking of food at a time like this?” she asked incredulously.

“I think that I’m going to need all my strength if I am going to worship your body all night,” he said as he spread the picnic blanket on the ground and held out his hand to her. Cassia felt her face flush at his words. She took his hand and settled onto the blanket, her body still humming with pleasure.

“All night, huh?” she teased, though the thought sent delicious shivers through her. “Pretty confident, aren’t you?”

“All night, every night, for the rest of our lives,” Kris said as he kissed the back of her hand and then reached inside the picnic basket. “Sandwich?”

“Thank you.” She laughed as she took one and Kris retrieved the wine glasses and refilled them.

“Another toast.” Kris touched his glass to hers. “To food, wine, and love. The perfect ingredients for life.”

“Food, wine, and love,” she agreed.

“Although not necessarily in that order,” he added.

No. Love would always come first.

Chapter Twenty-One – Kris

Kris glanced around the restaurant, unable to suppress a rush of pride as he took in the soft glow of the polished wooden tables, the artfully folded napkins, and the subtle gleam of silverware. Golden late-summer sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing everything in warmth and promise. Months of hard labor, countless late nights, and endless conversations had brought them to this moment—the restaurant’s trial launch.

And you forgot to mention that this place was responsible for bringing us and our mate together,his bear added happily.

Kris smiled inwardly.How could I ever forget?

And Finn, of course,his bear added.

We still owe him one.Kris scanned the restaurant, his gaze resting on his brother who was talking to their chef, Manfred.

We certainly do,his bear agreed.

His smile widened as his gaze settled on Cassia. She was standing near the tasting counter, head bent in deep conversation with Philip, pointing out something on her clipboard. His heart skipped like it always did whenever he caught sight of her. Even now, several months after that unforgettable afternoon by the stream—when they’d finally claimed each other as mates—just seeing her could knock the breath from his lungs.

She glanced up, as if sensing his stare, and their eyes met across the room. A soft smile curved her lips, one filled with shared secrets and love. Kris’s bear practically purred with satisfaction.

“Hey, lovebirds,” Finn teased, strolling up with a knowing smirk. “Plenty of time for mooning over each other later. Right now, we’ve got people to impress.”

“Don’t worry,” Kris said, slapping his brother lightly on the shoulder. “We’re ready.”

And they were ready, he was sure of it. But he couldn’t deny the nervous energy simmering beneath his confidence. Food critics and wine connoisseurs had been invited to dine at the restaurant tonight, and their reactions would set the tone for the restaurant’s future.

It’ll be fine,his bear told him.

But Kris could not fight the fear that something could still go wrong.

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