Page 40 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“These lines here,” she explained, tapping the rough outline. “I thought we could keep part of the barn’s rustic charm but incorporate a polished floor. Maybe keep the wooden beams exposed to show the barn’s original character. Then, for the seating, I’d go with smaller, well-spaced tables for an intimate vibe. You know, let people focus on the wine-and-food pairing without feeling like they’re in a huge dining hall.”

Kris nodded slowly, eyes flicking between her sketches and the barn around them. “I like it,” he murmured. “Preserving the barn’s authenticity is important. And an intimate setting fits the Thornberg style—personal, handcrafted, not mass-market.”

Cassia positively glowed at his words of approval. “Exactly. And for the menu, I have made a shortlist of dishes for the seasonal menus. I did quite a bit of research last night, and most of what we need can be sourced locally.”

He grinned, the tension around his eyes easing. “You have been busy. This all looks fantastic.”

She released a breath of relief. “I want to do a good job,” she said simply.For you,her mind added, though she didn’t speak it aloud.

“We’ve got some quotes coming in for the work, and Finn is applying for the permits we’ll need.” Kris looked up, his eyes scanning the interior of the building. “It’s all starting to come together.” He ducked his head and looked at her, and it was as if she were drawn to him.

“Great.” She winced as she closed her notebook and held it in her arms. She needed to put some distance between them. It was as if, when she was around him, she lost all control. Maybe if she addressed what happened last night, and he told her how uncomfortable it had made him… But what if it hadn’t made him uncomfortable?

Damn, this was driving her crazy!

She cleared her throat. “Kris…about last night.” Her voice wavered, but she could not take the words back.

“Last night,” he said as if he had no idea what he was talking about.

Cassia clutched her notebook tighter. “I want to say I’m sorry—” She paused, swallowing. “Sorry I kissed you,” she clarified quickly, cheeks burning. “It was inappropriate. You’re my boss, essentially, and I don’t want to cross a line that makes this job…complicated. Especially after you invested your trust in me.”

Kris’s expression softened. “You don’t have to apologize for that.”

She shook her head. “I do. The phone call from my ex…I don’t know, it messed my head up. But I won’t let it happen again. I want to show you I’m serious about this restaurant.”

His lips curved in a faint, wry smile. “I understand. And for what it’s worth, I know you’re serious. This barn, these ideas, the menu—you’ve jumped in wholeheartedly.” He exhaled, placing a gentle hand on the battered notebook in her grasp. “Andifyou want to keep things professional, I understand.”

Was she reading him right?Hedidn’t regret it.

They held each other’s gaze, a thousand unspoken words flickering between them. Then Kris cleared his throat. “So,” he said. “These recipes?”

Cassia latched onto the shift in topic with relief and opened her notebook once more. “Yes…the recipes.”

But all she could think of was that with Kris, she seemed to have stumbled across the recipe for love.

Chapter Fifteen – Kris

How was he supposed to focus on the restaurant plans when all he wanted to do was look into his mate’s eyes?

Is thatallyou want to do?his bear asked with a chuckle.

No,Kris admitted.I’d like to hold her in my arms and kiss her. Not on the cheek, but on her lips.

Now, that would not be keeping things professional,his bear teased.

No, it would not,Kris agreed.But if that is what Cassia wants, then we need to respect her wishes.

It felt as if their relationship was on a knife edge and the last thing he wanted to do was tip the balance the wrong way. He took a deep breath and tried to focus on the recipe Cassia was showing him.

“This pasta dish would be perfect for the first week’s menu,” she was saying, tracing the ingredients list with her finger. “It uses local produce and pairs beautifully with your Pinot Noir.”

“It looks delicious,” Kris said, but he wasn’t looking at the recipe. He was watching the way her eyes lit up when she talked about food, the passion evident in every gesture.

Yes, the recipes might sound delicious, but nothing could taste as good as his mate’s lips.

She looked up from the recipes and caught him staring. “Sorry, I get carried away sometimes,” she said as a light blush flushed her cheeks.

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “I love watching you get excited about your craft.”

---