Page 37 of Flare
Andrew opened another tab and searched for accommodations near Bearpaw Ridge. Not in the town itself—too risky—but somewhere close enough that he could drive in for the festival.
He found a hotel in Salmon, a doable drive to Bearpaw Ridge, and booked a room for Friday through Monday.
He itched to leave right away, but he couldn’t just abandon his business. There were important investor meetings tomorrow and Thursday, and preparing for them without Emily here to help him would take him for-fucking-ever.
His bear settled down somewhat as the plan took shape.Friday. Just four more days of this burning pain before he reclaimed his wayward mate. Then everything would be all right again.
Andrew closed the laptop and leaned back in his chair, allowing himself to imagine the reunion. Emily might resist at first, especially if Maggie had poisoned his mate’s mind.
But once he got Emily alone and could remind her of what they’d shared, he’d show her how much his bear needed her…
She would come around. Shehadto.
His phone buzzed again with a text message from his brother.
Grant: Mom says you’re ditching us again on Friday. Everything okay, bro?
Andrew ignored the text. Grant wouldn’t understand. His older brother was such a cold fish. Andrew was willing to bet he had never experienced the all-consuming need that drove Andrew now.
Instead, Andrew opened his contacts and scrolled down to Emily’s number. He’d called and texted her dozens of times over the past three days, alternating between pleading and demanding that she return his calls. She never had.
His thumb hovered over her name. One more try couldn’t hurt.
No, better to surprise her.When he showed up, he wanted to see the recognition and regret wash over her features as she realized what she’d thrown away.
Andrew set his phone down and stood. He needed to prepare the investor presentations before he left for Idaho.
His bear rumbled with approval, the first positive emotion it had shown since discovering Emily’s absence. It understood what was happening. They were going hunting, tracking their mate to bring her home.
Where she belonged.
And where she would stay this time. Andrew would make sure of that.
“I’m coming for you, Emily,” he growled to the empty living room, where her scent had already faded.“No one takes what’s mine. Especially not a fucking Swanson.”
Chapter 10
Lavender and Honey
Bearpaw Ridge, Idaho
Thursday, May 14
Ward shifted his weight from one foot to the other, glancing at his phone for the third time in as many minutes. He stood outside Cinnamon + Sugar. It had closed an hour ago, but he knew Emily worked until six.
He tried to appear casual, leaning against a lamppost with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.
His bear paced restlessly inside him. Two days had felt like two years since he’d asked Emily to dinner. After showering, Ward had changed his shirt three times before settling on a forest green button-down that his sister Ellie had told him brought out his eyes.
The bell above the bakery door jingled. Ward’s heart leaped into his throat as Emily stepped out. She wore a simple blue dress that hugged her delicious curves, with a lacy crocheted shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hair fell in soft waves around her face, catching the late afternoon sunlight like spun gold.
“Hey,” she said, smiling up at him, a hint of shyness in her expression.“Have you been waiting long?”
Ward shook his head, hoping she couldn’t hear how his pulse had quickened at the sight of her.“Just got here.” The lie came easily, though he’d been standing there for fifteen minutes.“You look…” Ward hesitated, not wanting to come on too strong.“Really nice.”
Emily’s cheeks flushed the cutest shade of pink.“Thanks. So do you.”
They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, until Ward cleared his throat.“Ready to head over to the restaurant?”
