Page 4 of Bearly Spicy

The next night, I step out of my warm shower and find a message from another unknown number waiting on my phone. I’m tempted to erase it before even reading it, but my curiosity gets the best of me.

My heart turns to mush as I read the message.

Unknown

I wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you. Good night, Spicy Girl.

Me

You have the wrong number.

Unknown

No, I don’t, Bethany.

Me

Wishful thinking.

I can’t comeup with any other response.

Unknown

How was your day?

His sudden changeof subject sends my head spinning as I search my mind for a response. In the end, I just go with the crazy flow.

Me

Busy. Our new computer system is fighting me.

Unknown

I can help with that. Computers are my business.

I vaguely rememberMabel telling me that Clay owns an IT company and Wilder rents properties.

Me

I’m sure you don’t want to waste your time on our computer problems. Honey Buns is small potatoes to you.

Unknown

I’d do anything for you. Anything. What problem are you having?

Me

Call me. I’m getting tired of typing.

I can’t believeI actually told Clay Bearly to call me.

When my phone rings a few seconds later, I take a deep breath and answer. “Hello.”

“Hi.” Clay’s deep voice sends electricity flowing down my spine. “Before we talk about your computer issues, I want to get something out of the way.” Oh, man. I’m not sure I’m ready for a heart-to-heart with the hot bear shifter. “I’m sorry I acted like a moron when we met.” My heart softens as the sincerity in his voice echoes through the phone line. “I don’t know how to explain this without sounding like an idiot, so I’m just going to lay it out there.” I hold my breath, waiting for him to continue. “Your beauty blew me away, and I didn’t know how to act. I’ve never been good at dealing with strangers. I actually hate meeting new people.” I suddenly realize Clay Bearly is shy.

“Why wouldn’t you shake my hand?” I have to know.

“You blew my fucking mind. By the time my dumbass brain woke up and sent the signal to my hand to return the shake, I’d already offended you,” he growls. “My inner bear still isn’t talking to me over the way I treated you.”

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