Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
As noon approaches, I realize we’ve been working non-stop. “I think it’s time for a lunch break,” I suggest. “There’s a great place downtown I want to take you to.”
Her eyes light up. “I’d love to.”
We bundle up and step outside into the warmer air. Glacier Pass is stunning with its emerald green valleys and the snow-covered mountains off in the distance, standing tall and regal against the clear blue sky. With Emilia beside me, everything seems even more vibrant.
We reach the small diner that serves as a community hub of sorts. The warm, rustic interior is inviting, and I lead her to a corner booth that offers a view of the busy streets. The waitress recognizes me and comes over with a friendly smile, handing Emilia a menu.
“I already know what this big lug is going to order,” Jolene tells Emilia before turning to me. “I heard you’d hired a new employee.” The fucking town grapevine has been working overtime.
“That’s right,” I tell her. “This is Emilia, my mate and office manager.” I want every motherfucker in town to know my mate is off-limits. Telling the town gossip is the best way to get this done efficiently.
Emilia takes my announcement in stride and runs with it. “I’ll have a double cheeseburger and fries, please.”
“I’ll get that order right in.” The waitress nods and heads off, leaving us in the cozy booth.
“This place has the best cheeseburgers,” I assure her.
Her blue eyes light up. “I freaking love cheeseburgers.”
As we wait for our food, the conversation naturally shifts away from work. “So, how do you like Glacier Pass so far?” I ask, wanting to make sure my mate is comfortable.
“It’s wonderful,” she admits. “It’s so different from the city. More peaceful, slower-paced. People are friendlier, too. It feels like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Her words echo what I feel, and I almost fist-bump the air as relief cuts through me. It takes every ounce of control to keep my bear from reacting. “I’m glad to hear that. I know it’s a big change.”
The food arrives and we eat in comfortable silence for a while, savoring each bite.
“Thank you for giving me the time and space to settle in. It means a lot.”
“You don’t have to thank me, little goddess. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I’m acutely aware of the chemistry flowing between us. My polar bear pushes forward again, urging me to close the distance, but I hold back, not wanting to scare her off. There’s a lot riding on my patience.
We finish lunch and head back to the office. The afternoon is filled with more work, but it flows easily, Emilia taking on each task with enthusiasm. By the end of the day, we’ve covered a lot of ground and I can see she’s settling in well.
“Well, that’s a wrap for today,” I say finally. “You did great. This place already feels more organized with you here.”
“Thank you,” she replies, a pleased look on her face. “I’m really enjoying this. Can’t wait to see what we accomplish.”
“We’ll make a good team,” I say, feeling the truth of my words.
As she gathers her things to leave, that familiar urge rises again, stronger this time. I want to kiss her, to show her how much she means to me already. But I push it down, reminding myself that she needs time to adjust, to find her footing here before anything else.
“Same time tomorrow?” I ask as I walk her down the stairs and around the garage to her apartment.
“Absolutely,” she says with a smile that makes my heart skip a beat.
When we reach her door, she leans up to place a soft kiss on my cheek, and my bear stretches under my skin, urging me to take it further. I ignore the fucker and smile down at my mate. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I’m tempted to ask her to have dinner with me but decide she needs more time before I push too hard.
“Bye.” She steps in the door, and I wait until I hear the lock turn before heading back to my home. My bear grumbles in dissatisfaction, but I know this is the right way to go. One step at a time. She’s here now, and that’s a start. The rest will happen when it’s meant to.
As I prepare to go for my evening run, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Emilia’s presence has brought a new energy to this place and to my life. I’m excited for what the future holds for us.
For now, patience is key. I’ll let her settle in, support her, and build trust. When the time is right, I’ll make my move. Until then, I’m content to let my human side run the show. I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before everything falls into place.