Sorcha tilted her head, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “You didn’t think you were going to bed me and leave, did you? I’m coming with you.”
Christopher’s brain stuttered to a halt. “You…want to come with me? To work?”
“Why not?” She untied her robe, letting it fall open just enough to make his mouth go dry. “Unless you think I’ll be too distracting?”
His bear practically purred at the challenge in her voice.
“Definitely too distracting,” Christopher managed, his voice rougher than he intended.
“I’ll be good,” she promised with a smile that suggested exactly the opposite. “Besides, I’m curious about what you do. And I’m not ready for this evening to end.”
The simple honesty in those last words sent his soul soaring. She wanted to stay with him, even for something as mundane as his night shift. His bear did a triumphant dance inside him.
“All right,” he said, unable to keep the smile from his face. “But you might get bored. After I’ve done my chores, it’s mostly paperwork and occasional rounds.”
“I’m a writer. I find people interesting.” She tightened her robe and stepped back. “Give me five minutes to get dressed.”
As Sorcha disappeared into the bedroom, Christopher collected their wine glasses and took them to the sink, his mind racing. Having her at the office meant more time together. More chances to show her what life in Bear Creek could be like. More opportunities to tell her the truth about what he was.
His bear nudged him.Tonight. We’ll show her tonight. Somehow, we’ll find the right time. The right place.
Christopher wasn’t sure if that was wise, but the urge to reveal himself was growing stronger by the minute. Now that they’dbeen intimate, keeping such a significant part of himself hidden felt dishonest.
Sorcha emerged from the bedroom in jeans and a thick sweater, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Even dressed simply, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“Ready?” she asked, shrugging into her coat.
Christopher nodded, suddenly nervous about having her in his workspace, seeing him in his element. Would she find it boring? Would she realize how different their lives really were?
They stepped outside into the crisp night air. Stars blazed overhead, impossibly bright against the velvet darkness. Christopher offered his hand, and the warmth of Sorcha’s fingers lacing through his sent a surge of happiness through him so intense it was almost painful.
“It’s beautiful out here,” she said, her breath clouding before her as they walked toward the office. “I’ve been in so many places with light pollution, I forget what real stars look like.”
“Bear Creek has some of the best stargazing in the country,” Christopher said, squeezing her hand. “During the summer, we do midnight hikes to the ridge. The Milky Way looks close enough to touch.”
“I’d like to see that someday,” Sorcha murmured, then seemed to catch herself, glancing away quickly.
Someday.The word hung between them, full of promiseanduncertainty. So much about his life with Sorcha was uncertain, and that needed to change.
The office windows glowed warm and inviting as they approached. Through the glass, Christopher could see Gretel gathering her things, preparing to leave. He braced himself for the knowing look he was sure to receive.
Sure enough, when he pushed open the door, the bell jingling above them, Gretel’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of Sorcha beside him.
“Well, well,” she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Look who’s joined the night shift.”
“Sorcha wanted to see what I do around here,” Christopher explained, feeling heat rise to his cheeks despite his best efforts.
“I’m sure she did,” Gretel replied with a wink that made Sorcha laugh. “Well, it’s all yours. Everything’s been quiet. The Hendersons in Cabin 4 needed extra towels, but that’s been taken care of.”
“Thanks, Gretel,” Christopher said, hanging his coat on the rack by the door.
“Don’t thank me. I’m only doing my job,” she said, buttoning her own coat.
“And you’re the best at that job,” Christopher said, overwhelmed by fondness for her.
“I’ve certainly been doing it long enough.” She patted Sorcha’s arm as she passed. “It’s about time someone made this one happy.”
After Gretel left, Christopher turned to find Sorcha watching him with an amused expression.
