“It does,” Kirk nodded, his expression brightening with what looked like pride. “My parents, actually.”
“They serve local food,” Win chimed in. “It’s family-friendly if you want to take the little man with you.” She winked at Percy, who was now examining a jar of honey with chili flakes suspended in the golden amber.
“Good to know,” Isla said. The Thornberg Restaurant was already on her review schedule, but now she found herself curious about the connection to the chili-growing man standing before her. Did he work there, too? Perhaps growing chilies was a hobby.
“Mom, come look at these!” Percy called, pointing to a collection of small bottles filled with different colored powders.
“Coming,” Isla said, offering Kirk a brief smile before joining her son. She really didn’t need to know his business. If she saw him again, fine; if not, well, that was fine too.
Five minutes later, they left the shack with their purchases, Percy clutching his small paper bag to his chest as if it contained treasure rather than snacks. Isla helped him into the backseat and buckled herself in, adjusting the rearview mirror before starting the engine.
As she pulled away from the small shop, movement caught her eye. Kirk had come outside and stood watching their departure, one hand raised in a subtle farewell. Isla lifted her own hand in response, a small flutter of something unexpected stirring in her chest.
Something that had been dead for a long, long time.
Chapter Two – Kirk
Well, that was unexpected,Kirk’s bear said, still reeling from the shock of meeting their mate.
You can say that again,Kirk replied.
Well, that was…
I didn’t mean actually say it again,Kirk said with a roll of his eyes.
Maybe you should start saying what you actually mean,his bear told him.Like telling Isla she’s our mate.
“Want some raspberry ripple ice cream to celebrate?” Win asked, heading for the freezer.
“Sorry?” Kirk had been so lost in thought, he’d forgotten where he was.
“Raspberry Ripple?” Win asked. “I can add a good dollop of honey. Although I always thought you were sweet enough. And I’m sure your mate will think so too.”
“My mate?” Kirk raised his eyebrow at her.
“Oh, come on.” Win leaned in. “I saw it on your face the moment you walked in.”
“That obvious?” Kirk raked his hand through his hair.
“Oh, yeah.” Win pretended to lock her mouth and throw away the key. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. But I suggest you don’t keep it a secret for too long. She’s only here for two weeks.”
Plenty of time,Kirk’s bear said.
But Kirk was not so sure.
“I’ll take a rain check on the ice cream.” He headed toward the door.
“I’ll be waiting,” Win called after him with a knowing smile.
Kirk stepped outside, inhaling deeply as the mountain air filled his lungs. The scent of pine and earth grounded him, helping to clear his head. Two weeks. Would that be enough time?
It has to be,his bear said.Especially if you get started now. Follow her!
It would be all too easy. But that did not mean it was the right thing to do. No, he needed to keep a sensible head on his shoulders and not rush into things.
But damn, it was hard not to.
Kirk strode to his truck, parked in the small gravel parking lot, and climbed in. For a moment, he sat still behind the wheel.
