Page 13 of Bear and Book

“Beau!” I called, probably louder than necessary.

My voice bounced off the display cases, and the old couple browsing in the corner glanced over. I ignored them, because I had urgent business.

I chomped down the last bite of croissant. “I need your brain.”

“That sounds ominous,” Beau said, setting down the crate with a soft thud. “Do I want to know why?”

“I met my mate,” I announced proudly, wiping crumbs from my fingers onto my jeans.

His grin spread immediately, slow and wide, until it looked like it might split his face in two.

“Ohhh, this is going to be good. Who is it?” Beau asked.

“Elias. The fox who runs the used bookstore.”

Beau tilted his head, searching his memory. “Tall? Cranky? Looks like he’d bite you if you smiled too long at him?”

“That’s the one,” I said with a nod.

Beau laughed, the sound warm and knowing. “Yeah, I heard he’s a little… prickly.”

“A little?” I scoffed.

I thought about how Elias had told me, well ordered me, to mind the first editions like they were ancient relics. He’d said it in the same tone someone might use to warn you about trip wires.

“He’s all thorns. But I like it,” I pointed out.

“You like everyone,” Beau said easily, crossing his arms.

“Not true. I just don’t dislike anyone,” I admitted, shrugging.

His grin shifted into something more knowing, more like he could see right through me.

“Mm-hmm. So what’s the problem?” Beau finally asked.

“The problem is,” I said, leaning on the counter, “he’s older. And grumpy. And obviously doesn’t think much of me yet. But I want him to. I don’t want to scare him off.”

Beau studied me for a second, his head tilted just slightly. I had the distinct feeling he was doing some kind of emotional math I couldn’t see.

“My advice? Be yourself. Just maybe dial it down a little. You’re a lot of energy for someone who lives in a world of dust and quiet,” Beau said.

“Dial it down?” I repeated, clutching my chest like he’d wounded me. “This is me dialed down.”

“Leo,” Beau warned.

“Okay, fine, maybe not totally dialed down,” I admitted. “But I don’t know how to do halfway. He’s so serious. I don’t want him to think I’m not taking him seriously.”

Beau stepped around the counter and clapped me on the shoulder, solid and reassuring.

“Then show him you can be steady. And patient. And that you’re not just there for a fun little rescue-and-flirt situation,” he said.

“That’s good,” I said, nodding like it was brand-new wisdom. “Yeah. That’s really good.”

“Also,” Beau added, as if the thought had just occurred to him, “the town council still needs volunteers for storm damage cleanup. Some of the other bears and a couple wolves already signed up. You in?”

I hesitated, which was a mistake because Beau’s grin widened like he could already tell where my brain was headed.

“If I say yes, do I get assigned to Elias’ store again?” I asked, trying for casual and missing by a mile.