Page 8 of Bear With Me
“Let me get some jackets and an umbrella. I’ll walk you back.”
The more time passes while he’s gone, the more I wonder what makes him different. I’ve never had my gift falter, not once since my parents died.
My phone buzzes again and I frown, shooting Sam a text that I’m on my way. Declan returns with everything in hand. I look back at my phone to Sam telling me to hurry up because he’s cold.
“That’s him again, apparently alcohol and women aren’t enough to distract him from the fact that it’s freezing cold and wet out there.”
“Better get you back then.” He holds the jacket up and I shrug into it, nuzzling the collar to commit his scent to memory when he isn’t looking. For once, I wish I could use my gift on someone, at least to know what he’s thinking.
The rain has slowed to a sprinkle and the lights in the clearing have dimmed considerably. I follow Declan’s lead and wonder what the right words are after an encounter like this. We make it back to the crowd before I come up with anything.
Sam notices me from across the way and waves. I lift a hand in response and turn back to Declan, who is standing at the edge of the tree line. “That’s my brother,” I say lamely.
“I see that,” he says, a smile curling underneath his beard.
“Anyway, I’d like to see you again.” I cough, and know my face must be going red. I don’t know how old he is, older than me for sure, but definitely old enough to get hit on by women much more smooth and confident than I am. “I mean if you want,” I finish lamely.
I couldn’t have been more ridiculous if I tried.
He hesitates and I wonder if maybe I read him wrong. Sure kissing a stranger may be normal to him. Hell, he probably flirts with tourists all the time. All I know is I want to see him again.
I want to find out why my gift doesn’t work on him.
Even more, I want to kiss him again.
“You don’t want to see me again,” he says.
“Why not?” I ask. Immediately I know without a doubt I do want to see him again. Apple and Eve and all that. Forbidden fruit.
“Probably not a good idea. I shouldn’t have kissed you in the first place.”
“Ikissedyou,” I say, my tone indignant.
At this, his lips curve a little, but they only make me frown in response. “I’m not the kind of man you should be getting involved with little girl.”
“Don’t call me that. And like I said. I know how to take care of myself. I can handle you.”
“I guess we’ll see about that. Give me your phone.”
I unlock it and hand it over. I think he’s programming his number in. When he hands it back, I check the screen. I see he’s texted himself. Before I can say anything, I get another text with a time.
When I look up, he’s melting into the crowd.
“See you tomorrow!” I holler at his back, but I’m smiling.
chapter three
SULLY
My bedroom looks like all of my moving boxes have exploded. Nonna walked in a few minutes ago, took a look around, and then walked back out. I tried on everything I owned, but I was having one of those days where nothing fit or looked right. I finally decide on a pair of jeans and a cute but simple top which made my brown eyes pop. For the first time in a while, I take some time putting on makeup and doing my hair, even though it’s entirely possible Declan’s idea of a date may involve trekking through the great outdoors and my efforts may be ruined.
If this is even a date at all. Whatever. There’s nothing wrong with putting in a little effort. Especially if I can facilitate another one of those kisses. What harm could come from a little kiss?
I’m putting the finishing touches on with a swipe of mascara and a touch of gloss when Nonna appears in the doorway. Her eyes carefully avoid the piles of wrinkled laundry and the mangled boxes piled three deep. “Have plans tonight?”
“Actually, yes. I hope you don’t mind if I skip dinner.” I glance at her as I put away my makeup. Her hair is thinner and a lighter brown than my mom’s was, but they both share the same soft, round face and petite build.
She leans against the doorframe. “Of course not. I want you to feel at home here. I’m glad you are making friends so quickly. You remind me of Rebecca in that way. She never met a soul who wasn’t her instant best friend.”