Page 94 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

Then I see it—an email from Isla Mills, Amber’s friend from her latest job.

Zara, I’ve been following the news. I’m so sorry about Amber. I know this might come across as unsympathetic, but I’m producing an indie film and our lead’s assistant just quit. It’s a six-week shoot, starting next month. The pay isn’t much, but it’s work if you need it. Call me if you’re interested.

Six weeks away from the mountain. Away from Ben.

The door opens, and the smell of Thai food fills the apartment. I smile at my handsome mate as he sets the bags on the counter, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. He keeps glancing at the windows, running his hand through his hair.

“Thanks,” I say, trying to sound normal. “Smells amazing.”

Ben’s brought all my favourites, or maybe, he just ordered everything. We eat sitting on the floor, because the table is covered in paperwork, with Jerry happily accepting pieces of chicken from Ben’s fingers.

“How bad is it?” he asks finally, nodding at my lists.

I show him the pages of notes. “Multiple productions want compensation, but hopefully, the fear of bad press will stop them from pushing it. I need to fly to Vancouver by Friday to get her things from the last set, or they’ll be put into storage God only knows where. There’s a meeting with the lawyers next week about the contract disputes. And...” I hesitate. “There’s a job offer. Six weeks with another actress.”

His jaw tightens. “If you need money, I have plenty.”

Just like that. Just that simple. What’s his is mine.

“Ben... I can’t take your money.”

Tilting his head, he studies me closely.

“If you want to go, that’s another thing,” he says quietly. “I won’t stop you. You had a career before, and… We can handle six weeks. Maybe I could come…”

But even as he says it, a half offer he’s probably already regretting, I can see how the city is wearing on him. The noise from the street has him on edge. The tall buildings and lack of greenery. If I’m struggling with the lack of clean air, then my mountain man is definitely not enjoying himself, and we’ve only been here one day.

“Maybe I can do some of this remotely,” I say. “Once I get the urgent stuff handled...”

But our eyes lock. No Wi-Fi on the mountain. No cell service, either.

“Do what you need to do.” He reaches for my hand and pulls me into his lap, giving my tight shoulders a massage as I stare at the overwhelming list and realise this is going to take much longer than either of us thought.

41

BEN

This apartment is suffocating. Even with every window open, the air sits heavy and stale, tasting of exhaust from the street below. Sweat coats my skin and pools at the base of my throat, making the sheets stick to my skin.

My cabin never gets like this. Mountain nights stay cool, even in summer, and I can open every door if I want.

Bears aren’t built for city living.

Zara shifts beside me, her hair damp at the temples. The thin cotton of her tank top clings to her skin. I want to pull her against me, but we’re already too hot in this cramped space.

I give up on sleep and ease out of bed. The floorboards are warm under my feet as I make my way to the window. Leaning out, I search for cooler air but only find more of the same. Exhaust and garbage and the sour smell of too many people.

Looking up, I search for stars. Nothing. Just orange haze from the streetlights blocking out the sky. A siren wails past, rattling the window frame.

“Can’t sleep?”

Zara watches me from the bed, her green eyes concerned in the dim light. She’s so beautiful, it takes my breath away.

“Just warm.”

She sits up, pushing her hair from her face. “I’ll turn on the fan.”

I shake my head. “Go back to sleep.”