Page 9 of Package Deal

“What’s up with the bear figurines?” I asked instead of interrogating her about her abuser and the reason she had gotten emancipated.

“It’s this thing between me and my sisters.”

“You were their mama bear?” I guessed.

“Yeah. Something like that.” She nodded at her pile of boxes, all stacked up and labeled. “Are you done?”

“Yes.” I walked closer to her, wishing I could give her a hug. “I didn’t get any furniture for you, but if you need anything, I can order it and have it delivered tomorrow.”

“I have everything I need.” She lifted her eyes to meet mine.

Was that the shadow of her past clouding her gaze? Did her lips taste like the sweet flowers of her perfume or the thorns that guarded those roses?

I put one hand on her waist, forgetting this wasn’t real. One kiss wouldn’t hurt, right?

“Another inch and I’ll rip your arm off and beat you with it,” Vera said.

I stepped back, shaking the fog off. “Sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. Is that everything we needed to pack, or do you have more?”

“That’s everything,” she answered.