Page 108 of Scandalous Contract

Okay, Stefanie. Let’s work on seeking happiness from within. You’ve got this, chick!

The doorbell rang, and for a second, I sat there, staring in its direction. I wasn’t expecting anyone. And frankly, I wasn’t in the mood for people. But curiosity won. I dragged myself up and shuffled to the door, peeking through the peephole, and blinked.

A FedEx guy was standing on my porch, holding the biggest damn teddy bear I’d ever seen. It was wrapped in clear plastic and decorated with a large black bow at the top. I opened the door slowly.

“Can I help you?”

The delivery guy looked down at the bear, then back at me. “I’m looking for Stefanie Adams.”

“That’s me.”

“Need you to sign for this.”

My eyes dropped to the bear again. My heart was already racing a little. I took the little digital pad from him and scribbled my name.

He nodded toward the plush giant. “Want me to bring it in for you?”

I shook my head. “Nah, I got it.”

He passed it to me, and I instantly regretted my decision. It was heavier than it looked. And the plastic? Slick as hell. I wrangled it against my side, propping it up with one hip like I was toting a baby.

“I’m surprised the plastic didn’t tear in shipping,” I mused as I adjusted my grip.

“Oh, it wasn’t shipped. Someone dropped it off directly at our office this morning. This is its only stop.”

My heart thudded.Julian Cattaneo.

I swallowed. “Thanks. Have a good one.”

“You too.”

I shut the door, locked it, and stood there for a beat, just staring at the oversized bear. Then I carried it into the living room and set it down in the center of the floor. Peeling off the black bow, I began unwrapping it slowly, carefully, like I was afraid of breaking it or something.

Once I had the plastic off, I stepped back to stare at the bear. It was actually really cute in its little black vest and tie. It was holding a heart that said hug me. I sighed. I really did need a hug. And since the real thing wasn’t here, I may as well hug a bear.

Opening my arms, I said, “Bring it in, big guy.”

I moved over and hugged the bear tightly. A deep voice filled the room. With a yelp, I released the bear and stumbled away from it, nearly slipping down on the plastic. What the fuck was that?

I stared around the room. I was alone, as I should be. But I could’ve sworn I’d just heard Julian’s voice in my house.