“Most of the time I can control it, but when my bear thought you were in danger, he became so strong that I couldn’t stop him from coming out. And honestly, I didn’t want tostophim.”
She propped up against the pillows. “So the bear part of you is like a different side of yourpersonality?”
“Not exactly. The ancient bear clans told stories about being taken over by bear spirits. But that’s not really what happens. I guess the best way to explain it is that my bear is the part of me that is concerned with basic needs like food, safety, and, well... otherthings.”
The flush on his cheeks gave her a pretty good indication of what “other things” hemeant.
He clasped her hand in his. “I wish I could explain it better. If I could, you’d understand why my bearburstout.”
“I think Iunderstand.”
He looked away for a moment, then turned back to her. After pressing his lips together, he licked them. She sensed he wanted to tell her something but wasafraid.
“What is it?” sheasked.
“I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but sometimes… do you ever get a gut feeling about something? You know without a doubt that it’s true but you don’t know why youknowit?”
“A gut feeling? Yeah, I get those, but I usuallyignorethem.”
“Youshouldn’t.”
A flutter danced across her belly. “Do you have a gut feeling aboutsomething?”
“I do.” He smiledsoftly.
The tempo of her heart matched that of a galloping horse. “I do too, but I don’t know what to doaboutit.”
“We belong together. I know it sounds crazy, but from the depths of my bones, I knowit’strue.”
“Mack, we’re so different. I’m a city girl, you’re a cowboy. I don’t know anything about living on aranch.”
“I couldteachyou.”
She shook her head. “I’m pregnant with another man’s baby. Why would you want someone with all thatbaggage?”
He shifted closer. “It’s not baggage, it’s part of whoyouare.”
“You hardlyknowme.”
“Here’s what I know. I’ve been waiting my whole life to find my soulmate. For as long as I can remember, my parents told me that when I met her, I’d know without a doubt that she was my fated mate. I felt that when I met you. I’ll admit, it took me a few days to recognize it, but I seeitnow.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but he held uphishand.
“Just think about it. I don’t want you to decide anything now. But if you’d just give me a chance, I swear I’ll show you how much you meantome.”
“Idon’tknow...”
He slipped off the edge of the bed. “I know it’s sudden and it sounds crazy, but please, just listen to your heart. If you think there’s even a spark of interest, don’t you think it’s worthexploring?”
She couldn’t fault his logic, even though the whole situation wasillogical.
He bent to kiss her gently. “Get some sleep. Maybe you’ll wake up and decide that you want to stay with meforever.”
She smiled. “If only it werethateasy.”
“Itcouldbe.”
As he walked out the door, a part of her wanted to call him back. He was right. There was something special happening between them. She’d never felt so many emotions at once. It was all so confusing and exhausting. She didn’t know what to do with the warring thoughts in her head. Should she listen to her heart and give him a chance? Or should she cling to logic and walk awayfromhim?
