Page 61 of Hot Girls Date Shifters

Another beat passes then...

She smiles.

And it’s not a polite smile.

It’s not the one she gives customers.

This one starts slowly, lighting her whole face from the inside until her eyes sparkle.

It's beautiful.

No.

Beautiful isn't a big enough word.

It’s sweet, but wicked. Sexy, too.

It's the kind of smile a man writes songs about.

Maybe I will.

Fuck yes.

I definitely will.

“S-Sure,” she says, and I can hear the tiny hint of nerves in her voice that matches my own. “I own the place so I suppose I can play hooky since Willa is here.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, Graham. I'd love to have lunch with you.”

The knot that's been sitting in my chest since last night finally loosens.

My lungs remember how to work.

My heart starts beating again.

My Bear lets out a satisfied rumble.

Elsie turns toward the espresso bar.

“Willa? I'm going to take an early lunch.”

The young she-Bear looks up from steaming milk.

She opens her mouth to answer.

Then she notices me.

Our eyes meet.

Recognition flashes across her face.

Her expression changes so fast it would've been easy for a human to miss.

Surprise.

Confusion.