Page 9 of Falling for the Bear Dad

I was into him big-time.

Staying here would help me save some money and get my bearings. I would bet he had a great shower and I hadn’t had one in days.

“I know this is weird but I don’t trust…” Men. “People easily. Can I see the room before I decide?”

A smile grew on his face. “Sure. That sounds reasonable. Come on. It’s upstairs.”

We didn’t make it to the stairs before a kid barreled down them and velcroed himself to my leg, grabbing on with both hands.

“You have a son,” I said, looking down at the handsome little guy.

“I already told you that. Three times if I’m keeping count.” He laughed and then turned his head to his son, still plastered to my calf. “Benji, let go of her leg.”

The little guy released me slowly and then looked up at me. He was the spitting image of his father. “Hi, I’m Benji.”

The three words shot straight into my heart.

I crouched down as Greyson had earlier. “My name is Mya. It’s nice to meet you.”

He extended his hand, and we shook. Proper gentleman. He’d been taught well.

“Benji, where are you supposed to be?”

The boy turned his head and shrugged. “I forgot.”

There was no indication this kid had forgotten one thing in his whole life. Something about his eyes, the glint in them, told me he remembered everything when it was convenient.

“That’s not true. You are supposed to be in bed. Sleeping.”

“I know, but I heard a lady and then…” He turned to me. His dark eyes brightened. “Are you going to stay with us? I heard Daddy asking. Are you? Are you going to stay with us?”

His question tugged on my heartstrings. It had to be safe here with a cute kid, right?

“Do you think I’d be okay sleeping here?” I tugged on his fingers. “I wouldn’t be scared?”

He tapped his finger on his chin like some old man. “I think my daddy would go raaawr and scare anything away that tried to get us.”

“Is that right? Well, in that case, I think I will stay. Thank you.”

Greyson looked relieved. “Let me put this one back in his bed and I’ll show you to your room. Thanks for trusting us.”

“See you in the morning, Benji?” I asked, ruffling the little guy’s hair.

“You betcha. Honey-butter pancakes on Friday mornings.”

I gave him a look. “Oh, so you do have a good memory.”

Greyson chuckled and tossed his son over his shoulder, tickling him all the way up the stairs. I followed but paused outside his room and listened in while he told Benji he loved him and how he needed to get sleep to get to be a big bear when he grew up. Benji must’ve wanted to be a bear. How cute.

Now I was an eavesdropper. Great.

“Hey, before I show you your room, did you want something to eat? I usually eat supper after Benji goes to bed. It’s easier for me that way. I can focus on his meal and then his bathtime.” He shook his head and laughed. “I did eat with him tonight, but just a little. Anyway, are you hungry?”

My stomach betrayed me and growled right in that moment. “I think so. But I don’t want to put you out any more than I have.”

“It’s not a problem at all. I can make some omelets and toast. How does that sound?”

“That sounds great.”