A Flame To Bear (Fire Bear Shifters 4) by Sloane Meyers

When he reached over to give Bailey a gentle nudge, an adorable, sleepy mumble escaped from her lips. She blinked, and looked around in confusion for a moment.
    “Where are we?” she asked.
    “Just outside of Red Valley. We came here to go to this store right here—The Gilded Thread.”
    Bailey sat up straight and looked out the window at the boutique. “The Gilded Thread,” she repeated. “It looks like a clothing store.”
    “It is,” Trevor said. “This is part of your Valentine’s Day present.”
    A small look of surprise passed across Bailey’s face. “I forgot it was even Valentine’s Day today. I mean, I knew it was getting close thanks to the huge displays of hearts in all the stores. But I lost track of the actual day.
    “Well, I remembered. I hope you don’t think it’s too forward of me to do something for you for Valentine’s Day. I honestly wasn’t intending it to mean anything more than friendship when I planned this day out. But I can tell you’re a really special person, and I can also tell that you haven’t had many people in your life treat you like you’re special. And you deserve better than that.”
    Bailey blushed and looked down at the floorboard, but then looked up at Trevor again with a confused look. “So, you’re getting me clothes for Valentine’s Day.”
    “Well, not exactly. I’m taking you to dinner for Valentine’s Day. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think you look amazing in those sweatpants. But I can tell you feel self-conscious about wearing a cheap pair of sweatpants, and I know you’re going to want a pretty dress for the place where we’re having dinner tonight. So, I’m going to hand you my credit card, and I want you to go in that store and spend whatever you want to get whatever you want. Get yourself a dress for tonight, and then get a few outfits so you have something to wear during the week other than those sexy sweatpants.”
    Bailey giggled. “That’s really sweet, Trevor. But, I don’t want to take so much money from you. This place looks expensive.”
    Trevor shook his head. “It doesn’t matter how much it costs. I’ve got plenty of savings to spare. I want you to have some nice things. It makes me sad to see you walking around so uncomfortable with your clothes. There’s also a beauty shop next door. Go there, too, and get yourself some makeup and perfume…and whatever other smelly stuff girls like to wear.”
    Bailey looked down at her lap, and Trevor reached over to put his credit card over her hands.
    “Our dinner reservation is at seven, so you better get moving if you want to have plenty of time to take a shower and get ready.”
    Bailey hesitated, and Trevor thought she was going to refuse, but she finally smiled and took the card. “Okay,” she said. “Thanks. It would be nice to wear something that doesn’t feel quite so frumpy. I’ll only spend a little bit, I promise.”
    “Spend whatever you want, seriously,” Trevor said. “I’m going to go across the street to that coffeeshop and let you do your thing. Come find me when you’re done.”
    Trevor gave Bailey’s arm a squeeze, and then strode across the street without looking back. If he had looked over his shoulder, he would have seen Bailey standing outside the boutique, holding his credit card in her hand and shaking her head in amazement.
     
    * * *
     
    Bailey watched Trevor amble across the street, his broad shoulders held straight and tall. She felt like her head was spinning. This day had not gone how she had expected. She’d been hoping that maybe after spending a day with Trevor, their friendship would be somewhat cemented. Then, they would agree to hang out again. Maybe some romantic feelings would gradually develop, and after a week or so of slow burn, one of them would be brave enough to admit that they liked the other.
    She would never have guessed that Trevor would take her on a romantic hike to a waterfall, and then surprise her with an exceptionally