Bearly Hot

Gianna

When my morning at Rise & Grind goes beans-up in a coffee machine disaster, I end up at the ER for what I thought would be a quick fix. But my minor burns are nothing compared to the sizzling heat that ignites when the doctor walks in. One intense look, one fiery touch, and my inner bear stirs awake, turning my world upside down in a way I never saw coming.

Sawyer

I wasn’t expecting my mate to stroll into the ER today, but one look at Gianna Bearly, and I’m hooked. With her meddling brothers and a diva cat keeping me on my toes, winning her heart might be tricky. But I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her—forever.

If you’re into over-the-top, growly bear shifters, curvy girl romance, and a fully caffeinated humor, this short story’s for you!

It’s five o’clock in the morning, and the sky over Glacier Pass is cloudy, with barely a hint of the sunrise that’s supposed to be peeking out any minute now. I stand outside Rise and Grind, my cozy little caffeine kingdom, juggling keys and hoping that today the espresso machine won’t stage a coup d'état. Considering it’s a temperamental beast with ambitions of world domination, I’d say my chances are fifty-fifty.
Alice, my new employee and a ball of perky energy far too awake for the crack of dawn, bounces beside me. She's all bright smiles and enthusiasm. “Good morning, Gianna! Ready to conquer the day?” she chirps, practically making chirping noises more bearable.
I give her a mock-serious look. “Alice, at this hour, I’m only ready to conquer my need for caffeine. Speaking of which, here’s hoping Bertha doesn’t blow a gasket today.”
With a loud jingle of keys, I finally manage to unlock the door, and we’re greeted by the familiar aroma of coffee that’s been gently haunting the shop since we opened a few years ago. The inviting interior has warm woods, cozy chairs, and soft lighting. A total opposite from the outside chill of our mostly-polar-bear shifter town.
Alice skips inside, expertly dodging chairs and tables even though she’s only been here a week. “So, what’s first on the agenda?” she asks, slipping on her apron with the deftness of a seasoned barista.
“First up, the star of the show,” I declare, motioning grandly to the espresso machine that has more personality than a soap opera villain. “Our precious, and often moody, Bertha. She requires gentle persuasion and loads of praise. Think of it like a grizzly in hibernation; if you poke it the wrong way, it might bite back.”
I launch into the basics, adjusting levers, pressing buttons, and explaining water jets and steam wands. Alice watches, wide-eyed, occasionally nodding. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bethany in the bakery next door, already rolling out dough like the overachiever she is. She catches my eye through the window, waving a flour-covered hand with the precision of someone who’s up and working before the birds think about chirping.
“Morning, Bethany!” I shout through the glass, just as Alice fumbles with the espresso lever, sending a shot of black gold into the air like a geyser timed for dramatic effect. “Watch out, Alice! She is testing to see if you can dodge espresso attacks.”
Bethany chuckles, mouthing something that looks suspiciously like “rookies,” and I grin. Her Honey Buns II is my shop’s best friend. I swear by her cinnamon buns, which are probably the reason half our town doesn’t hibernate all winter.
Alice manages to catch the next espresso perfectly, her earlier stumble replaced by a surge of triumph that’s as infectious as double shots on Monday. “Victory!” she cheers, and I can’t help but join her moment of glory.
“Wonderful, Alice. You’ve managed to dodge, weave, and caffeinate, the necessary trifecta in this business,” I say, snapping my fingers. “Now, let’s get things really rolling before folks start demanding their morning magic.”