Midlife Bear’s Baby by Ruby Knoxx

You’d think that at 40, I’d be wise. But I got myself bullied into pretending that I have a mate.
Luckily, someone agreed to be my fake crush. He’s a hot single dad and…my ex.
I’ve loved him since we used to date. Since he rejected me and walked away.
Since he shattered my heart into a million pieces for everyone to see.
Here’s the thing about small towns: keeping secrets is difficult.
I own the local bar, and have lived here all my life.
His sister is my best friend, and I know his little kid well.
Everyone knows everyone. And so we have to make our fake relationship convincing.
We need to practice kissing to make it less awkward.
We need to spend time together to show that we’re true mates.
But it feels so real to kiss him again, to feel his body and remember how we used to be.
What if this thing between us isn’t fake anymore?
I can’t let myself be pulled into this again, and yet I am.
I try to remember that the love we had was lost, because of him.
But he’s leaning into me, drawn to my wildness, letting his primal nature out.
This time, if I ask him, will he stay…
And protect my growing belly?