Chapter 5

Tabitha took a deep breath of crisp autumn air as she climbed the winding trail, her boots crunching satisfyingly over fallen leaves. Bram walked beside her, his long strides easily matching her pace.

"It's so beautiful out here," she mused, taking in the vibrant oranges and reds of the forest canopy. "Like something on a postcard."

Bram grinned down at her, his eyes bright in the dappled sunlight. "Just wait until we reach the overlook. It'll take your breath away."

"Is that your master plan? To leave me breathless?" She arched a playful brow. She could hope, right?

"Maybe." His smirk was pure mischief. "Is it working?"

Tabitha laughed, nudging him with her elbow. "Keep dreaming, Casanova."

They walked in companionable silence for a bit. The only sounds were their breathing and the distant trill of birdsong. It was peaceful, the forest wrapping around them like a cocoon.

"So," Bram broke the quiet, "tell me something about yourself. Something not many people know."

She slanted him a curious look. "Like what?"

He shrugged broad shoulders. "I don't know. A hidden talent, a guilty pleasure, an embarrassing childhood memory. We need to get to know each other to make this fake romance more believable. Tell me anything."

Tabitha pursed her lips, considering. "Okay. When I was eight, I got stuck up in a tree trying to rescue my neighbor's cat. I was too scared to climb down, so I started yowling until someone came to get me."

Bram's laughter echoed through the trees, rich and warm. "No way. How long were you up there?"

"Like an hour! My mom was so mad. She grounded me for a week." Tabitha chuckled at the memory. "Okay, your turn. Spill an embarrassing story."

"Hmm." Bram rubbed his chin, grinning wryly. "When I was ten, I thought it would be a good idea to gift my Aunt Hilda perfume for her birthday. Except I couldn't afford the real stuff, so I made my own using dish soap and potpourri."

"Oh no." Tabitha bit her lip, trying valiantly not to laugh.

"Oh yes. Let's just say Aunt Hilda was not impressed. The whole house reeked of lavender Dial for days."

Tabitha lost her battle, laughter spilling out of her. "Okay, that's amazing. You get points for creativity at least."

His eyes twinkled at her, crinkling at the corners. "Thanks. I like to think I've refined my gift-giving skills since then."

"Good to know." Her lips quirked. "I promise not to get you dish soap for Christmas then."

"You're the best fake girlfriend ever." He clasped a dramatic hand to his heart. Except the way his muscles shifted made her suck in a quick breath.

As they rounded a bend in the trail, the trees opened to a breathtaking view of the valley below, all vibrant patchwork hills and gleaming ribbons of river.

Tabitha exhaled in wonder. "Wow. You weren't kidding about this view."

"Told you." Bram looked inordinately pleased with himself as he unslung his pack and pulled out a blanket. "Come on, let's take a break."

They settled cross-legged on the blanket, knees almost brushing as they unpacked the lunch Bram had brought - hearty sandwiches, crisp apples, and chewy oatmeal cookies.

Tabitha took an appreciative bite of her turkey and swiss. "Okay, where did you get these? They're amazing."

"I made them, actually. I like to cook." Bram popped a piece of apple into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "It relaxes me after a long day. There's something soothing about throwing ingredients together and creating something tasty, you know?"

"Huh." She tilted her head, considering him with new eyes. "Bram Hartley, culinary wizard. Who knew?"

He waved a dismissive hand, though his smile was pleased. "I'm no wizard. I just like food."

"Hey, that's magic in my book." She took another big bite, humming happily.

Bram watched her, a strange mix of affection and hesitation in his gaze. "So what about you? What do you like to do when you're not casting spells and enchanting unsuspecting bear shifters?"

"Ha! You wish you could blame enchantment, buddy." She swatted playfully at his knee. "But let's see... I like to garden, actually. There's something really satisfying about getting my hands in the dirt and helping things grow. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have fresh herbs on hand for potions. Or, you know, spaghetti sauce."

He chuckled. "A witch after my own heart. Guess we're both magic in the kitchen."

"A match made in supernatural heaven," she drawled wryly.

They chattered and bantered as they finished their picnic, swapping stories of Tabitha's childhood antics and Bram's shifter shenanigans. Tabitha found herself often lost in his animated expressions, captivated by the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed and how his large hands gestured enthusiastically as he spoke.

Damn it. He was just so... likeable. And funny. And completely off limits.

Friends. They were just friends, no matter how her heart fluttered every time the breeze ruffled his dark hair or his foot bumped hers.

She couldn't afford to fall for Bram. Not when her inheritance and magic were on the line. Not when this was all just pretend.

"Hey." His voice snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts. "You okay? You got quiet on me."

Tabitha blinked, shaking her head slightly. "Yeah, sorry. Just got lost in my head a minute there."

Bram's brows drew together, concern etching his face. "Anything you want to talk about?"

God, he was so sweet and cute. It made her ache. She forced a smile. "Nah, it's nothing. Just overwhelmed by the view, I guess."

Something shifted in his eyes, a flash of hurt that was quickly shuttered. "The view. Right."

Inwardly wincing, Tabitha scrambled to lighten the mood. "That, and the fact that you've somehow managed to smear peanut butter on your chin, you doofus."

To her relief, Bram played along, widening his eyes comically as he swiped at his face. "What? Where? Did I get it?"

She giggled. "Nope. Other side. Here, let me." Boldly, she reached out and wiped the smudge away with her thumb, trying to ignore the rasp of his stubble against her skin.

Bram caught her hand as she started to pull back, his fingers curling around hers. "Thanks. Knew there was a reason I kept you around."

His tone was light, teasing, but something heavy hung in the air between them, a static charge waiting to ignite.

Tabitha swallowed hard. "Just doing my job. Can't have you wrecking our love story with sloppy eating habits."

Slowly, not breaking eye contact, Bram brushed a kiss to her knuckles. "My hero," he murmured, his lips quirking.

Flustered, Tabitha tugged her hand free. "Y-you bet I am. Someone's got to keep you in line." She cringed at her breathless stutter. Get a grip, Greer.

An awkward beat passed before Bram cleared his throat and started packing their picnic. "We should probably head back."

"Right." Tabitha busied herself shaking out the blanket, willing her burning cheeks to cool.

The hike back was filled with safer small talk, both of them careful to keep things light. But Tabitha couldn't quite shake the simmering awareness between them, the weight of everything left unspoken.

What was happening to her? She glanced sidelong at Bram, her heart doing a giddy flip at his profile - the sharp cut of his jaw, the fan of long lashes, the soft curve of his mouth...

Oh no. Oh heck no.

She was not falling for Bram Hartley. She refused. They were just friends. This was just an act.

But as he helped her over a fallen log, his hand warm and strong around hers, Tabitha had a sinking feeling she was only fooling herself.

Crumbling leaves and fake smiles. That seemed to be her destiny.

But she could handle this... whatever it was. She had to. Her future depended on it.

Even if Bram's dimpled grin made her weak in the knees.

She was Tabitha freaking Greer. She could resist one charming, handsome, infuriatingly perfect shifter.

Right?

God, she hoped so. For both their sakes.