Chapter 16

SIXTEEN

B rianne's cheeks hurt from smiling so much. The breakfast with Reid's mother, Catherine, had been an unexpected delight. She'd been nervous at first, worried about making a good impression, but Catherine's warmth and genuine interest in her life had put her at ease. Now, as she and Reid sped toward a private airport in his sleek sports car, she couldn't help but marvel at how quickly her life had changed.

"You know," she said, turning to Reid with a mischievous grin, "when I woke up this morning, I didn't expect to be whisked away on a private jet by a handsome bear shifter."

Reid chuckled, his deep laugh sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Expect the unexpected, Ms. Ellis. It's part of my charm."

As they pulled up to the airport, Brianne's eyes widened. The jet waiting for them gleamed in the sunlight, its sleek lines promising luxury and adventure. "Holy pixel sprites," she breathed. "That's your family jet?"

Reid grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "One of the perks of being a successful CEO. Come on, let me give you the grand tour."

He led her up the steps. Inside, the jet was a marvel of comfort and technology. Plush leather seats, a fully stocked bar, and even a gaming console tucked discreetly into one corner.

"I think I'm in love," Brianne declared, running her hand over the smooth surface of a nearby table. "With the jet, I mean. Sorry, Reid, you've got some stiff competition."

Reid laughed, pulling her close. "I'll just have to up my game then, won't I?"

As they settled in for takeoff, Brianne couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This whole situation - the whirlwind romance, the high-stakes adventure with the Glitchers, and now this surprise trip - it all seemed too good to be true. Part of her worried that at any moment, she'd wake up and find it had all been a dream.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Reid's voice broke through her reverie.

Brianne smiled, a bit sheepishly. "Just... processing, I guess. This is all so surreal. A week ago, I was just a game developer with a stolen prototype. Now I'm jetting off to who-knows-where with a guy who makes my heart do backflips."

Reid's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I promise you, Brianne, this is real. And I'm not going anywhere."

The sincerity in his voice made her throat tight with emotion. She squeezed his hand, unable to find the words to express how much his reassurance meant to her.

As the jet took off, Brianne gazed out the window, watching New York shrink beneath them. "So, are you going to tell me where we're going, or is this some kind of bear shifter surprise?"

Reid's eyes twinkled with amusement. "What's the fun in that? Let's just say it's somewhere I think you'll enjoy. A place where nature's power meets human ingenuity."

Brianne narrowed her eyes playfully. "Hmm, cryptic. All right, Mr. Mystery, I'll play along. But if we end up in some underground bear cave, I'm demanding a refund on this trip."

The flight passed quickly, filled with easy conversation and shared laughter. Brianne found herself continually amazed by how comfortable she felt with Reid. It was as if they'd known each other for years rather than days.

As they began their descent, Reid finally revealed their destination. "Welcome to Niagara Falls, Brianne."

Brianne's face lit up with excitement. "No way! I've always wanted to see the falls."

The view from the plane was breathtaking, the massive curtain of water visible even from this height. As they disembarked and made their way to a waiting car, Brianne couldn't stop grinning. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the distant roar of the falls.

Their hotel was a marvel of luxury, its towering structure offering unparalleled views of the natural wonder. As they entered their suite, Brianne gasped. The room was stunning with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the falls in all their glory. But what truly took her breath away were the flowers.

Vases filled with long-stemmed red roses and vibrant sunflowers adorned every surface. The sweet scent filled the air, and Brianne felt her eyes prick with tears.

"Reid," she whispered, turning to face him. "How did you..."

He smiled softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I pay attention. You mentioned once that roses remind you of your grandmother's garden, and that sunflowers always make you smile. I wanted to make sure you were surrounded by things that make you happy."

Brianne's heart swelled with emotion. She threw her arms around Reid's neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she murmured into his chest. "This is... it's perfect."

After a moment to freshen up, Reid led her to the hotel's rooftop for a private lunch. The view was even more spectacular from up here.

As they enjoyed their meal, Brianne couldn't help but marvel at the man sitting across from her. Reid Parker, CEO and bear shifter, who could have his pick of anyone, had chosen her. Had gone to all this trouble to make her feel special.

The rooftop restaurant was a marvel of elegance and comfort. Their table, set apart from the others, offered an unparalleled view of the falls. The mist rising from the cascading water created an ethereal atmosphere with tiny rainbows dancing in the air around them. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Reid looked absolutely dashing in a crisp, blue button-down that brought out the warm tones in his olive skin. His dark hair was slightly tousled by the breeze, giving him a rugged charm that made Brianne's heart skip a beat. She watched as he expertly twirled pasta around his fork, his strong hands managing to make even that simple act look graceful.

"You're staring," Reid teased, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement. He set down his fork and leaned forward, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Do I have sauce on my face, or am I just that irresistible?"

Brianne blushed, caught in the act. She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Sorry, I just... I can't believe you did all this for me. No one's ever gone to so much trouble." She gestured around them, taking in the breathtaking view, the exquisite meal, and the man himself. "I mean, look at you. You're like some kind of romance novel hero come to life. CEO, bear shifter, devastatingly handsome... Are you sure you're real and not some elaborate hologram?"

Reid chuckled, the sound deep and rich. He reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. His thumb traced small circles on her skin, sending pleasant shivers up her arm. "I assure you, I'm very real. Though if you need further proof, I'd be happy to provide it later." He winked, causing Brianne's blush to deepen.

"Smooth talker," she quipped, trying to hide how flustered she felt. "Is this how you woo all your business associates? Five-star meals and flirty banter?"

Reid's expression turned serious, though his eyes still held a warmth that made Brianne's heart melt. "Brianne, you're worth every bit of trouble and more. I want you to know how serious I am about us." He squeezed her hand gently. "And for the record, my business associates usually get a handshake and a pen. You're in a league of your own. You get anything and everything you want."

"Anything?"

"Name it. It's yours."

Him. She wanted him. But the fear of admitting the words to him and herself was more than she'd ever experienced in her life.

Brianne felt a lump form in her throat, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. She tried to lighten the mood, not quite ready to confront the intensity of her feelings. "A company pen, huh? And here I thought I was special. I don't suppose it's too late to trade in this fancy lunch for some office supplies?"

Reid played along, his serious expression cracking into a grin. "I'm afraid the pen offer expired the moment you agreed to join me on this trip. But if you're really set on it, I suppose I could arrange for a stapler to be sent to your room. Top of the line, of course. Only the best for you."

Brianne laughed, the sound mingling with the rush of the falls. "My hero. Sweeping me off my feet with promises of premium office equipment. However will I resist your charms?"

"Who says you have to resist?" Reid's voice dropped lower, sending a thrill through Brianne. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "I'm rather hoping you'll fall helplessly under my spell."

Brianne's breath caught in her throat. The playful banter had shifted, leaving her heart racing and her skin tingling where his lips had touched. "Reid, I..." she began, not quite sure what she wanted to say.

He seemed to sense her hesitation. His expression softened, and he gave her hand another gentle squeeze before releasing it. "No pressure, Brianne. I just want you to know that I'm all in. You and me... I'm here for all of it."

Brianne nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Even if it leads to me beating you mercilessly at video games later?"

Reid's eyes lit up with the challenge. "Oh, it's on. Just remember, bears are very sore losers. You might find yourself on your back if you're not careful."

"I like where this is going."

As they laughed and resumed their meal, a warmth spread through her chest. This man, this incredible, thoughtful, playful man, wanted her. And despite her lingering fears and doubts, she was starting to realize that maybe it wasn't so scary for her to want him too. More than she'd ever wanted anyone.

"Your heart is safe with me, Brianne," Reid said, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Brianne's heart raced. Part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and declare her undying love right then and there. But another part, the part that had been hurt before, held her back. "I... I need some time to process all this."

Reid nodded, understanding in his eyes. "How about we head back to the room? I've got one more surprise for you."

Back in their suite, Brianne was delighted to find a gaming setup had been arranged, complete with her favorite snacks. "No way!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "You brought games?"

Reid grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. "I figured we could use some downtime between all the excitement. Plus, I've been dying to see if you're as good as you claim to be."

Brianne's competitive spirit flared to life. "Prepare to have your furry butt handed to you."

As they settled in to play, Brianne couldn't help but feel a wave of contentment wash over her. This - the easy banter, the shared interests, the thoughtful gestures - it all felt so right.

They were deep into their third round when Brianne remembered something. "You know," she said, her tone teasing, "the week before I met you, I played against this guy online who had the sexiest deep voice. Kind of like yours. And he was impressive. Not as good as me, of course, but he gave me a run for my money."

Reid's eyebrows shot up, an odd expression crossing his face. "Oh? And what was this impressive player's screen name?"

Brianne laughed. "Something ridiculous. UnbearableBeast, I think. Why do you ask?"

Reid's face broke into a wide grin. "Brianne, what's your screen name?"

A suspicion began to form in Brianne's mind. "PixelQueen. Why?"

Reid burst out laughing. "Because, my dear PixelQueen, you're looking at UnbearableBeast."

Brianne's jaw dropped. "You're kidding me! That was you?"

Reid nodded, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Guilty as charged. I don't play often, but after a particularly stressful day at work, I decided to unwind with a game. Hadn't played in months before then and haven't since."

Brianne shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe it. We were flirting with each other before we even met."

They laughed about the cosmic coincidence. It was as if the universe had been conspiring to bring them together all along.

In that moment, looking at Reid's laughing face, Brianne knew she'd fallen hard. The realization both thrilled and terrified her. It seemed too much, too fast. What if it all fell apart?

Reid must have sensed her sudden shift in mood. His laughter faded, replaced by a look of concern. "Brianne? What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath, deciding to be honest. "This all feels so perfect, so right. But these types of things don't happen to me. What if it's too good to be true? What if we're moving too fast?"

Reid set down his controller, turning to face her fully. He took her hands in his, his expression serious but tender. "Brianne, there's something you should know. It's about shifters and about us."

Brianne's heart raced. "Okay..."

"Shifters have what's called a fated mate. One person who completes us, who we're destined to be with. From the moment I met you, I knew you were mine. I sensed it from the moment I laid eyes on you as you walked into the café."

Brianne's eyes widened. "Fated mates? Like soul mates?"

Reid nodded. "Something like that, yes. It's a bond deeper than anything I've ever experienced. A soul-deep connection that clicks into place the moment we set eyes on our mate. I know it might sound crazy, but I promise you, Brianne, what I feel for you is real. And it's forever. There will not be another woman for me. Just you."

"Me?"

"You, beautiful. Only you."

Tears pricked at Brianne's eyes. The enormity of what Reid was saying washed over her. "So, all of this - the trip, the flowers, everything - it's because..."

"Because I love you, my PixelQueen. Because you're my mate, and I wanted to help you understand that you don't need to be afraid because I will never hurt you."

Brianne's breath caught in her throat. The sincerity in Reid's eyes, the warmth of his hands holding hers - it all came together in a moment of perfect clarity. This was real. This was right.

"Reid," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you too."

As their lips met in a passionate kiss, Brianne felt as if her whole world had shifted on its axis. Gone were her doubts and fears. In their place was a certainty, a knowledge deep in her bones that this - Reid, their love, their future together - was exactly where she was meant to be.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless and grinning, Brianne couldn't help but laugh. "You know," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "if I'd known shifters were this romantic, I would have started dating them years ago."

Reid growled playfully, pulling her close. "Too bad. You're stuck with this bear shifter now, my beautiful mate."

She laughed. "You're such an UnbearableBeast."