Page 14 of Bear Creek Christmas
“Hi! Sorry, I just got out of the shower and couldn’t find my phone! Hang on a second...”
Knox heard him put the phone down, followed by the rustling of clothes and a few mild curses. The thought of his man undressed jump-started his libido. By the time Levi got back on the line, Knox was panting and thoroughly distracted.
“Knox? Are you there?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m here. You shouldn’t have told me you were naked! I’m so hard it hurts.”
Startled, Levi wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Well, I’dhaveto be naked if I’d stepped out of the shower! Do shifters usually bathe fully dressed?”
Levi waited for a response, listening patiently while Knox moaned pitifully and then made a huffing noise as if he’d been running laps. When Knox’s vocal cords started working again, he chose to tease right back.
“Someday, you’re going to pay for that, and I’ve got several ideas already.”
Levi laughed, knowing better than to ask for details at this point.
“Hmmm, I bet you do. Was there a reason for your call?”
“What? Oh, right! How about coming over to my place tomorrow? I thought we might take a ramble through the woods together, and I can show you some of my territory.”
He’d have to rearrange his schedule for the day, but Levi loved the idea. Besides, Knox had showered him with gifts all week, and it would be unkind to refuse.
“Sounds like fun! When were you thinking?”
“How about ten o’clock, and then I can make lunch before you head home.”
“Perfect! Can you text me the directions? I’m still learning my way around.”
“Sure thing. I’ll send them after we hang up. Oh, better wear some sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket. I’ve missed you this week and can’t wait until tomorrow.”
They said goodnight, thoughts and dreams filled with one another.
Chapter 5
Saturday
Knox got up earlier than usual to clean the house and do some prep for lunch. He wanted to make a good impression on Levi and give him a reason to return. Normally, visitors were few and far between, as everyone knew shifters disliked strangers in their homes. Actuallyinvitingsomeone to disturb his peace and privacy was rare for an unmated male—unless courting them. Knox’s bear heartily approved of the preparations if it resulted in a successful mating—even if his human half didn’t think it would happen today.
Once he’d finished in the cabin, Knox decided to straighten up the workshop a little bit, too. He wanted to show Levi everything, proud of what he’d built here. It was important that the man liked what he saw, especially if this might be his new home someday. The thought of living here with the irresistible human made Knox and his bear incredibly happy. In a way, this first visit served to gauge Levi’s interest and willingness to accept what Knox had to offer him.
It might not look impressive by the world's standards, especially compared to city life. Knox would be crushed if his mate couldn’t appreciate it in the same way, but he’d already heard Levi express an interest in a rural setting. That didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to live in the woods, which worried Knox’s mind. Downwind of the road, he smelled Levi before hearing the jeep make its way up the long drive through the trees. Heart pounding, he hurried across to the house in time to see him arrive.
Knox waved Levi into a spot next to his pickup and then opened the driver’s door for him. The gorgeous man was dressed for hiking, and Knox looked him over when he stepped out. Levi knew the drill, expecting the big bear to scent him before bothering with words. He did, but only after pressing Levi up against the side of the jeep with his beefy body and obvious hard-on. Knox went after that sensitive spot below his left ear, licking and kissing fervently until Levi began to shake.
