Page 16 of Bear Creek Christmas
Levi wrapped a slender hand around the back of Knox’s strong neck and pulled his head down. Soft lips met their rougher counterparts with gentle pressure, warm and alive. Knox’s chest began to vibrate with a deep, steady rumbling, prompting Levi to deepen the kiss and explore with his tongue. Knox let him do what he wanted, nearly overwhelmed by Levi’s scent, body heat, and the taste of his mouth. His bear, the greedy ursine, wanted more and Knox’s self-control teetered on the edge of collapse.
Levi must have sensed the danger and pulled away, hands now resting on Knox’s powerful chest.
“Shhh.., it’s all right. That’s the best kiss I’ve ever had, but maybe we better stop.”
Knox nodded, huffing in distress while Levi waited for him to calm down. He hadn’t known a simple kiss would rile up the man so badly, though he didn’t regret it. Apparently, Levi had a lot to learn about dating a shifter. As Knox’s breathing gradually returned to normal, he seemed to be searching for something to say.
“I... wow, you are so... damn, that was hot! I know you have to go, but my bear doesn’t want you to leave—ever. Is there any chance I can see you again tomorrow?”
Levi thought for a minute and then smiled.
“Well, I planned to visit the laundromat on Third Avenue in the morning before it gets busy. You couldaccidentallyfind me there if you wanted to.”
“Deal! Text me when you’re ready to leave the apartment.”
Knox grabbed the bag of leftovers and walked Levi out to the jeep. Instead of simply scenting the man, he surprised Levi by lifting him off the ground and kissing him soundly. By necessity, the lip-lock didn’t last long, and Knox tucked his dazed and aroused mate into the driver’s seat and shut the door. Levi wagged a finger at him from behind the glass, tooted his horn, and left for home with a stiffy.
####
Later that night
The downside of teaching Music History was grading the quizzes. Levi still had half the pile to check before he could think about turning in or texting Knox goodnight. Thoughts of the charming man roused his blood pressure and an easily-influenced body part. Memories of today’s date were like a warm blanket around his heart, and that kiss! He may have started it, but Knox claimed his mouth like it belonged to him. Perhaps it did, or would if Levi could let the past go.
Forcing himself to concentrate, he picked up the next quiz and scanned it. This student obviously hadn’t read the chapter, but anyone could have gotten a few of the multiple-choice questions right with some effort. He recorded the failing grade and then wondered how he might motivate his students to do better. Moving on to the next quiz, a promising idea came to him, and he opened up his laptop to nail down the details while they were fresh. A familiar ring tone broke the silence, and Levi reached for his phone.
“Hi, mom!”
“Hi, honey. I know you usually work late, but if now isn’t a good time...”
“No, it’s fine. What’s up?”
“I got wind of something I think you need to know. Daniel contacted me today, looking for your new address. I didn’t give it to him, but he’s determined to find you. Post office records are open to the public, so I’m sure he’ll figure it out. I wanted to warn you in case he shows up in Bear Creek.”
“Do you know what he wants?”
“He didn’t say it right out, but he seems to think he can win you back. I told him to move on and leave you alone, but you know how stubborn he is.”
“Yeah, I remember. I wouldnevertake him back, even if I wasn’t seeing someone else.”
“What?Levi Alan Green!You’ve only been there a few weeks, and already you have a boyfriend? Justwhenwere you going to tell me?”
“Mom. It’s new, and I haven’t told anyone yet. His name is Knox, and he’s a bear shifter.”
“Oh! Is that safe? I mean, I don’t know much about them but are you sure it’s a good idea?”
“Knox is a sweetheart, and I know you’d like him. He’s gentle, kind, affectionate, and always puts me first. In other words, nothing like Daniel. If he comes sniffing around, Knox isn’t going to like it.”
“Be careful, honey. I don’t want to see you get hurt again. Listen, give me a call when you have more time, and I’ll fill you in on family things. Everybody here misses you, and I love you so much. Tell Knox hello for me!”
“Bye, mom. Love you, too!”
Levi ended the call, mind busy with the unwelcome news of Daniel Pennyman’s stubborn refusal to accept their breakup. Should he tell Knox? Maybe not. The last thing he wanted was to scare Knox off with a crazy ex. Besides, Daniel must know he’d be wasting his time chasing after a dead dream, and who’d be stupid enough to make a seven hundred mile round trip just to be rejected again?
Levi glanced at the clock and dove back into the stack of quizzes. There was work to do before he could chat with hisboyfriendagain. Hmm... something worth thinking about!
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Sunday morning
