Page 18 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox washed down the first bite or two before answering.
“I like lots of things, but mostly older stuff from the fifties through the seventies. I’ve been told I have a fair voice, but I don’t sing much unless you count the shower. I know you have to teach all kinds of music, but what do you listen to for fun?”
“I enjoy a wide range of things, and the oldies are always a good bet for easy listening. I’ve been known to put on some classical or even opera when the mood strikes. And Christmas music is my absolute favorite! I have a huge collection of holiday tunes in contemporary, western, gospel—you name it, and I probably have it. It’s one of the things that drew me to Bear Creek; I can indulge myself and get paid for it!”
“If you could sing for a living instead of teaching it, would you?”
No one had ever asked Levi that question, and he paused to think through his answer.
“Honestly, no. My voice is ok, but it’s not good enough for a career. I enjoy teaching others way more than performing.”
A wicked smile appeared on Knox’s face, and he wiggled his eyebrows.
“Maybe you could join me for a duet in the shower sometime.”
Levi’s HOT meter spiked, and he threw the suggestion right back at him.
“I can think of better things for us to do in the shower than sing.”
Before Knox could respond, the washing machines stopped, and they got up to load the dryers. When they returned, Levi leaned against the big man while they ate the last of the danish and finished their drinks. Once Knox’s hand was free, he threw it over Levi’s slim shoulder and pulled him closer. It not only felt good, it felt right, and both men relaxed. Knox asked another question.
“Say, what do you know about this year’s holiday show downtown? Please tell me you’re not doing the same thing Mrs. Kramer did for the last ten years!”
Levi gave him the stink-eye.
“Oh no, no, no! This is the beginning of a new era. I have a bunch of ideas, but the Holiday Committee has a proposal they want to pitch. I hope it isn’t something lame, or everyone will blame me.”
“I’ll let you know if I hear something, but I’m sure you could talk them out of anything embarrassing. Mayor Tillman chairs that committee, and she’s going to want a top-notch performance for all the visitors this season. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”
When the clothes were dry, they stood side by side at the counter to fold them, chatting away about their upcoming week. Knox carried the baskets outside, loading Levi’s in the back of the jeep for him. Both hated to say goodbye, and their farewell kiss was one worth remembering. Knox’s bear hated leaving their mate behind and made his displeasure known. Knox agreed with him, wishing they were heading home together where they belonged.
Chapter 6
Knox’s relationshipwith Levi hit another bump in the road when he began the weeks-long harvest of acorns and other nuts. His territory was rich with nut-producing trees, and the crop would keep him busy for some time. Bears not onlylovednuts, but they were also an essential food source and often determined whether females produced cubs over the winter. As a shifter, Knox didn’t actually need the crop to survive since he had access to food year-round. Rather, he kept some for his own personal stash and sold the rest to Aiden atDeliciousfor various confections and Bear Brownies.
As Levi slipped into a manageable work routine, he carved out a few spare hours during the week to give Knox a hand. Harvesting acorns was labor-intensive, requiring collection, sorting, drying, and cracking before the nutmeats were ready to sell. Knox gathered them from morning to mid-afternoon while Levi worked, saving the processing tasks for later in the day. When Levi could join him, they toiled in the spacious workshop, happy to spend time together.
Levi found it amusing that Knox’s bear was more interested in eating than harvesting. At least once every day, Knox shifted to keep his other half happy and satisfy the need to feed. With scores of old oak trees scattered throughout his territory, there was plenty to go around, and Knox began to put on more weight. Levi noticed the change, claiming he looked even sexier, and the pleased shifter rewarded him with kisses. During Levi’s second “work date”, Knox asked him an important question.
“Do you want to meet my bear?”
Levi looked up from the pile of acorns he was sorting with a mixed scent of fear and curiosity.
“I would, but it honestly scares me a little. I’ve never been anywhere close to a real bear before. Is there anything I should know first?”
