Page 48 of Bear Creek Christmas
Chapter 14
Thanksgiving day
Levi awoke with a start, unused to sleeping in late. It took a few seconds to remember there weren’t any classes today and that they were expected to join the Shaws around one o’clock. He couldn’t remember going to bed last night and assumed Knox took care of him—like he always did. The beautiful man had invaded Levi’s heart, mind, and soul, patiently waiting for him to accept his simple, sincere love. After Daniel’s passionless pursuit and twisty mind games, adjusting to someone like Knox required Levi to jettison a lot of baggage.
He tapped the arm around his mid-section, and Knox reluctantly let him go with a soft growl. Levi turned to face him, and though he remained asleep, his crafty bear knew on some level Levi was now awake. He looked over the beefy form of his lover with appreciation. Hairy, muscular, perfectly proportioned, and concealing an animal form Levi not only admired but turned him on. That thought began a chain reaction, and he wondered how long it would take for Knox to notice.
Levi’s desire gave off some kind of scent Knox could detect with his superior sense of smell. Based on past experience, it was akin to a siren song thatmustbe answered, and Knox seemed powerless to ignore it. A simple touch from Levi sped up the process. Anywhere would do, and it didn’t have to be sensual. Several seconds ticked past before Knox’s chest emitted a basso rumble, vibrating the bed. He stirred, reaching for Levi at the same time his eyes popped open.
Sky blue met bluish-gray, smile mirrored grin, lips met lips. Knox pulled Levi closer, skimming strong hands over the slender man’s back, ass, and arms in sultry caresses. Levi knew this could go two ways; a very pleasant wake-up call and nothing more or mind-blowing sex. Then, just as he’d decided to go for the sex, a phone began to ring. Gently extricating himself, Knox apologized.
“Sorry, mate. That’s an emergency call.”
Levi got dressed while Knox spoke with grunts and one-word questions. Seconds later, he was out of bed and rooting around in his duffle for work clothes.
“Furnace is out—next building over in this complex. I’ll go check and see what needs to be done. If I’m lucky, it’s a bad thermostat or something simple.”
Knowing Knox must be hungry, Levi started a pot of coffee and whipped up a quick breakfast of eggs, toast and fruit. Fifteen minutes later, he walked out the door with a promise to call if it took too long. Fortunately, time was on their side, and they weren’t expected at the Shaws for several hours. Within thirty minutes, Knox returned with a smudged face and a frown.
“Blower motor is shot, and my suppliers are all closed until Monday. I may have to bring him some space heaters, but they don’t work very well, and he has family coming over later.”
Levi had an idea.
“What about the empty unit across the hall? You could swap out the motor from that furnace and then fix it up next week. It’s on the second floor, so the pipes aren’t going to freeze.”
Knox kissed him, leaving a dirty streak on Levi’s nose.
“Good idea, mate! I hadn’t thought that far. I’ll need to run back home for some tools, but it shouldn’t take long. I’d better call the landlord on the way, so he knows what’s going on.”
While Knox was out, Levi showered, paid bills, and cleaned the kitchen. Eden called to make sure they were still coming and then asked about their trip.
“How did it go with your family? I’ll bet Knox charmed them all!”
“Yeah, he did. I received the Green seal of approval, and Knox got along well with everyone. We had a great time.”
“Calvin and the boys are eager to see you. You’re welcome to stay afterward for games if you like, but no pressure. At least you don’t have classes all day tomorrow before the performance.”
“Thanks, Eden. Let’s play it by ear and see how things go. By the way, are the roads OK between here and your place?”
“They’re not too bad, but it might be better if you use the pickup. I don’t want you two sliding off the road on Thanksgiving!”
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The Shaws lived tenmiles northeast of Bear Creek, on the outskirts of Tobyhanna State Park. Eden wisely warned them about the roads, as they were narrow, curvy, and not as well-kept as those near the city. Knox preferred driving anyway—part of protecting his mate wherever they happened to be. Levi learned not to argue about such things, as doing so only made Knox’s bear anxious. Besides, he never made Levi feel inferior or smothered, only...cherished. If there were battles to be fought, he intended to choose them carefully. While still a few miles out, Knox asked Levi about their hosts for the day.
“I met the Shaws when I came to Bear Creek. Their youngest was only a cub then, but I can’t say I know them well.”
“Calvin runs his own business as an arborist and also sells firewood. Eden’s been teaching art at Tri-County for about fifteen years, and they have three boys—all in their teens. I run into them at the school from time to time, but they aren’t in any of my classes. I don’t know how Eden works full time and takes care of her family!”
When they arrived, Levi carried in a large paper grocery bag with the top rolled down. He didn’t want to come empty-handed, even though Eden assured him it wasn’t necessary. Calvin answered the door and invited them in, sniffing madly at the sack Levi carried. Eden called out a welcome from somewhere deeper in the house, and the boys ambled over to say hello. They, too, eyed the bag longingly as Calvin introduced them.
“This is my eldest, Wyatt, then Arlo and Ezra. Boys, you already know Mr. Green from the school, and this is Knox McCoy.”
By the time they finished shaking hands and scenting the visitors, Eden came sweeping in with a dishtowel in one hand and a wet spoon in the other. She spied the bag, eyebrows arched in question.
“I’m so glad you could come! Is that what I think it is?”
Levi nodded. Calvin and the boys were focused on his answer, seeking confirmation.
