Page 6 of Bear Creek Christmas
Just then, Aiden returned from the back room, quickly sized up the situation, and moved to intervene.
“Knox! You might want to ease up there, buddy. I think you’re scaring Levi.”
Knox let him go and backed away with a reluctant apology.
“Sorry. I’m pleased to meet you, too.”
Aiden defused the awkward how-de-do by offering each of them a sample of his latest creation. The small bowls contained a creamy, violet-colored mixture and a spoon.
“Let me know what you think of this. I mixed heavy cream, blueberries, and white chocolate, among other things. It’s called Purple Passion.”
While Levi pretended not to notice, Knox watched his every move as they consumed the frozen treat. When they finished, Aiden asked for feedback.
“What’s the verdict, gentlemen?”
Clearly uncomfortable with Knox’s scrutiny, Levi offered his opinion and prepared to leave.
“Very tasty, Aiden. Look, I enjoyed meeting both of you, but I have to get going. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
Levi grabbed his bag of sweets with a shaky hand and hurried out of the shop without a backward glance. Knox’s eyes followed him outside, lingering until the jeep disappeared. He heaved a frustrated sigh and turned to hand the empty bowl to Aiden.
“I liked it, too. Do you have more?”
Arms crossed over his chest, Aiden stayed put.
“Nope. Not until you tell me why you were almost drooling over a perfect stranger. What’s got into you?”
“I wasn’t drooling! I only wanted to get to know him better.”
The light went on in Aiden’s head as he put the pieces together.
“Levi hasn’t been here very long, and it’s a fair bet he doesn’t know anything about how shifters speak or act. Try not to linger or make him feel trapped when you scent him. You had thathungry bearlook in your eyes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you scared the crap out of the guy!”
Distressed, Knox quickly explained how he’d scented Levi days ago and was even in the man’s apartment earlier. He admitted that he couldn’t get the human off his mind and had never wanted anyone this way before. Aiden’s heart sank as Knox told the story. It bothered him that the new guy in town captured the heart of his old crush without even trying, whileheyearned every day for his own shifter mate. But, fair or not, Aiden had no cause to be angry with either of them, and Knox desperately needed some advice.
“You’re off to a rough start, my friend. You have a lot to offer, but you’re going to have to win him over a little at a time. Go slow and keep your bear under control, or Levi may never let you get close.”
Knox growled, suspecting that Aiden was right.
“This isn’t going to be easy.”
“Nobody said it was, but I know you can do it.”
His bear might be clueless about how to win over a human, but he was also clever and determined. Together, they had a chance.
