Page 10 of Bear Creek Christmas
Needless to say, NO ONE in the room wanted to go back down that road, and Levi noted a new level of excitement.
“As you can see, we’ll be performing a mix of holiday classics, both sacred and secular, and I’ve thrown in a few fun numbers, too. I want both you and our audiences toenjoythe concert, not just endure it. Now, let’s begin working onHave A Beary Merry Christmasand get the holiday started off on the right paw!”
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As expected, word gotaround fast at school. After years of languishing under Blanche Kramer's direction, staff and students renewed their interest in the vocal music program. The sign-up sheets outside his office filled with eager participants, enabling him to form the small groups needed for the holidays. The sheer amount of work seemed daunting, and Levi knew he’d be exhausted by the time Christmas arrived. Still, this was his passion, and he loved sharing the excitement with his students.
Levi left the building around four o’clock, arriving home to find Knox hauling tools from the building to his pickup truck. He was quite the sight, with muscles trying to burst through his work shirt and a smoldering smile. He lifted his chin as Levi pulled into the adjacent parking space and got out.
“This is a nice surprise. What are you doing here?”
Knox walked right up and leaned in to scent his man. Levi welcomed it.
“I came to see Bear Creek’s favorite new teacher, and here you are!”
“Ha! I’m nobody’s favorite, but I am new. Are you working for the landlord?”
“Yep. I do maintenance for some of the apartments in town, and I’m happy to report that your fire alarm now has fresh batteries. I, uh, also replaced the burned-out lightbulb in the bathroom and installed a better thermostat.”
Levi’s heart might have skipped a little.
“I see. So dideveryonein the building get the red carpet treatment?”
Knox held the entry door open for Levi and began following him up the stairs.
“Well, no. Only the best for Mr. Green. My bear insisted.”
Levi laughed, enjoying the extra attention, and then had an interesting thought.
“Were you the one who fixed my kitchen pipes last weekend?”
Levi unlocked his door and invited Knox in.
“Uh-huh. Your scent told me you lived here, but we hadn’t met yet. Are you having trouble with it again?”
“No. In fact, you did such a great job I called the manager. Thank you.”
Knox had shoved both hands in his front pockets, a vulnerable expression on his face.
“You’re welcome. I’d do anything for you.”
Levi didn’t know how to respond. Could it simply be the canned, overused phrase guys used when trying to impress? Maybe not in this case, but the moment passed as Knox hooked a thumb at the door.
“Better go. I’m sure you have a lot to do, and I have another job waiting on me. Uh, maybe I could see you this weekend?”
Levi grimaced.
“I don’t think there will be time, but I’ll let you know if things change, all right?”
Knox nodded and stepped in close to scent Levi again, lips ghosting against the smooth skin of his neck. Levi shuddered, goosebumps raising the fine blond hair on his arms. Pleased with the reaction, Knox smiled.
“Goodnight. I’ll be thinking about you.”
Levi stuttered the first thing that came to mind.
“M..me, too.”
Knox’s rumbling growl followed him out the door.
