Page 61 of Bear Creek Christmas
Levi dropped Knox off atDeliciousand then headed over to the diner to pick up a blue plate special and coffee to go. A grateful Aiden ate in the back while Knox showed Levi what they were supposed to do. Customers were all talking about the coming storm, knowing that this was their last chance to shop in Bear Creek. Worried looks and furtive glances out the window put something of a damper on the usual holiday cheer.
Eventually, they learned why Aiden needed their help. Toby had called in sick at the last minute, and Blanche Kramer was out of town to spend Christmas with her son’s family in Scranton. Aiden returned to the front to give his new helpers additional training and apologize to his waiting customers. He then went back to the kitchen to whip up more confections while his friends manned the front of the house. Levi took over the register while Knox filled orders, quickly falling into an efficient routine.
The crowds thinned somewhat yet never actually disappeared until lunch rolled around. This time, Aiden called for take-out, and Levi went to pick it up. They ate in shifts, finishing just in time for a new wave of shoppers. Upon closer inspection, Levi noticed howawfulAiden looked. The poor man was obviously not getting enough sleep or eating properly, though the overwhelming uptake in his business excited him. In the rare moments when there were no customers, they managed a few snippets of conversation. Aiden explained what had been happening over the last month.
“Sales are through the roof! A lot of it is online purchases, and eventually, I’ll need to hire someone full-time for that alone. Next Fall, Toby will be attending Community College, so I’ll have to hire another part-timer to cover his days off. I wasn’t expecting to need additional staff so soon, but it’s a good problem to have—except for today!”
Levi asked if he’d heard the weather report.
“Yeah, I already put a notice on my website that I’ll be closed tomorrow through next Monday. That reminds me –I need to put a sign on the front door. My guess iseveryonewill be closed tomorrow. Honestly, I’m grateful for the storm. It gives me an excuse to rest before I fall over. I’m going to hole up at home and pull the covers over my head.”
Around two o’clock, Aiden stopped accepting online orders. Those already received were packaged up and taken to the post office. Aiden also quit making holiday candies to focus on customer favorites. The last thing he needed was a bunch of stock he couldn’t sell during the inevitable drop in foot traffic after Christmas. Those two changes lightened the load considerably, and the three men enjoyed a few laughs while they worked.
Supper consisted of some terrific burgers fromBears and Beer, a trendy pub up the street. Things weren’t nearly as rushed after sunset, and the flow of customers mercifully dwindled down to a scant few. Though the shop stayed open until eight, Aiden knew he could handle the last couple of hours by himself. He thanked Knox and Levi as they prepared to leave.
“You really saved my bacon today, and I appreciate your help so much. The least I can do is pay for your time, or I can set you up with store credit instead.”
Levi shook his head and took Knox’s hand.
“We don’t need anything. Consider it an early Christmas present, all right? Get some rest, my friend, or I’ll send this big guy over to knock some sense into you.”
Aiden laughed and shoved a large gift box full of candies into their hands.
“Merry Christmas, guys. I hope you both get what you want this year.”
The streets were mostly quiet on their way back to the apartment. Levi finished packing and then gathered up the trash to deposit on their way out. An odd feeling of nostalgia washed over him as he turned his back, locked the door, and followed his man out of the building. Knox detected the change in his scent, wondering what it meant.
They drove separately, Levi following behind him in the jeep. He wasn’t comfortable leaving his vehicle unattended for two weeks and figured it would come in handy if he needed to run an errand while Knox was out. Instead of listening to his playlist, Levi spent the short drive contemplating a promising new future.
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Levi was surprisedwhen Knox carried his bags into the bedroom, setting them down next to an open, half-empty closet. He’d always steered clear of this room, given Eden’s warning about what it meant to a shifter. He took his cue from Knox, who seemed perfectly at ease and not particularly amorous.
“I cleared space for hanging clothes, and the dresser on the left is all yours. There’s at least one drawer and a shelf in the bathroom for stuff too. I need to do some things in the kitchen while you unpack. Then, I thought we could watch a movie and have some popcorn, or we can go to bed if you’re too tired.”
Without waiting for an answer, Knox kissed Levi on the head and left his confused mate to get settled in. Levi wasn’t quite sure what to make of the big bear’s easygoing attitude as he’d basically invited him to move in. Knox had wanted that all along but never tried to pressure him into it. Was he simply being the kind and considerate man he’d known from the beginning? Chiding himself for overthinking, Levi got busy putting his things away.
Now safely in the kitchen, Knox let out the breath he’d been holding. He actually needed to find something in here, but his bear made retreat essential. Once he and Levi were in the bedroom together, the stubborn, impatient beast railed at him to CLAIM OUR MATE! Knox wanted to, certainly, but he knew jumping Levi’s bones might ruin all the goodwill and trust he’d built over the last several months. A wrong move now could drive his mate away, and Knox believed Levi was nearly ready to take that all-important step.
If they were going to have popcorn, he needed something to hold it. Unfortunately, the container didn’t want to be found, and Knox started a methodical search of the cabinets. He was checking the very last cupboard when Levi walked into the kitchen behind him. He stood up and turned around, clutching a large blue plastic bowl. His mate had an amused look on his face.
“Found it! So, what are we doing?”
“I’m in the mood for something funny this time, and it so happens I brought a bunch of movies with me. Have you ever seenThe Santa Clausewith Tim Allen?”
“No, but I’ll watch it with you.”
Levi kissed him.
“You see, this is why I love you so much!”
“I hope that’s not the only reason. You go set it up, and I’ll start popping.”
Two hours later, movie forgotten and out of popcorn, they were curled up in front of the fire, fast asleep.
