Page 29 of Bear Creek Christmas
Chapter 9
Levi handed Knox thekeys and got in the car holding a bag full of the shifter’s ruined clothing. He felt bad that his protective bear was almost naked in public and still wanted to take care of him. Daniel, for all his fancy words, wasn’t the type to dote on anyone, and Levi shivered when he realized how close he’d come to spending the rest of his life with the selfish, lying prick. It only deepened his appreciation for the gorgeous, kind, generous man seated next to him.
They arrived at the complex in a jiffy. Knox made sure the coast was clear, asked Levi to wait, then grabbed his own keys and sprinted for the truck. There, he pulled a wrinkled t-shirt and sweats from under the seat and hurriedly dressed, smacking elbows and knees in the awkward confines of the cab. Now suitably covered, Knox hurried back to the jeep to retrieve his mate and escort him inside. Levi gave him a warm smile and took his hand but said nothing.
Once inside, Levi pulled Knox down for a tender, lingering kiss—trying to show his appreciation for the man’s gallant behavior without words. When Knox told him weeks ago he would do anything for him, Levi hadn’t really believed it. He did now. Whatever their relationship had been, it was morphing into something more serious. Was it possible to love someone so quickly? It sure felt like it, but with the fresh reminder of his ex lingering in the air, Levi’s heart couldn’t risk saying it out loud. He chose to thank the man instead.
“You’re my hero. Thank you for being there, protecting me, fighting for me. You’re beautiful, Knox McCoy, inside and out.”
Knox began to purr, warmed by words he’d never expected to hear. Levi was precious to him and didn’t even realize it. If this whole thing with Daniel brought their formal mating one step closer to reality, then he’d face a dozen exes to prove his love. Right now, he needed to soothe Levi’s nerves and provide a bit of TLC.
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While Levi jumped inthe shower, Knox borrowed the jeep to run a couple of errands. First, he filled the vehicle with gas and then made a trip home to change and grab a few things for later tonight. Then, Knox zipped over to the sandwich shop to pick up their food order before heading back to the apartments. He walked in to find Levi setting the table, all freshly washed and golden hair still damp. It was impossible to resist scenting the man, kissing exposed skin, and stroking Levi’s leanly muscled body.
Knox served Levi first before filling his own plate. They spoke quietly as they ate, enjoying both the food and each other’s company. Eventually, Levi mentioned his inability to get home for either of the upcoming holidays due to his responsibilities in town.
“It occurred to me the other day, and now I don’t know what to do. I have commitments here, but my family will be expecting me, and we’ve always enjoyed the season together.”
As Knox routinely spent Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, he hadn’t given it much thought. But, he’d love to do something special for Levi’s first Christmas in Bear Creekandtheir first holiday together.
“Have you told your family yet?”
Levi grimaced.
“No. I’m sure they’ll understand, but it will crush my mom, and I’ll miss seeing everybody. Unfortunately, there’s no way to make Thanksgiving work, but Christmas might be doable. I’d have to leave right after the final performance on the twenty-fourth but wouldn’t get there until late.”
Knox had an idea forming that might give Levi what he wanted, though it required certain adjustments, and he wasn’t ready to share.
“I’m sure it will all work out, and if not, you can spend them with me.”
Levi gave him a thousand-watt smile, kissed him on the cheek, and began cleaning up the table. Five minutes later, they were watching a movie, snuggled together on the couch. Levi seemed restless and uncomfortable. Knox noticed, of course, and decided to do something about it. He turned off the film and stood with his hand extended. Levi looked confused.
“Where are we going?”
“Bedroom. You need a massage and a good night’s sleep. Come on.”
A nervous Levi followed Knox, stripped to his undies as instructed, and lay face-down on the bed. He watched as the muscle bear removed his clothes except for a fetching pair of plaid boxers and then straddled Levi’s legs. The position alone got them hard and aching in seconds, but the real pleasure began when Knox’s strong, warm hands slid up Levi’s back and began to work the knots out of his neck and shoulders. Levi’s moans went straight to Knox’s groin, but this wasn’t about him or his dick.
“Mmm, feels good. I may fall asleep.”
“That’s the idea. I’ve got this, so you relax.”
When the shoulders were done, Knox worked his way down Levi’s spine. Though tempted to continue farther, he stopped at the waistband of his underwear—the sexy black pair Knox liked so well. He didn’t have to look to know his mate was already snoozing, just as gorgeous in repose as awake. Knox slipped off the bed, retrieved his overnight bag from the living room, and performed his evening ablutions.
Before returning to bed, he padded into the dining room to take a peek at Levi’s phone. It wasn’t difficult to find his mother’s number and enter it into his own device. Pulling off a meaningful surprise required the woman’s agreement and cooperation, but he’d have to arrange things secretly. Anything he could do to make his mate happy was worth the effort, and even his bear liked the idea.
Knox finally rejoined Levi in the bedroom—still asleep but now turned on his side, facing the wall. He arranged the covers, turned off the light, and slipped in behind to spoon the gorgeous man. The poor guy was so exhausted he didn’t even stir. This would be the first time they’d ever slept together or shared a bed, creating a special memory. Knox fell asleep cradling his beloved, wishing they could enjoy this every night.
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Levi awoke at his usualtime, even without setting the alarm, and instantly knew he wasn’t alone. After a wonderful massage last night, Levi zonked out, and Knox must have joined him. He regretted not having the chance to kiss the man goodnight, but who said he couldn’t make up for it this morning? Knox was currently pressed against his back, body hair lightly tickling every inch of skin where they touched. Even their legs were intertwined, and he felt every short gust of warm breath on the back of his neck.
One of the man’s beefy arms was also wrapped around his midsection, fingers curled in tight to hold him in place. Apparently, bears like to snuggle, and Levi approved wholeheartedly. Though comfy, he’d have to move if he were going to reward Knox for taking such good care of him yesterday. Thanks to Daniel, the evening certainly hadn’t gone according to plan but ended up kind of wonderful anyway.
