Page 8 of Bear Creek Christmas
Levi paled.
“You’ve got to be kidding! The guy doesn’t know anything about me, so how could he think I might be his mate someday? We may not be compatible! Don’t I get any say?”
Eden reached out to gently squeeze his forearm.
“Be honest with yourself, Levi. What scares you about all this?”
He knew this would sound lame, but she needed an honest answer.
“My last boyfriend only wanted me because of my looks. I’m not going down that road again for Knox or anyone else. I want to be loved for who I am, not just my face.”
Eden looked inordinately pleased for some reason.
“Did you say Knox? Knox McCoy?”
“Uh-huh. Why?”
“Let me explain a few things before you reject him out of hand. I’ve known Knox since he moved to Bear Creek as a teen, and I can tell you he’s a sweetheart. At first, you might assume he’s nothing special but never underestimate Knox McCoy. That man is sharp as a tack, generous to a fault, and honest as the day is long. I’ve never known him to be unkind, selfish, or rude to anyone. He even visits the nursing home in bear form because the residents get such a kick out of it.
“Based on what happened the other day, his bear must think you are his mate—and he’s waited a long time to find you. That’s why he reacted so strongly to your scent. Besides, shifters value the inner qualities of a person over their looks every time. You could be butt-ugly, and Knox would love you all the same. The fact that you’re the opposite is icing on the cake for him.”
Levi heard Eden’s words but wasn’t convinced they were true. How could they be? Humans certainly didn’t build relationships this way, though it sounded much more straightforward than the lie-filled games his ex had been playing.
“I’m still recovering from my last relationship and never expected to meet someone or start dating so soon. What am I supposed to do?”
“I realize it may be scary, but let me ask you this—is there any interest on your part?”
The blush returned, and Levi avoided looking at her.
“Well, yes. I’m definitely attracted to Knox, and he seems nice enough. That doesn’t mean I want to elope with him, and I know hardly anything about shifters.”
She broke out into another smile.
“I thought so! I guarantee he noticed your interest, and you already know he likesyou. That’s a good place to start. Remember, his senses are much sharper than yours. He’ll be able to pick up whatever you are feeling, and not just arousal either. I found that out the hard way with Calvin. Shifters can hear your heartbeat from across the room, smell your tears, and sense when you are in pain. Knox will be brutally honest, and he expects the same in return. It’s difficult at first but very freeing when you become accustomed to it.”
Eden said nothing more as they finished up their meal, allowing Levi to sort through the information. He looked her in the eye for his next question.
“So, you’re saying I should get to know him and see where it leads?”
“I am. Knox McCoy is one of the nicest men you’ll ever meet. Give him a chance, Levi, and you’ll find out for yourself. And remember, I’m only a phone call away if you need help.”
####
It was almost fourin the afternoon before Knox arrived to drop off the last of today’s blueberry harvest. He wasn’t kidding about the excellent crop this year, and the extensive marking of his territory kept wild bears from encroaching on all but one of the berry patches. Even so, he’d be harvesting for another week or more if the weather cooperated. Fortunately, it left plenty of fruit for Knox’s bear to enjoy, as long as the other wildlife didn’t get to it first.
Aiden met him in the back, hauling the containers into the cooler straight from the bed of the pickup. The only thing left was a large mesh basket of berries, wrapped in plastic and topped with a ribbon. Aiden pointed at it with a question.
“Those for me, too?”
Knox gave him a saucy grin and moved them to the passenger seat.
“Nope. Those are for Levi. I’m going to bring them over when I’m done here.”
Unsurprised, Aiden chuckled at the man.
“I see. Why don’t you come in and cool off with some Purple Passion? I tweaked the recipe a little bit and need a second opinion.”
Aiden set four samples before him, and Knox scented each one. Along with the original, the others were enhanced with lemon, mint, and lavender. Knox started with the original recipe first, detecting more blueberry and a creamier texture. Aiden watched as he finished off all four in no time, waiting for his reaction. Knox always gave it to him straight when it came to food, and not just what Aiden might want to hear.
