Page 26 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
Mid-September
Several weeks had slipped by, filled with busy days, terrific sales, and a growing reputation that put Shady Lane Orchard on the map.
Online orders had ballooned after the dancing bear merch was added, and offerings now included puzzles, playing cards, coasters, keychains, tote bags, jewelry, plush toys, stickers, and coloring books.
Dustin also placed orders for a slew of Christmas-themed bear items which promised to be very popular with his customers.
A very special project was also in the works to create a cookbook to be named Eat Like A Bear.
Dustin thought a collection of recipes from shifter families in the region would be a fun way to raise more funds for the SHARP charity.
If submissions kept up at the current pace, he’d have enough for a whole series of cookbooks!
People loved the idea because it was for a good cause and food was a universal language everyone understood and enjoyed.
It also showcased the human side of shifters that some overlooked or minimized.
While Dustin and Gruff were thrilled with the success of the business, it put a serious crimp in their time together as a couple.
There wasn’t much they could do about it, and Gruff chose not to say anything.
His bear was unhappy with the current arrangement—pushing for more time, more sex, more everything with the human he considered their mate.
Gruff wanted the same, but they’d only known one another for a couple of months, and mating was both a frightening and permanent decision.
Ever mindful of his boyfriend’s past, Dustin had resolved not to push, nag, or even hint at hurrying things along.
He’d love to spend every part of every day with Gruff, but their semi-separate lives didn’t lend themselves to that kind of relationship.
He spent far less time at the apartment than he used to, but staying every night with Gruff wasn’t practical, either.
So far, an acceptable solution evaded them, and they juggled tight schedules to maximize shared moments.
It was nearly seven p.m. when Dustin closed up for the night, and he found Gruff in the big old barn, tinkering with the capricious tractor. Perched on the nearby tool bench, Baxter’s vocal greeting earned him an ear scratch, and Gruff looked up with a warm smile.
“Heading home?”
With the man’s hands and coveralls smeared with grease, Dustin's naughty mind visualized being bent over the tractor while Gruff took him from behind. He tucked the fantasy away for another time and leaned in carefully to kiss him without initiating a hug.
“Yeah. I’m beat. Just one more day and then we have Sunday to relax a little. Oh, scratch that. I forgot my family will be here, and they’ll probably stay most of the day. They can’t wait to see the place and meet you. I’m sure it will be fun, but I wish I wasn’t so tired and missing you so much.”
Gruff carefully returned the kiss, even if he desperately wanted to pick him up and carry him back to the house.
“Miss you, too, Dusty. You’ll stay with me tomorrow night?”
Dustin nodded.
“Wouldn’t miss it. I have plans for my uber sexy boyfriend.”
Gruff growled; dick plumping with desire.
“You’re a tease. Get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
After one final kiss, Dustin headed home to bathe and crash.
############
After midnight, Dustin’s apartment
In that weird state where one is neither awake nor asleep, Dustin dreamed of water falls, dripping rain, and rushing rivers.
While odd, it was certainly more peaceful than the racket he’d put up with after his shower last night.
The stupid pipes outdid themselves with a thumpy, moany, rattle-bang concert that continued long after he’d gone to bed.
Sometime after eleven p.m., a final gushy-sounding WHUMP ended the commotion and he nodded off.
Now, however, the warning bells began to ring in the back of Dustin’s tired brain and he roused enough to listen.
The pipe rumpus had stopped but a softer continuous noise took its place.
This wasn’t a dream—he actually had heard running water!
The sound continued long after a flushed toilet would have, and a prickly feeling told Dustin something wasn’t right.
Opening his eyes, he sat up in bed and looked toward the open bedroom door. A soft reflective glow from the bathroom night light cast a reflection over the water-covered carpet, and Dustin blinked in disbelief.
“SHIT!”
A sudden thought stopped him from going to investigate, and he pulled his legs back up onto the mattress.
He’d read stories about the possibility of electrocution in situations like this and decided to stay where he was until he could figure out what to do.
Fortunately, the phone rested on the nightstand, and he punched in the Locust Lodge Apartments after-hours number.
It rang and rang until a growly voice finally answered.
“Knox McCoy. What’s the emergency?”
“Knox. This is Dustin Mowry in B-101. The apartment is flooded and I don’t know what to do!”
Dustin could hear rustling and murmured voices in the background as Knox must have gotten up.
“If you’re in bed, stay there and don’t touch anything that might be in contact with the water. I’ll be there in about ten minutes to shut off the power and make sure you’re okay. Call Gruff and have him meet me out front.”
Dustin thanked him, hung up, and speed-dialed his man—feeling guilty for disturbing people in the middle of the night. This call was picked up much faster.
“Dusty? What’s wrong?”
Merely hearing Gruff’s voice made him feel better.
“I’m sorry love, but the pipes gave out and there’s water everywhere. Knox is coming and wants you to meet him outside the building. I’m supposed to stay put until he shuts off the power.”
Gruff’s worried growls spilled over the connection.
“On my way. There’s plenty of room in the truck to bring your stuff, so don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
After a quick goodbye, Dustin planned his exodus while waiting for rescue.
Except for things already on the floor, most of his stuff had probably escaped damage—tucked away inside drawers, cupboards, and closets.
What a mess! So much for getting any sleep tonight, let alone making it through a busy Saturday.
That’s when Dustin realized the cloud had a silver lining.
At this very minute, his lover was on the way to gather him and his things and bring them home. He was moving in with Gruff!
############
About two hours later
Dustin did a final check of the apartment while Gruff hauled the last of his stuff to the truck.
With the power off, flashlights were required to get around, causing them to stumble over furniture and one another in the dark.
Shoes soaked, feet cold, and tired to the bone, they used a pile of apple picking bags Gruff had brought with him to put things in.
At first, Dustin only planned to take his clothes and other immediate necessaries, returning later for the rest. Knox quickly talked him out of it.
“We’ll have to leave the apartment door wide open while we work, so your belongings won’t be secure.
Plus, it’s going to smell bad in here pretty soon and everything will stink.
We’re lucky the sewer pipes didn’t burst or there wouldn’t have been much to salvage.
It’s better to take everything now, because even if you wanted to come back, it will be weeks before the apartment is livable.
Besides, Gruff’s bear won’t want to let you out of his sight for a while. ”
Gruff confirmed the truth of Knox’s words by hauling Dustin in for another growly, blistering kiss.
He’d been something of a mess when he arrived, ready to beat down the apartment door and rescue his man despite Knox’s orders to remain outside until the power was off.
When Knox finally used his master key to gain entry, Gruff jogged across the soaked floor and scooped Dustin off the bed, muttering “my mate” over and over.
With the adrenalin now worn off and fatigue setting in, they were more than ready to leave. Dustin and Gruff both thanked Knox for his help and advice, feeling bad for leaving him with such a mess. Knox shrugged.
“No problem, guys. I’ve had to do worse than this. Dustin, you might want to check with the office about getting a refund on your rent. If they give you trouble, ask DeeDee to take it up with the owner. Go on home now, and get some sleep.”
The ride back was quiet; both men stressed, weary, and not looking forward to unpacking the truck when they arrived. Dustin rubbed his eyes and yawned, prompting Gruff to do the same. He reached out to stroke the man’s furry cheek with the knuckles of his left hand.
“Thank you for coming to get me. Are you sure it’s all right for me to live with you?”
Gruff growled, snatching up Dustin’s hand for a kiss.
“I want you there with me, and so does my bear. I don’t even think Baxter will put up a fuss. I’m sorry your place got wrecked, but I’ll be a lot happier if we’re together. Is living with me a problem for you?”
Gruff held his breath until Dustin answered.
“It’s perfect . I was tempted to suggest it, but thought maybe it was too much too soon, you know? There’s no place I’d rather be, love.”
Gruff’s happy purr accompanied them all the way home, and he backed the truck up to the front porch to make unloading easier.
Poor Baxter didn’t know what to make of the unorthodox activity—watching from the back of the couch, tail twitching as he chittered questions at them.
While Dustin found room in the fridge and cupboards for his foodstuffs, Gruff hauled everything else upstairs.
Most of it was deposited in one of the unused bedrooms to be sorted out later, and both men were thankful there wasn’t any furniture involved except the twin bed.