Page 39 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
While they toiled in the Red Barn, Gruff had his own list of tasks to finish.
Cleaning, organizing, and winterizing the old barn came first. Then there were twinkle lights to string in the maple trees lining the driveway, and flood lights to install around the pond for nighttime skaters.
In the warming station, Gruff had to lay special rubber flooring, put together sturdy benches, and add a multitude of coat hooks.
On Tuesday afternoon, Gruff headed to Tillman Hardware for new snow shovels and ice melt before making a grocery run.
Dustin had provided a list of things they needed, though Gruff added more to make sure they made it through the busy weekend coming up.
When he returned, Malcom Nesbitt was unloading a supply of honey products for the Red Barn before checking the hives scattered throughout the orchard.
By four o’clock, everyone took off for home, leaving Gruff and Dustin to prepare for their date—a special treat to begin their own holiday celebration.
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Supper, Tuesday evening
Dressed to the nines and air thick with randy pheromones, the couple made their way into town.
Gruff was all worked up seeing his mate dressed in a suit, though what he honestly wanted was to strip the enticing man down and claim him.
Dustin wasn’t unaffected either, sneaking glances at the sexy shifter as they drove along.
He’d never seen Gruff in formal attire, and his dick stood up to salute before they ever left the house.
The sign came up on their right and Gruff cruised down the side street until they reached the recently opened Bella Vita Ristorante Italiano.
The parking lot was surprisingly full for a weeknight, and the building had totally changed, inside and out.
To Dustin it looked more like a lavish Italian villa than a restaurant, with a tall central tower, narrow arched windows, and a stucco finish.
There was certainly nothing else like it in Bear Creek, which made it even more impressive.
Dustin waited as Gruff came around to open his door and escort him to the building—one splayed hand on his lower back.
The inside was as classy as the exterior, with employees dressed in navy pants and white button-down shirts.
Gruff gave the hostess his name, and they were led to a private corner table and given menus.
“Jaxson is your server tonight, and will be right with you. Enjoy your meal.”
Gruff was ignoring the menu in favor of looking at his extremely handsome mate.
His mind conjured up an image of Dustin splayed out on the bare table wearing only his necktie and a smoldering smile.
Gruff fought a raging boner, thankfully hidden by the white tablecloth.
The arrival of their server was the only reason he didn’t jump Dustin’s bones right then and there.
“Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Jaxson, and I’ll be serving you tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Gruff looked up to answer and found Jaxson gawking at his mate, mouth slightly open and a sheen of sweat at his hairline.
He was an attractive red-headed human about their age, but his lusty scent set off Gruff’s alarms and he growled a bit louder than normal.
Jaxson startled, tearing his eyes away from Dustin to look at Gruff.
“I’ll have water and my mate would like a glass of your house Moscato.”
Jaxson hastily noted it on his pad, stealing more glimpses of Dustin in the process.
“Very good, Sir. May I interest you in an appetizer while you look over the menu?”
Dustin shook his head, wondering what was bothering the man. Gruff responded to Jaxson’s question, eager to see him gone.
“No, thank you.”
Jaxson made another note and finished his spiel.
“The special tonight is Eggplant Parmigiana. I’ll be back shortly with your drinks.”
As he turned to leave, the redhead gave Dustin another sultry glance. Gruff’s hand curled into a fist, and he growled again at the retreating server. Oblivious, Dustin didn’t understand what had gotten into his mate.
“What’s wrong? Why are you being rude to Jaxson?”
Gruff huffed several times before answering.
“He wants you. I could smell it! You’re MINE.”
Dustin’s expression softened and he reached across the table to grasp Gruff’s hand.
“I didn’t even notice, love. You know I’m not interested in anyone but you. There’s nothing to get upset about.”
Gruff still didn’t like the undue attention Dustin was getting, but who wouldn’t be attracted to his gorgeous mate?
If Jaxson knew what was good for him, he’d keep his mind on the job and off of Dustin!
Gruff’s bear agreed wholeheartedly, and he chided Gruff for not having claimed his man already, despite his promise to do so.
When their server returned, he was all business—enabling Gruff to cool down and relax. They ordered their food and then enjoyed some chit chat while they waited. Dustin decided to tease him a little.
“Do you want a sip of my wine?”
He already knew shifters couldn’t process alcohol very well. It didn’t hurt them, but it caused massive and embarrassing flatulence. Thankfully, Gruff declined the offer.
“No thanks, Mate. I’ll taste it later when I kiss you. You’re very handsome tonight, Dusty, and I can’t wait to get you home and out of that suit.”
Dustin blushed, glancing around to make sure no one else had overheard.
“Baby, if you were any hotter, your clothes would burst into flames. You won’t be wearing them for long after we get home.”
Gruff hid a low moan just as Jaxson showed up with their meal.
Dustin had ordered lasagna while Gruff chose a steak with a side of spaghetti and meatballs.
This time, Dustin noticed all the surreptitious glances he was getting from the cute redhead, though he had no interest whatsoever in the man.
Gruff still didn’t like it and a threatening growl chased Jaxson away before he could refill their drinks.
Dustin didn’t say anything, unwilling to upset Gruff further or ruin their supper.
Later, as they enjoyed dessert, an older, broad-shouldered man approached the table. The term “silver fox” came to Dustin’s mind as the handsome fellow introduced himself.
“Pardon me for interrupting, gentlemen. My name is Loren Morelli, the owner of Bella Vita. I hope you’ve enjoyed your meal tonight and come back to see us very soon.”
Dustin used the opportunity to plug Shady Lane and the Red Barn, introducing himself and Gruff before exchanging business cards with Morelli. The man seemed genuinely pleased to meet them.
“Getting up and running has taken all of my time, but I promise to visit soon. Mayor Tillman assures me that Bear Creek will be a very busy place in December.”
Morelli left them with a final word of thanks and went to greet other patrons.
They finished their dessert and sent Jaxson off with a credit card to settle the bill.
He soon returned with the card and receipt, handing them to Gruff with one hand while dropping a slip of paper on Dustin’s side of the table.
“Thank you for dining with us tonight. It was a pleasure to serve you.”
The last comment was directed solely at Dustin—followed up with a wink before the waiter rushed back to the kitchen.
Gruff started growling again, and reached out to see what was on the paper Jaxon had dropped—a phone number, with the words “Call me!” scribbled below.
Dustin saw it for himself just before Gruff began huffing in distress.
“Mine! He can’t have you! MY MATE!”
Nearby diners looked up as Gruff scooped up their coats, slung Dustin over his shoulder, and marched through the dining room towards the exit. Alarmed by the kerfuffle, Morelli hurried after them to find out what was wrong. Though still hanging upside down, Dustin called out to the confused man.
“Tell Jaxson not to flirt with a shifter’s mate!”
Morelli’s eyes widened with understanding, muttering apologies as he hurried back inside to correct his errant employee.
Meanwhile, Gruff’s ominous growling continued as he got Dustin and himself buckled in and burned rubber out of the parking lot.
The ride home was short, tense, and filled with the promise of a good time.