Page 9 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)

When the concert ended, Gruff was in a particularly good mood.

Dustin asked if he’d like to grab a bite to eat in town, though it was still a bit early for supper.

Instead, Gruff suggested they get takeout from the Honey Bear Restaurant and eat at Dustin’s place.

They each paid for their own meal—probably wise, since Gruff’s bill was considerably higher.

The concentrated scent of food in the air-conditioned cab prompted a continuous rumble from the hungry man.

Dustin asked if all shifters had such healthy appetites.

Gruff shrugged, but answered the question.

“We all love to eat. Natural bears never stop looking for their next meal, and they aren’t picky at all. When the cold weather gets here, even shifters put on extra weight, though we don’t hibernate for the winter. Ursine instincts are hard to resist sometimes.”

The conversation ended temporarily when they arrived at Dustin’s apartment, hurrying inside with their hot meals.

Working together, they had the table set and cold drinks poured in no time, and Gruff set about filling his belly.

The silence bothered Dustin, so he began talking between bites, telling his supper companion about his family back in Harrisburg.

Though Gruff kept eating, he definitely wanted to know more about the man.

“My parents are sort of semi-retired now, after selling the restaurant, and they’re making plans to travel before starting something new.

If things hadn’t changed, I would probably still be there instead of here with you.

..I mean, here in Bear Creek. My sisters are a lot of fun.

Tara, the oldest, is married to Matt, and they have three-year-old twins named Gavin and Luke. Those two have a lot of energy!

“My other sister, Nicole, and her husband, Blake, have a one-year-old boy named Elijah. Both sets of grandparents live in Harrisburg, too, and our whole family is close. We’re a loud bunch when we get together, but we have a lot of fun.

They’re planning to come up and see me some weekend in the fall.

Everybody wants to meet you, so you may as well plan on at least one meal with all of us. My mom won’t take no for an answer.”

Gruff looked surprised.

“They want to meet me?”

Dustin laid on the sarcasm.

“Well now, let’s see: you’re my boss, my first friend in town, and a bear shifter. Of course they want to meet you! Don’t be silly.”

Gruff grunted and continued eating. He didn’t have any experience with real family, at least not his own.

The years he spent at the orphanage weren’t bad, but a collection of people in one place didn’t necessarily make them a family .

He’d often wondered what that would have been like, but he was happy for Dustin.

“You’re lucky to have them. Not everybody does.”

Dustin suddenly felt bad for blathering on without taking Gruff’s situation into account. He hadn’t meant to dredge up painful memories.

“I’m sorry. We can talk about something else, or I can just keep quiet.”

Gruff growled as the beautiful man almost shut down.

“Don’t do that. I liked hearing about your family, and I’m glad you’re happy. You can talk about anything at all.”

Dustin struggled with what to say until a neutral subject popped into his head.

“So… how did you and Baxter ever meet up?”

Gruff actually smiled around a mouthful of apple pie.

“One of my neighbors’ cats had a litter, and I offered to take one off her hands. I couldn’t watch him all day, so I set him on my shoulder, and he stayed up there while I got things done. Smart. Loyal. Good mouser. We get along all right.”

Dustin hadn’t purchased a dessert, so Gruff scooped up a forkful of his pie to share.

“Try this and tell me what you think.”

Their eyes met as Dustin opened up to accept the sample, and time stood still as ocean blue stared into fluctuating hazel.

Something changed between them, though neither could have identified exactly what it was.

An awareness, perhaps, or simply an acknowledgement of what they already knew but hadn’t been brave enough to say.

Gruff’s rumbling purr began in earnest as Dustin chewed, never taking his eyes off the shifter’s handsome face.

The moment eventually passed, and Dustin caught himself staring.

What was Gruff waiting for? Oh! The pie. Right.

“Uhhh...I think they used too much sugar and the crust is tough. Just wait until you taste my recipe.”

More growling from the other side of the table.

“I can’t wait to taste you...I mean your pie. I’m sure I’ll like it.”

Dustin’s dick rose to the occasion as he went full tomato.

Gruff sniffed the air, eyes wide, and began to pant.

Not distressed huffing this time, but an indication of arousal.

What was Dustin supposed to do? If he encouraged Gruff, things could get messy between them—or possibly be the best thing ever—but there wasn’t time to figure it out now. Emergency! Deflect! Distract!

“Umm, would you help me clear the table? Most of this can go right in the dishwasher.”

They danced around one another carrying tableware into the kitchen, while a simmering invitation demanded that someone make the first move. By the time they were through, Dustin couldn’t take any more, and faced the trembling man.

“Are you all right? You’re shaking.”

Gruff stuck his sensitive nose behind Dustin’s ear for some nuzzling licks.

“Want you. From the day we met.”

Dustin pulled back so he could look the sweet man in the face.

“I want you, too, Gruff. Kiss me.”

Now the poor guy began to huff, unable to give the man what he wanted.

“Don’t know how...I mean, how to do it right.”

Dustin’s soft smile held a tiny glimmer of mischief, but not a smidgen of judgement.

“How about this—I’ll show you what I like, and then you practice on me. We better sit down on the couch first, or I might fall over.”

Being several inches shorter, Dustin wrapped a hand around the back of Gruff’s head and drew him down.

Their lips met in a simple press—warm, soft, and slightly moist. The shifter’s silky-soft beard added an unexpected, shiver-worthy sensory bonus too.

Dustin kept the first one short, pulling away so the hunky bear could take his turn.

Gruff let his kiss linger; a rumbly purr emanating from his chest. The effect was arousing, and the hair on Dustin’s arms stood on end.

“Mmm… nice. I knew you’d catch on. Let me try another, only this time, close your eyes.”

Gruff did so, still vibrating with pleasure as Dustin pressed a little harder before licking and sucking Gruff's full lower lip.

That really got his motor going, and Gruff returned the favor without waiting for instruction.

Every time Dustin added something new, Gruff copied it.

Before long, they were making out like pros, lost in the discovery of one another.

Without knowing exactly how, Dustin ended up sprawled on top of Gruff, groins pressed together and hands everywhere.

Outside, someone’s car horn burst their intimate bubble, and the randy pair suddenly realized their compromised situation. Both men blushed, repositioning so they were sitting side by side. Gruff’s thumb stroked Dustin’s lightly whiskered cheek, and he leaned in for another quick smooch.

“I like your kisses. Did I do all right?”

Dustin nodded.

“More than all right. We might need another practice session soon, though. I wouldn’t want you to get rusty.”

Without saying so, they both understood their time together was at an end, and Gruff paused at the door before leaving.

“Thank you for inviting me. I had a nice day. Maybe we can do it again sometime?”

Dustin winked at him.

“I’d like that—very much. See you in the morning.”

Gruff growled happily to himself all the way home.