He reaches his hand around my waist, and I’ve missed this so much—being pulled close. Feeling his body heat even though I’m shivering. Not being left wanting, even a little bit.
“She’s definitely venturing out of the ‘ewww’ stage.” He leans his face close to mine, our noses almost touching. “I’m doomed.”
“See, I think you’re very lucky—”
He doesn’t let me finish. He doesn’t press in for a soft kiss. For how cautious he’s been during our conversation, there’s nothing tentative. Nothing left on the table. His hands are tangled in my hair, mouth on my jaw and then neck. I can’t catch my breath and I don’t wantto.
But actually I kind of have to pull back because…need oxygen.
“You okay?” he asks after I take a couple of deep inhale-exhales.
“My heart is racing,” I say. “How’s your blood pressure?”
“Vigorous.”
“I feel like I need to limit myself, like the package of Oreos is going to run out if I don’t ration them.”
He shakes his head. “I’m a renewable resource. I’m an endless package of Oreos.”
“I always knew the man of my dreams would describe himself that way.”
“Do you have plans on Christmas Eve?” he asks.
“I’m not even sure what I’m doing tomorrow.”
“Well,Iknow exactly what you’ll be doing tomorrow night,” he says. “But for Christmas Eve, Kira and I are going to a Feast of the Seven Fishes. It’s this Italian tradition. My family used to do it and I thought it would be nice to have some rituals for just us. Even though she thinks seafood isew.”
“That’s a really nice idea,” I say.
“You should come with us. See if you can trick Kira into trying crab.”
“I’m part of the ‘just us’?”
“You’re in the inner circle.”
“And what exactly will I be doing tomorrow night?” I ask.
“It’s period close. I have to do inventory. So you’re going to drive over to Chili’s and pick me up after everyone else is gone.”
I grab his hoodie and kiss him again. “I’ll make sure the back seat’s empty.”
One
Panel 1:Night. Establishing shot of an exterior of a chain restaurant. A hatchback sits in the otherwise empty parking lot, illuminated by the soft glow of the Chili’s sign.
Panel 2:Medium shot of the passenger side of the car. Some motion or rumbling coming from the inside. The rear window is clouded with condensation…interrupted only by the sole of a Doc Martens boot.
