“I think it’s a possibility,” Teddy said. “How do you feel about it?”
He needed to know Geoff’s feelings. This was uncharted territory for them, and he was nervous.
“I really like him,” Geoff said. “I think there’s something there.”
“So, what’s our next step?”
“We should talk to him. See what he thinks and feels. It’s unfair to just drop something like this without telling him.”
“You’re right. We’ll just be upfront and clear that it’s just fun, and no strings,” Teddy said.
“Exactly.”
Teddy didn’t believe his own words. Something was there, something he couldn’t explain. It wasn’t the same as the love he felt for Geoff, but it was more than just sex. He had to guard himself.
Ciaran showed up in time for lunch.
“I got some amazing pictures,” he told them as he drizzled dressing over his salad. “The area is gorgeous. It makes me miss Canada.”
“Are you thinking of moving home?” Teddy asked.
“I think I might. I just need to get organized, take care of bills, and I could probably be in Canada by summer.”
“That’s wonderful,” Geoff said. “You’ll be close to family and maybe find the Canadianmanof your dreams.”
Teddy glanced at Geoff. The emphasis on a man didn’t go unnoticed.
“One can only hope,” Ciaran smiled.
After lunch, Geoff put onElfwhile Teddy made hot chocolate with cookies.
“When are we going to make s’mores?” Geoff asked.
“I thought we could do that tonight,” Teddy said.
He gave each of them a tray and sat next to Geoff on the couch. Ciaran curled his feet under him in the chair.
They watched as Buddy tried to acclimate to human life outside of the North Pole, and Teddy smiled throughout the entire movie. Christmas movies brought out his inner child. He giggled and laughed as Buddy poured honey on his spaghetti.
“You are such a big kid,” Geoff teased, squeezing Teddy closer to him.
“Yes, I am.” Teddy kissed him. “And I’m not ashamed.”
Ciaran laughed from his seat on the chair.
“What?” Teddy asked.
“You two are so adorable,” he said. “I hope to have what you have one day.”
“You will,” Geoff told him. “It just takes time.”
Ciaran smiled, but said nothing else.
Teddy knew Ciaran didn’t believe them. He and Geoff had been together since high school. Sure, it was hard, but they always had each other. Ciaran didn’t have a special someone or even many friends.
Teddy collected the plates and cups and headed to the kitchen to clean up after the movie.
They finished up the evening with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and wine.
