“I’m going to show him the login information. Then after lunch, we can watch a fun Christmas movie and relax.”
“Sounds great,” Geoff said.
“Will you make some of that wonderful spiked hot chocolate?” Ciaran asked.
“Sure thing,” Teddy replied with a smile.
Geoff watched Teddy lead Ciaran down the hall.
He’s a sweet guy.
After he’d chopped enough wood, Geoff loaded the bin outside the front door with logs and loaded the andirons next to the fireplace before stoking the fire. Then he grabbed a bourbon on the rocks before settling into his chair to finish his book. He’d just started the last chapter when Teddy called him for lunch.
“Give me a few minutes? I’m almost done,” Geoff said.
“Well, it’s cold sandwiches, chips, and pasta salad, so you’re fine. I’ll let Ciaran know.”
“Thanks, Teddy Bear.”
When Geoff finished the book, he went to find Teddy and Ciaran, who were already eating.
“You started without me.”
“I said it was ready,” Teddy said. “You decided to finish the book first. We were hungry.”
Ciaran laughed.
“Oh, two against one. I see how it is,” Geoff teased, grinning. He grabbed a turkey sandwich, salt-and-vinegar chips, pasta salad, and sweet tea.
They enjoyed their meal.
“How’s the website looking?” Geoff asked.
“You can see when it’s done,” Ciaran smiled. “I want to make sure it’s perfect before you test it.”
“Can’t wait,” Teddy said.
When they’d finished, Ciaran followed Geoff into the living room, while Teddy went into the kitchen to make his spiked hot chocolate. He brought it to the living room while Geoff made sure the fire was stoked before puttingA Christmas Storyon.
“Oh, I haven’t seen this in years,” Ciaran said.
“We watch it every year,” Geoff noted. “It’s so much fun.”
Once Teddy had settled them with their drinks, they watched Ralphie attempt to convince someone to get him a BB gun for Christmas. Teddy was once more sprawled on the couch against Geoff’s belly, while Ciaran was curled up in the same chair as the night before, though he seemed to be almost deliberately not looking in their direction.
Concerned, Geoff looked over at Ciaran. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
He didn’t believe it. Since they’d played with him, Ciaran’s demeanor had changed. He wasn’t rude or disrespectful, just…distant. It happened whenever he and Teddy cuddled or got close. Other than that, he was happy, friendly, and appeared to enjoy being around them.
Does he regret what we did? Or did he hope for more? Teddy was right. It was probably a mistake.
The movie ended, and Ciaran excused himself to go get some work done. When he was out of earshot, Geoff shook Teddy awake.
“Hmm, what?”
“I think you were right. I think having sex with Ciaran was a mistake. He seems distant when you and I are affectionate.”
