“No,” Teddy said. “We had fun, but the two of you had a blast.”
“I…” Something stuck in his throat. “I’m sorry,” he finally managed.
“Why are you sorry?”
“I had more fun with him playing a stupid video game than with you.”
Teddy stood up and wrapped his arms around Geoff. “That’s not what I meant.” He kissed him. “I mean, I’m glad to see you let loose and enjoy life a little more. We’ve been together so long that our fun together is different from how it is with other people.”
“You’re right,” Geoff said.
“I think it helps him, too. He isn’t uncomfortable around you or when he’s in the kitchen with me. It’s as if we’re just friends, and he’s enjoying our company.”
“I have to say,” Geoff said, “he’s an amazing player.”
“Is he better than you?”
“No!” Geoff let out a fake scoff.
“You’re adorable.” Teddy gave him another kiss. “Ciaran also seemed to be having fun. I hope he’s feeling better.”
“I think playing a video game with him lets him know we’re his friends. That we want to spend time with him.”
“You’re right.”
Geoff hadn’t had that much fun in years. He and Teddy didn’t hike or play video games together. Their time together was spent working, cuddling, or watching movies. It’d be nice to have someone to do those other things with.
He isn’t staying. He’s going home when the storm clears, and that’ll be it. I can’t keep wondering what might be because it’s not going to happen.
Chapter Seventeen
TEDDY
Teddy finished cleaning up after lunch and decided to bake some cookies while they watched more Christmas movies.
He was pulling out the butter and milk when Ciaran walked in.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to bother you,” he said. “I was just going to get a glass of water.”
“No worries.” Teddy looked at him. “Are you busy?”
“Nope.” He smiled. “What do you need?”
“Wanna help me bake cookies?”
“Oh,” Ciaran laughed. “I can’t bake. You’d be better off doing that on your own.”
“Come on. I’ll walk you through it. It’ll be fun.”
“Don’t say I warned you.”
Teddy showed Ciaran where all the ingredients were, and they placed them neatly on the counter to get ready.
“What cookies are we making?” Ciaran asked.
“Lebkuchen,” Teddy said.
“Come again?”
