“Forget it.” Kert waved a hand at the room. “Better tell me if you became a minimalist.” He motioned to the emptiness of the walls, the bare minimum in the room, the unfinished painting.
“I didn’t get to decorating yet.” I picked up the mug, took a sip, and released a low moan. That was good coffee, just the way I liked it.
“I thought you had this place for a while.” He leveled a gaze at me from over his mug.
I shrugged. “Almost three years. My first big job covered the down payment on it. I was so happy that I could afford my own place, then I got sucked into the whirlwind of work.”
“Ah, a classic example of a shoe maker walking without shoes.” Kert rolled his eyes. “You do everything for everyone and don’t leave anything for yourself.”
“What? No—” My protest didn’t go far, as Kert shushed me with a finger on my lips. Would it be weird if I sucked it into my mouth?Yeah, definitely.
“Well, good thing I’m here. I know you’ll take good care of me and I’m planning to do the same. I’ll help you decorate.” He slid his finger down and along my bottom lip, his gaze on mine.
Did he feel it too? That spark that sent my hearts racing fast enough to scramble my thoughts.
Hopefully, the low groan that left me sounded enough like annoyance, rather than me refraining from licking the spot he touched. “You’re here to see New York during the holiday season.”
“Yeah. And spend the time with my bestie.” He wrapped his hands around the mug, his shoulders sagging. “Or that’s what I told you.”
“So you didn’t come for quality time with me?” I attempted a Kert-like pout but that didn’t help his morose expression. “Did something happen? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. But I had to leave for a while to find a fresh perspective. The art block has been killing me—I haven’t sculpted in weeks and it’s driving me insane.”
“I’m so sorry. That’s shit.” Having dealt with blocks on and off for the last four years, I could sympathize. But this was about Kert.
“I thought seeing wintery scenery straight from rom-coms and happy people might spark something in me.” He repositioned his perch on the couch. “I had to get away from Berlin, from the art scene and the expectations. I just needed a break, and you offered me the perfect escape.”
“Maybe not perfect.” I motioned to the poor state of my apartment.
“Yes. It is exactly that. I need the distraction.” He held his hand out as if reciting Shakespeare. “Now, if you let me help you turn this dump into a magical place for an artist, I’ll be happy.”
He got me there. I’d do anything to make him happy, but I grunted to keep composure. “Fine. Did you just call my place a dump?”
Kert gave me a naughty elf look. “We’ll decorate for Christmas too.” He wiggled his toes under the blanket. I loved seeing him excited.
Whatever you want.“Sure. The neighbors will love that when they visit.”
He sat straighter. “Oh, are they your friends?”
“I meant the neighbors’ kids who get bored sometimes and wander over.”
“Are you babysitting?” Kert gasped with a hand on his chest.
“Not really. The couple don’t have family in the States and sometimes their work overlaps, or they have parents' evening or whatever.” I waved a hand in dismissal. “The boys will probably make Christmas tree ornaments again this year. So be ready for that when you’re planning your decorating extravaganza.”
“That’s so cute. Little artists.” A frown deepened his expression. “Will the ornaments be ugly?”
I snorted a laugh. “Nah. They’re pretty talented for their age, and a total hoot.” I gulped my coffee, its intense taste blessing my mouth. Damn, it was strong too.
“Human?”
I smacked my lips. “Sort of. The couple’s parents came from Ukraine as teens with their folks but never discussed any invisible abilities. Their kids show signs of latent telekinesis, especially when they get emotional.”
“Like my dad used to.” Kert nodded slowly.
“That’s how I knew how to recognize it. I told the parents to come to me if they have any questions or concerns, so I hope they will. But I’m not worried about them, especially after seeing your dad prepare a whole meal without touching anything.”
“He’s such a showoff.” Kert rolled his eyes, then grew serious. “They miss you. My dads. They’re always asking when you’ll visit.”
