“Hey, I take my tree selection seriously,” I defend, loving the way he’s still hanging on to my arm as we amble through the tree lot.
He nods seriously. “I can see that.” A moment later, he leans over to take a close look at a tree we’re passing. “Look at this one. It’s got the scent of a winner about it, don’t you think?” he asks.
I stop, taking a long look at the tree he’s standing beside. “I can see the potential, certainly, but we can’t choose the first good one we see. Let’s keep it in mind and circle back after we check out the rest. I mean, checking out the entire selection is a critical part of the process.”
“Oh, of course, that makes sense,” he laughs as we continue wandering through the rows of spruce and fir trees. In this moment, everything feels light and easy, as if the weight of everything that’s gone between us before has been lifted. Aleks is like sunshine in a bottle. It’s addictive, but I need to be careful. He would be easy to fall for. Too easy. And I can’t let that happen.
A few minutes later, he pauses, looking intently at a medium-sized fir. “What do you think of this one?” he asks, and I step closer to him, pulling it out and lifting it a bit so we can get a closer look, checking its branches and needles.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding. You do take this seriously, don’t you?” His grin is huge and so sweet. He looks like the sweetest little Christmas elf, all bundled up in his red scarf.Fuck, I want to kiss him so bad.
“So what’s the verdict?”
I take a step back, nodding slowly, appraising the candidate. “Well, it’s got a nice symmetrical shape. No obviously dead or dying needles. Overall feel is good, a combination of elegance and comfort.” I bite down on my lip, making a show of thinking hard. “Yes, this is it. I decree this tree worthy of your apartment.”
Aleks bursts out laughing. “Awesome. Let’s do it.”
We have one of the lot kids wrap up our chosen winner and help us put it in the back of my SUV, and fifteen minutes later, we’re getting back in the car, and I’m cranking the heat to warm up our cold toes and fingers. We share another laugh when both our glasses fog up at the sudden change in temperature, but a few minutes later, we’re on our way. The sun is already sliding toward the horizon when we head back across Lake Washington to Seattle proper.
“So, can I interest you in dinner?” I ask. I know I shouldn’t, but god, I just like him. I mean, sure, I want to fuck him again, but I also really like spending time with him. He shoots me some side-eye from the passenger seat as he chews on his lip. I can’t tell if he’s trying to let me down easy or if he’s debating with himself as to whether continuing this “date that’s not a date” is wise. Part of me wants to backpedal and find a way to take back the offer, but a much bigger part of me is simply hoping he says yes.
“Yeah, I’d like that,” he finally says.
I don’t think either one of us really gets what’s going on between us. There are so many reasons continuing this “date” is a bad idea, but honestly, fuck it. It’s just dinner. It’s not like we’re getting married.
We end up at a small, out-of-the way restaurant not too far from Aleks’ place that I’ve never visited but have heard good things about. Since it’s still early, we get a table right away. The soft murmur of conversation and the faint hum of holiday tunes in the background create a cozy atmosphere.
We each order a glass of wine, and I take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous Aleks is as the soft lighting from the votive candles on the tables bathes us in a comfortable glow.
He looks at me, holding the stem of the wineglass between his thumb and forefinger, stroking it up and down thoughtfully. The unintentionally suggestive movement causes my cock to jump in my pants.Stand down, soldier.
Aleks licks his lips, and I have to bite back a groan. God, I want him again. No more denying it.
“Today was really fun. Thank you,” he says almost shyly. “And thanks again for helping me last night. If you hadn’t been there, it would have been so much harder.”
“It was nothing, no trouble at all,” I say, reflexively brushing off his gratitude.
He arches an eyebrow. “Itreallywasnotnothing. You took off from the game to help me, drove me there in the snow, you stayed with me all that time, and then you even drove me home. It was something, Ben, not nothing. It was a lot, and I’m really grateful.”
Our eyes lock, and I swallow, nodding. “Okay. You’re welcome. I was happy to help.”
The air is charged, electricity crackling between us. A smile plays around the corners of his mouth as he takes a sip from his wineglass, and it’s killing me not to lean in and kiss him. There’s something special about Aleks Warren. I’m drawn to him like I’ve never been drawn to another person.
The spell around us breaks when the server returns to take our order, but after he disappears, the sexual tension may have decreased, but it’s not gone. Not by a long shot.
“Okay, so, tell me, Dr. Jacobs, I’m curious: have you ever regifted?”
I bark out a laugh at the non sequitur. He has a way of constantly surprising me. I let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching my chest. “Never!” I say with a shocked expression. “Have you?”
He grins wickedly. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” We both laugh before he continues. “Fine, I admit it. Maybe once or twice, but only for really shitty gifts.”
“Like a label maker?” I laugh, not expecting him to pick up on my slightly obscureSeinfeldreference. But he snorts a laugh, getting it right away.
“Exactly! I didn’t blame Tim Whatley one bit! If someone gives me a label maker, you can bet it’s getting regifted,tout de suite.”
“Favorite Christmas movie?” I ask.
“Elf. Hands down,” he says. “Yours?”
