We arrived early for our brunch reservation, so I suggested we walk around the street. Everything was beautifully adorned for the season. I smiled whenever Angelo's eyes lit up at festive decorations, which waseverytime he saw them. He was literally like a kid on Christmas.
We headed for the restaurant when our reservation time rolled around. Across the table, Angelo bristled with happy energy. Just seeing the joy on his face pleased me. If he were mine, I'd treat him to this experience every day.
But Angelo was human, and I was Krampus. He would never accept my true identity. I'd have to settle for these precious moments.
"So, I've gathered you have a sweet tooth," I began, sliding the menu towards Angelo. "If I can make a suggestion, the chocolate chunk pancakes here are divine."
His eyes widened. "Chocolatechunk? Not even chip? Wow, this place pulls out all the stops!"
I grinned at his excitement. In a million years, I'd never get over how adorable he was.
Angelo took my recommendation for the pancakes while I got a savory cheddar-veggie omelette, and ordered a pair of cappuccinos for both of us.
After our drinks arrived, Angelo sipped his and sighed. "Mm, if the coffee is this good, I can't wait for the pancakes." He gazed at the holiday decor. "This place is gorgeous. I'm really glad you introduced me to this place, Karl."
I beamed at him. "It was my pleasure. There's other restaurants I'd like to treat you to in the future, if you're interested."
Angelo looked flustered. "Treat me? You don't mean paying, right?"
"Yup. I do. And I won't entertain a single peep to the contrary."
Angelo's shoulders slumped. "No fair! I was gonna treat you to brunch today."
I couldn't help but grin at his cute pouting. But pout as he may, he wasn't going to change my mind.
"Sorry, I should've specified beforehand that it was my treat."
Angelo sadly sipped his cappuccino. "But... you said you worked a second job. I don't want you to take on a financial burden for my sake."
Oh.That'swhat he was worried about. My heart clenched with sympathy. I reached across the table to put my hand on Angelo's forearm.
"Hey, don't you worry about that. You got the wrong idea," I said gently. "I don't work two jobs to make ends meet, I do it because I enjoy them both."
I hated lying to him, but how could I possibly tell him the truth?'Yeah, by the way Angelo, I'm actually a six-foot-tall goat devil.'Like that would go over well.
Thankfully, my fib seemed to relieve Angelo. He nodded. "Oh. That's good, then. What's your second job, anyway?"
This lying thing got worse by the minute.
"I work at a local motorcycle shop," I said.
"Cool!" He tilted his head, giving me a shy look. "Maybe I could visit sometime?"
Shit. Didn't think that far ahead, did I?
"Sure," I said, despising the fact that I lied through my teeth. I'd make it up to Angelo in other ways. If I spoiled and doted on him enough, hopefully he'd forget the made-up motorcycle shop.
Our food arrived right on time. Angelo gasped at the picture-perfect plate. A delicious stack of chocolate chunk pancakes were surrounded by a delicate garnish of powdered sugar along with two small ceramic cups on the side, one filled with fruit and the other fresh whipped cream. My omelette smelled exquisite, too.
"Dig in," I encouraged.
Angelo took one bite of his pancakes and moaned. The noise shot straight to my balls, making them throb. Damn,that'swhat his moans sounded like? I needed to hear more of that ASAP.
"This is sooo good," Angelo said between bites. "You're the best for recommending these, Karl!"
I smiled, warmed by his words. If only he knew I'd do anything to make him feel good.
After a brunch in which I struggled not to get hard because of Angelo's sweet moans, we walked around the street. The road was closed off to cars for the season, allowing people to come and go as they pleased while enjoying the festive scenery.
