He gave an exaggerated shudder that caused Micah to chuckle. “She must love having you around, and for more than just the Santa’s Workshop.”
Nicholas nodded. “She’d have me here all the time if she could. That’s the trouble with being an only child.”
“Would that be so bad?” Micah asked. The idea of Nicholas being back in town instead of over two hours away and only making short visits, had a definite appeal.
“Actually, no,” Nicholas said, surprising him. “I’m slightly in awe that you made the choice to move back, and a bit envious, if I’m honest. This trip home has given me a lot to think about, even without Mom’s non-so-subtle nagging. Who knows, maybe you’ll start seeing more of me around here.”
Micah smiled. “I’d like that.”
Nicholas returned his grin, then picked up the remote. “So, what movie did you have in mind?”
They settled back, choosing one of the top trending movies on his streaming service, but frankly, Micah didn’t care what they watched. He just enjoyed spending time in Nicholas’ company.
Chapter Five
“Nick,myman.”Chadthrew an arm across his shoulders and gave him a quick hug before stepping back. “How’s it going?”
“Everything’s great. Fuck, it’s been ages since I’ve caught up with half the people who are here tonight. What’d you do? Broadcast it was a reunion?”
Chad laughed. “You can blame Tammy for that. She was so excited that you were spending more than a weekend in town, she was determined to make it a celebration. It’s hard to say no when she’s got her heart set on something.” Chad had a look of adoration on his face as he watched his girlfriend from across the room.
Nicholas rolled his eyes. “You’veneverbeen able to say no where Tammy is concerned.”
“So true, my friend, so true.” Chad took a sip of his drink, eyes still glued to where she was chatting with some people Nicholas vaguely remembered from back in their school days. He looked back at Nicholas. “Don’t say anything, but I’m going to propose on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh my God, Chad, that’s awesome. I’m really happy for you, man.”
Chad chuckled. “She hasn’t said yes yet.”
“As if that’s in any doubt,” he scoffed. Tammy and Chad had been going out for three years now, and he knew she was as head over heels for Chad as he was for her. “You’re one hell of a lucky guy.”
“Looks like you might have your turn soon,” Chad said, gesturing across the room to the buffet table.
Nicholas’s gaze landed on Micah. Damn, he was cute. His whole face lit up when he laughed at something the person he was standing with said. He raised a slim hand and ran his fingers through his bangs, pushing the auburn strands back off his forehead, but they flopped straight back. “You must love having Micah back in town,” he said.
“Dude! I meant Adam, the guy he’s talking to.”
“Adam?”
“Adam Low. The guy you had the hots for back in school? King of the jocks, remember? Fuck, where’s your head at? Even I remember your crush.”
Nicholas hadn’t given Adam a second thought since he’d left for college. “Jeez, man, that was…what? Nearly ten years ago?”
“I saw him checking you out earlier. I’d say he’s pretty much a guarantee.”
“Yeah, but no.” He look a swig of beer, eyes still glued to Micah.
“Hmm. Not interested in reliving your youth?” Chad mused. “Okay, I get that. Listen, I might not be the best wingman, but Tammy invited half the town, so I’m sure you won’t be going home alone.”
Micah suddenly turned his way and their eyes connected. His lip lifted in a tentative smile and Nicholas smiled back, raising his bottle in a silent toast.
“Holy shit.”
Nicholas’ gaze flicked to Chad. “What?”
“You’ve got a thing for Micah,” Chad said, eyes wide.
“I do not,” Nicholas said automatically, but he felt his face flush.
