Slowly, deliberately, I bring my thumb to my mouth and lick off the cream, never breaking eye contact. Greg’s breath hitches, his pupils dilating.
“You had a little something…” I murmur.
“Cam…” he whispers, and then his hands are cupping my face and he’s kissing me, deep. I can taste the gingerbread on his lips, sweet and spicy and perfect.
The rest of the world falls away and there’s nothing but the two of us as I lose myself in the kiss. Greg nips at my bottom lip and I gasp, pulling him closer. I’ll never get enough of this.
When we finally break apart, I’m breathless and dizzy, my heart pounding against my ribs. Greg rests his forehead against mine, his fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of my neck.
“Love you,” he whispers, his breath warm against my cheek. “You make me so incredibly happy, Cam.”
“I love you too. More than anything.”
We spend a few minutes just breathing each other in, and as much as I’d love to stay here wrapped in his arms all afternoon, I’d rather take him home and show him just how much I love him. I have a special meal planned, with a nice bottle of wine, followed by a lazy evening in front of the fire watching a movie. Who knows where the night will end up?
“We should probably start cleaning up,” I say eventually, glancing around at the mess we’ve made. “I want to take my man home.”
Greg nods. “Right with you, babe. Hurry up.”
Together, we set about tidying up, washing the equipment we used and wiping down counters with the easy efficiency of long practice. The Christmas music still plays softly in the background, filling the air with the sweet strains of “Silent Night” until, with a final, contented sigh, I switch off the lights and take Greg’s hand in mine. “Let’s go home.”
As we step outside, he squeezes my hand. “Hey, babe. Mind if we swing by Ellis Books before we head home? That novel I’ve been waiting for finally came in. It won’t take a minute.”
“Sure thing,” I reply, smiling at the excitement in his voice. God, he loves to read. “What’s the book again?”
“It’s called ‘The Map Home’ by Elle Keaton. It’s a Christmas romance set in a small town, just like ours. I’ve been dying to read it.”
We make our way along the sidewalk to the bookstore. We push open the door, and instantly, we’re greeted by the cozy atmosphere inside. I love the familiar smell of the books that fill the place, but what catches my eye is the sight of children gathered in the far corner, sitting cross-legged on the floor as Logan Nichols reads them a story. I sidle closer and stand with the parents who are watching as Logan’s expressive voice brings the tale to life. The kids are utterly transfixed, their eyes wide with wonder. One of the little ones is inching closer to Logan’s knee until they are eventually pressed up against his side.
I lean in closer to Greg. “Look at that,” I whisper. “Isn’t it just the most precious thing you’ve ever seen?”
He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. “It really is. Logan’s so good with them, isn’t he? And the way they’re all so engaged… it’s pure magic.”
We stand there for a moment, just watching, before we tear ourselves away to go find Greg’s book. As we step out of the bookstore, Greg’s new novel tucked safely under his arm, I can’t shake the image of those kids from my mind. The pure,unbridled joy on their faces, the way they hung on Logan’s every word… it’s like they were glimpsing a whole new world, one full of endless possibility and wonder.
I slip my hand into Greg’s as we start down the sidewalk, a wide smile on my face.
That’ll be our kid one day.
Chapter Ten
Greg
“Of course, I’m lookingforward to seeing your mom and dad, but I’m absolutely starving.”
Cam laughs. “Luckily Mom’s been cooking up a storm since yesterday.”
“I can’t wait for her turkey. Mmm. Stuffing, sweet potatoes…”
We make our way to the front door past the fall decorations that adorn the porch. Cam opens the door and tantalizing aromas waft from the house. My stomach growls in anticipation and Cam chuckles.
I’m just about to step inside when my phone buzzes in my coat pocket. I transfer the bottle of wine I’m holding to my other hand and fish out the phone to see Madison’s name on the screen. “Hey babe, you go on in,” I tell Cam. “I’m just gonna take this real quick—it’s Madi.”
“Sure. Wish her happy Thanksgiving.” He kisses my cheek and heads inside.
I swipe to answer, a smile already spreading across my face. “Madi! Happy Thanksgiving!”
“Happy Turkey Day, little bro! How’s it going? You guys at Cam’s folks’ place?”
