Page 60 of 27 Kisses
She beams at him even as Reginald shakes his head.
When Jane and Chad arrive, Simon yells, “Mommy, mommy,” and throws his arms around her. His voice is full of awe, like he almost expected her not to come.
After a half hour or so, Aidyn finally relaxes. He might actually be more stressed about this dinner than I am.
Everyone is gathered in the living room when my mother does the thing she always does.
“Garrett, dear. I invited someone for Christmas dinner.”
I stare at her. “We already have thirteen people. You can’t just invite more.”
She waves me off. “Of course I can. And thirteen is an unlucky number. Your father and I met this barista, Vivian something. Smart and pretty.”
I jump to my feet, ignoring everyone’s stares. “I’m gay, Mother.”
She harrumphs. I’ve never actually met anyone who does that except my mother. “Yes, I know. Vivian is a man.”
I grab my hair. I’m so done with this day already. “I don’t need you to set me up. I’m perfectly capable of finding my own dates.”
“Really? When is the last time you went on a date?”
I open my mouth, but what can I say? Sneaking Aidyn into my bed at night isn’t a date. What about the twenty-four kisses we’ve shared? Were those dates? Not that any of that matters. I glare at all the curious faces waiting for my response. Why is everyone so damn nosy? “That’s no one’s business but mine.” And Aidyn’s. But my secret boyfriend’s head is down. And Jane is grinning.
“What can it hurt, Garrett?” Zye asks. “I know you dated in New York—I mean, I assume—but you haven’t gone out with anyone since you’ve been here.” At my glare, he winces. Traitor. “Sorry. But you don’t want to end up like Christy?—”
“What the fuck?” Aidyn gives him a dirty look. “Leave me out of this.”
That’s impossible to do.
“I don’t want to date anyone. I’m working on building a business?—”
“That’s all you ever do.” Zye gives me a pointed look. This is one reason I don’t do family events. I don’t need everyone in my business.
Miles tries to pull him onto the couch next to him, but Zye pulls away. Stubborn little shit. “Life isn’t just about work. Trust me, I know.”
“This isn’t about work. I’m not interested in dating.” But this answer won’t satisfy Zye, so I give him the reason before he can ask. “I’m in love with someone.”
The shocked gasps are loud, but I swear I can hear Aidyn’s inaudible groan over all of them. The only one unfazed is Lanie. She’s on her phone. Probably texting her boyfriend.
“Who is it?” Zye asks in a soft voice, like we’re sharing secrets. Not happening.
Miles takes his hand. “Babe, if he wanted us to know, he’d have already told us.”
I point to Miles, my face on fire. So much for never blushing. How did I get into this mess? The doorbell ringing thankfully interrupts us. Until I open the door to a breathtakingly beautiful man.”
“Hi.” He smiles. And his attractiveness ratchets up several notches. “I’m Vivian. Your mom invited me. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course. Come in.” I don’t agree with my mother on most things, but I have to give her credit. This man with his pouty lips and delicate features is very, very pretty.
I lead him into the living room, and everyone jumps up. All the staring and the jaws hanging open are rude. “Everyone, this is Vivian.”
Vivian smiles and shakes hands. When he gets to Adrian, he stops, his brows furrowed. “You look very familiar.”
Adrian nods. “I actually get that a lot.”
Isaac tries to hide a laugh.
“Hi, I’m Zye.” He trips over his own feet getting to him, and I don’t miss the frown on Miles’s face.