Page 62 of 27 Kisses

When I glance up, Aidyn is glaring at me. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” I say, addressing them both. “We’d be happy to have you.”

“Can I bring anything?”

“Do you have anything to bring?”

“A six-pack of Mountain Dew.”

I laugh, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Aidyn leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, waiting for me to finish.

“See you soon.”

“Thank you again.”

“You’re more than welcome.”

As I hang up, I prepare myself. Aidyn’s staring at me. “Go ahead.”

“More than welcome. Ha.”

“The kid doesn’t have anywhere to go, Aidyn.”

“You’re his boss.”

All my frustration over this and the forced jolliness boils over. “Are you saying if Ramon needed someplace to be for Christmas, you’d turn him away?”

“That’s different.”

I scoff. “How? How is that different?”

He pushes away from the counter. “Ramon has been with me for the last eleven years. Jonah has worked for you for what? A little over a year?” His eyes flash, sending mixed signals to my dick. Is this where he throws me against the fridge and claims me?

I shake it off. “That kid?—”

“He’s not a kid!”

Glancing at the door, I motion for him to keep it down. The last thing we need is an audience.

“He’s a man, Garrett. With a lot of muscles. And he likes you.”

“Now you’re grasping.” I cup his jaw, which is still tense, but he leans into my hand. “I don’t want anyone but you, sweetheart. And bonus? As the only two available men here, maybe Vivian and Jonah will keep each other entertained.”

His face softens. “Here’s hoping. Let’s get this dramafest over with.”

Sixteen

AIDYN

One Day until Christmas

Garrett hasan enormous dining room table, but even it’s not big enough to hold fifteen people. Instead, people are making their plates and spreading out in the living room. I think Garrett’s eye has started twitching.

“What about my carpet?”

“At least there aren’t any kids. Well, other than Lanie, and she knows to be careful.”

He stomps away muttering something about twelve-year-olds. The stress might be getting to him.