Page 28 of Tentacles for Christmas

“Think of it as an early Christmas present. I was going to get something for your fish, but instead you get a jacket so you can go on rides with me,” I reasoned. I was glad I hadn’t told them the ‘borrowed’ gloves and helmet were also custom ordered. They were white with red details, and no one else had ever worn them.

“Wearing protection is smart,” Cam relented, finally agreeing to accept my gift. They thanked me with a kiss after slipping into the armored sleeves over a red knit sweater with a jolly elf. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Zipping them into the gear, I tugged Cam closer by the lapels. “And you look hot in this fit as well.”

“Then I really have to thank you.” Cam stole another kiss before hopping on my bike, leaving one booted foot on the ground for balance.

Looking towards the row of bikes with garlands and wreaths parked nearby, I saw Riley with King next to Ricky, Rel, Channing, Gramps, and my dad all staring at me. The entire pack had just been witness to my very public display of affection. They had a range of emotions on their faces, from shit-eating grin to shock, though my dad looked like he might cry from joy.

Geeze, did they think I would be a permanent bachelor? Kissing Cam made me happy, and that was all I cared about.

“What?” I shrugged to my packmates. “Never seen someone as hot as Cam on your own bikes?”

They took a beat before cracking up at my insult to their looks, razzing me back. Ricky seemed to think he was the hottest one in the pack, to which Riley disagreed, saying his mate was hottest. Channing fake gagged, Gramps grinned, and Rel shook his head. I loved them like family, but I liked surprising them for once.

“Of course we all have different types,” my dad nodded. I’d never seen him date, so I didn’t know if he meant that he preferred brunettes or women in general. Then he got to the point. “We’ve just never seen anyone onyourbike.”

Everyone stopped giving me hell after that, and I was grateful.

When we were all helmeted and ready to go, we each grabbed a bucket of candy from a volunteer before heading up main street at a slow pace. The edges of the streets from the marina to the park were lined with Blue Lake residents. I knew people came from a few milesaround for the yearly event, and there was also a marching band from the high school and a few fancy cars.

Cam was in charge of our candy distribution, and they probably didn’t know I could hear every time they cooed at a cute child or dog in a sweater. I was happy to keep us steady as we made our way to the tree lighting safely.

Something about the sexy barista had my protective instincts rearing up. We stopped in a row of bikes at the edge of the park, making our way towards the tree with the bags of presents a few of the guys carried. Gramps, in his custom tree-wheeler, had a wheel-chair and a Santa-sized bag to share.

King was the lucky person to press the big red button, being a local boy who came home recently, and I couldn’t help admiring the love on Riley’s face for his mate, along with how proud King’s sister and Gramps were for him.

The children cheered as the tree came to life with color and hot chocolate was passed around. I saw Ricky and Rel sharing a flask, doctoring their drinks, but I turned down their offer. I wanted to be sober to drive Cam home later.

Val was flitting around, making sure everyone was happy and having fun. It was her event for foster youth as much as the town’s holiday celebration, and our pack was excited to get back into volunteering in our community.

The presents would be handed out soon, but I wanted a moment alone with Cam amid the bustle and noise. Taking their hand, I led them to an old stone arch at the edge of the grass. It used to be part of a wall, but most of it had worn away over time.

“Leaving so soon? Not that I'm complaining,” Cam adds, a seductive tone in their voice.

Placing a hand on their chest, because I could tell I was about to get felt up in front of the whole town, I gestured to the arch over our heads. “Mistletoe.”

Cam gasped and stepped back, “Does this mean I have to kiss you?”

Grinning at their comment, I loved how playful Cam was. Still, I didn’t ever want them to feel pressured. Cam had been so understanding of me, and I wanted to be sincere with them.

“You never have to kiss me, Cam.”

“I beg to differ,” Cam told me, stepping into my arms again. “There are times when I feel like I have to kiss you or I’ll perish.”

“Perish, hmm?” I leaned in to kiss their forehead. “Are we in some Victorian Period piece?”

“How about, ‘Kiss me now, or lose me forever,’ instead?” Cam misquoted a movie I used to watch on repeat.

“Happy to.” I pulled Cam close and cupped the back of their head, wanting to get my lips on them before I said something along the lines of,Happy to keep you forever. It was too soon for all of that.

Or was it?

Honestly, I had been slowly getting to know Cam for over three months. We’d only had a couple dates, but I’d shared more with them than I had with anyone besides my dad. I felt like that kind of truth created a deeper connection, but I had no frame of reference.

Cam kissed me back with fervor, keeping his hands wrapped around my back as we sucked and licked at each other. I wanted to grab their denim-clad ass, but I was worried I was going to have an obviouserection. I was about to sayfuck itwhen a derisive laugh interrupted our happy bubble.

“What do we have here? Got yourself a boy toy,Red Fin?”