A Bookworm for Christmas (Gay Romance)

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A Bookworm for Christmas (Gay Romance) Page 18

by Trina Solet


  "I don't know how," Benji said.

  Miles had him get his crayons and some paper then he sat down with him at the coffee table. "This is how you draw fireworks," he said then he demonstrated. "They started in the center. They go up then they come down in all different directions. And use all the colors." His fireworks didn't look like much and neither did Benji's, but drawing them kept him occupied.

  That didn't mean that all his impatience was gone. "When is midnight?" Benji asked.

  "You pretty much answered your own question," Miles said. Then he told him, "It's not soon. It's later." He figured those were concepts he would understand.

  Benji seemed satisfied with that and went back to drawing more fireworks next to Miles.

  A while later, Gavin called him to come and get ready. First Benji held up his drawing. "Like the real thing," Gavin said as he admired the riot of colors.

  "You show him too," Benji said to Miles.

  Miles held up his drawing. It wasn't that much different from Benji's so Gavin couldn't tell him what he really thought of it. "Almost as good as Benji's. Now let's go get ready."

  Gavin ruffled Benji's hair and he flatted it down. Benji then turned to Miles, "Dad messed up my hair. Did I fix it good?"

  "It is a special occasion. Maybe we should comb it," Miles said.

  "Again!" Benji complained.

  "When did you comb it last anyway?" Gavin asked him, giving him a suspicious look.

  "This morning," Benji said.

  "Sorry to ruin all your hard work," Gavin teased him, but Benji nodded in agreement and gave him a stern look.

  Ready and armed with a bottle of champagne, they arrived at Bruce's and even managed to find parking along the street, not far from his house. The house was big, built like a modern, stylized version of a lodge. It was surrounded by woods, and Gavin said there was even a stream nearby. Though other houses weren't that far off, they were hidden by tall evergreens that grew on all sides.

  As they went up the path to the front door, they could hear music and see guests moving around behind the big windows. They rang the doorbell but it took a little bit of time before anyone came to the door. Benji was bouncing excitedly as they waited on Bruce's porch.

  Bruce's sister, Trudy, let them in eventually. She seemed a lot more down to earth than her brother. After quick introductions, she took charge of Benji and led him off so they could find Marvin. Taking off their coats, but not sure where to put them, Gavin and Miles moved on to the hub of the party. It was a big living space that opened up to a deck. The deck overlooked the back yard, which seamlessly blended into the woods.

  At the center of the room, a rustic looking wooden table was loaded down with food, and a line had already formed as people piled goodies onto their plates. Miles noticed that it wasn't chips and dip either. There were fancy cheeses and hors d'oeuvres.

  "Now I'm glad I got here hungry," Miles said seeing all the tempting food he wanted to try. To his credit, he didn't rush off to start stuffing his face yet. They still needed to say hi to their host and put away their coats.

  While looking for him, they spotted Benji who had met up with Marvin. Now the two of them were running around with Marvin's little dog, Fuzzy, in tow. Marvin was wearing all his winter gear so Benji kept his on too. Benji was delighted when Fuzzy ran all around him then out the door. The boys then tore out of there, chasing after the dog.

  Gavin had found Bruce, and he pointed out where he was hiding. A line had formed at a well stocked mini bar. That's where Bruce and another good-looking guy were handing out drinks, but they weren't easy to see behind the wall of people who had gathered there.

  When he saw them, Bruce came over to join them. "Don't worry about the kids. They are better off outside where they won't be bumping into people and spilling drinks. There are a few other kids out there and my sister is keeping an eye on them."

  "This is a great house," Miles told him.

  "I know. I used to love bringing guys here," Bruce said with a grin.

  "There is a Jacuzzi in the back," Gavin informed Miles.

  "It's wasted on me now. Everything changed when I got Marvin. But he loved this place on first sight." Seeing that Gavin was looking at the guy behind the bar, Bruce told him, "That's Matt. A man of many skills. Some of which I am making use of tonight."

  "Are you two dating?" Miles asked.

  Bruce looked back at Matt appreciatively, but then said, "No. I meant his drink mixing skills. But I did borrow him especially for tonight. I didn't want you and your hot, young thing to show me up at my own party." He eyed Gavin then Miles.

  Bruce then went off to greet more guests after telling Miles and Gavin to put away their coats in a guest bedroom. With their hands free, they grabbed some drinks and milled around the big living room.

  "He sounded jealous," Miles said with a smirk as he watched Bruce playing the host.

  "And you are enjoying it?" Gavin accused him.

  "Sure I am. I want everyone to be jealous of us," Miles said and put his arm around Gavin.

  Going over to the sliding glass doors that went out onto the deck, they opened them and went out to check on Benji. A little while ago, when they were driving here, Benji was covering his yawns with both hands. Now he was running all around the yard, full of energy.

  They saw him, Marvin and that fuzzy little dog chasing each other, but who was chasing who could change pretty fast. There were other kids there as well as Bruce's sister, who was yelling at them to stay inside the lighted areas. Gavin waved to her and she waved back. With all the running around they were doing, the kids were warm enough, but Miles and Gavin hurried back inside.

  It was a fun party. There was dancing later on, and meeting people kept Miles busy so he didn't get to eat as much as he planned. Benji and the other kids came in and danced too. Before they knew it, it was almost midnight. Miles heard the familiar sound of fireworks whistling. He turned just in time to see the first ones burst.

  More fireworks exploded across the sky, and Benji started clapping like crazy. Everyone crowded onto the deck and champagne was popped loudly to much applause. The kids loved it. Good thing Bruce got to do it a few times as the bottles got emptied. Everyone toasted the New Year.

  There were hugs and kisses being shared all around, but for Gavin and Miles, Benji came first. They both hugged him and gave him a kiss as he laughed and yelled, "Happy New Year!" Then they turned to each other. Gavin said, "Happy New Year" in a hushed, sexy voice, but the words caught in Miles' throat. He only managed a choked off, "You too" before he had to kiss Gavin.

  Gavin and Miles kissed too long, but they just couldn't stop. If they hadn't promised Benji to go to see the fireworks at the park, they might have never pulled apart. A group of guests was going to see the show. As they followed a path among the trees, and the kids jumped and squealed, they could watch the fireworks even before they got there. Since they had arrived late, their group found itself at the back of the crowd. Miles hoisted Benji to sit on his shoulders and pushed his way through the throng.

  "I guess sometimes it's good to be rude," Gavin mumbled under his breath. That wasn't a sentiment he wanted Benji to hear.

  Fireworks filled the sky, their colors vibrant like flowers in bloom. Overlapping, their colors combined at the edges, growing more beautiful all the time. They all enjoyed the show, but to Benji this was real life magic. He hardly seemed to blink.

  The lights flowering in the night sky then dispersing dazzled his eyes so that the little guy was open-mouthed and speechless. Benji clapped and then raised his arms, his fingers spread like he wanted to make a grab for the bursting lights. The alternating colors reflected brightly in his glasses and he looked up with awe and happiness written on his face.

  Miles looked from Benji to Gavin. The glow of fireworks on their faces and in their eyes was even more beautiful than what was happening in the sky. Gavin met his gaze and they smiled at each other then shared a quick kiss.

  The fi
reworks seemed endless as another outburst of color took the place of the last, but eventually it was over and they made their way back to the house. Benji was already showing signs of being tired, but he refused to let either Miles or Gavin carry him.

  They spent more time at Bruce's but Benji couldn't hold out. It was a miracle he lasted this long. Along with Marvin, he was asleep in his bedroom. Eventually, Gavin scooped him up from the bunk bed in there, a tiny sleeping bundle with his glasses askew.

  Going to the car, Miles climbed in the back from the other side so he could help get Benji into his car seat without waking him. The little guy did sort of wake up, but after a little mumbling, his eyes closed again. Gavin took off his glasses, folded them up then kissed him on the forehead.

  Miles grinned at him then got into the front seat. It was a quiet drive with that sweet boy sleeping in the back. From time to time, Miles leaned his head on Gavin's shoulder, but otherwise he behaved himself. He was saving the misbehavior for when they got to Gavin's place.

  In front of the apartment building, Miles helped get Benji out of the car and put his glasses in the pocket of his jacket for safekeeping. With the sleeping Benji gathered up in Gavin's arms and Miles assisting, they went up.

  Benji was snug in his bed with Momo in no time at all, and Miles was waiting for Gavin in his bedroom.

  Miles stood at the window and saw city lights and no sign of fireworks. He could still see them every time he blinked though. Almost silently, Gavin came up behind him and put his arms around him. The feel of his tight, lean body against his back made Miles breathe hard right away. Then Gavin kissed his neck and Miles purred.

  Gavin gripped him in a tight embrace, and his lips on his neck felt so good. Miles was melting from the hard feel of his body and the soft lips, the muscled arms locked around his chest and the tongue tracing lines along the edge of his ear, teeth at his earlobe, the firm legs against the back of his and the wet heat of Gavin's mouth on his neck.

  "Tell me I'm staying the night," Miles said as he swayed a little in Gavin's arms.

  "Not just tonight," Gavin said in a husky voice.

  Miles turned around to face him. "You have something to say to me?" Miles challenged him.

  Curling his fingers around the collar of his shirt, Gavin pulled Miles hard against him. "You're mine."

  "Aha," Miles agreed as his heart raced and his breath hitched. His whole body heated just from the sound of Gavin's voice and the look in his eyes. Then Gavin kissed him and he was on fire.

  When he pulled back, Gavin spoke in a more measured tone. "I want you to move in and I want us to get married, but I'm not sure in what order. So I'll just keep you from ever leaving and see what happens."

  Pushing his fingers through Gavin's dark hair, losing himself in his eyes, Miles was amazed by him. He was still trying to absorb what Gavin said about moving in and getting married. "Who are you?"

  "A man in love. A man who's crazy about you," Gavin told him.

  "It sounds like we want the same things, we just need to figure out the timing," Miles said.

  "So it's happening," Gavin said and pulled him into a hug so intense it hurt.

  "Without a doubt," Miles told him as Gavin loosened his hold on him but didn't let him go.

  "I love you," Gavin said then he kissed him and took him to bed.

  He said it over and over again as they made love. Miles said it back just as many times, the words echoing in his heart. Looking into those blue eyes, Miles saw his whole life from this moment on and sheer joy suffused him.

  *

  Gavin woke to vivid memories of making love to Miles to the constant rhythm of I love you. Every touch and every kiss was burned into him, and he lost himself as last night replayed itself. Miles was an inferno and he wanted to burn alive inside of him. Gavin could have fucked him forever.

  Lying next to him, face half buried in the pillow, Miles was an irresistible temptation. Gavin reached for him then stopped. Early morning sunlight was streaming in through the window, and Gavin realized he didn't dare start anything. Benji would be up soon, if he wasn't already.

  Sliding his hand under the covers and down Miles' back to the curve of his ass, Gavin woke him up with kisses on his shoulders and down his back. When Miles' eyelids fluttered but his eyes refused to open, he nudged him.

  Still refusing to open his eyes, Miles informed him, "There are only two ways to wake me – blow job and coffee. My choice would be both."

  "Don't get comfortable. It's time to get up," Gavin told him.

  Miles mumbled, "OK. I'll give you a head start." He kept on dozing as Gavin got up and went to get ready. He decided to get some coffee going so he could entice Miles out of bed.

  From the bathroom door, he heard Miles say, "When I move in, we'll need a new bed."

  "How big a bed do you need?" Gavin wondered.

  "Actually I need a smaller bed that way you can't run away from me."

  "I'm not going anywhere," Gavin told him.

  "Me either."

  Gavin was in the kitchen peeled an orange for Benji when Miles came in. They only had time for a quick kiss before Benji came from his room and joined them.

  "Good morning, Miles," he said, happy to see him.

  "Good morning," Miles said and then Benji fixed him with an inquiring gaze.

  "Miles slept with me in my room. That's because Miles and I are serious about each other," Gavin explained.

  "Serious?" Benji said and looked at Miles like he couldn't quite connect that word with him.

  "Serious means that we'll get married some day," Miles said then looked over at Gavin smugly. "Just trying to speed things up."

  "Marv said if his dad gets married, he'll have two dads. What about me?" Benji asked and looked from Gavin to Miles.

  "That's right. You'll have two dads too," Gavin confirmed it and Miles' turned to him with a look of pure love.

  Benji stepped closer to Miles and looked at him critically as a potential father figure. "Dad doesn't get mad even if I spill something. Are you gonna get mad?" he asked Miles.

  "Nope. Spill all you want," Miles said then he corrected himself. "No, wait. Only spill sometimes."

  "I don't want to spill," Benji said, looking at Miles like he was crazy.

  "Oh, OK. You don't have to spill if you don't want to," Miles told him with a grin. "Just know that we'll all be happy together."

  After breakfast, when Benji went to brush his teeth, they had a moment alone. Gavin took Miles in his arms tenderly.

  "When you said that about me being Benji's dad, I swear my heart soared," Miles confessed. "So I guess you're not worried about me any more?"

  "No. I love you and I believe in you," Gavin told him. "But I can hardly believe you came back to me."

  "I had to. I couldn't live without you," Miles said with a shaky smile.

  "I'm so glad you did. There would always be a hole in my life if you hadn't. You make me so happy," Gavin said. Looking into those beautiful, loving eyes he was ready to give Miles everything, all that he was and his whole life too. The feeling was so powerful and real, Gavin knew he would never let him go.

  The end

  A Christmas Boyfriend

  "Can you get me a man for Christmas?"

  When he said those fateful words, Ben didn't know what he was setting in motion.

  Ben is a busy dad to a four year old little girl. He doesn't have much time for a social life, but he wasn't serious when he asked for a man for Christmas. His daughter, Maya, doesn't know that. She is determined to play Santa and get her dad the gift he asked for.

  The man she picks for her dad is her preschool teacher, Jason Kenney. Neither Jason nor Maya think he's the right man to be a present for Ben, so why is he standing there on Christmas Eve with a gift bow in his hair?

  Smarting from a recent breakup, Jason isn't looking forward to the holidays. Despite his reservations, Jason gets tangled up with Ben. There is something about Ben that he just can't resist. As
their feelings intensify, will spending Christmas together turn into something more?

  Pizza for Thanksgiving

  Mack and Enzo are roommates and nothing more. While sharing the same apartment, they live separate lives. Enzo is sweet but painfully shy. Mack is gruff and kind of intimidating. He's had a hard life and doesn't let his guard down easily.

  Now Mack is anticipating a lonely Thanksgiving dinner, but Enzo won't let that happen. When he hears that Mack is going to be all alone for Thanksgiving, he gets up the courage to make him an offer. But things don't go as planned in more ways than one.

  With the best of intentions, Enzo has woken up something in Mack that he might not be ready for. Can Mack stop hiding and holding back? When Enzo asks for too much from him, can he say yes anyway?

  The Professor and the Manny

  Ned needs a babysitter for his daughter, Mina. When he hires Jeff, he ends up with a manny and so much more.

  Mina is a vulnerable child who has endured too many losses. Ned has given her a new life, but she doesn't come out of her shell for just anyone.

  When Jeff comes into their lives, he wins her over and starts out babysitting for only a few hours a day. That's long enough for him to realize that he's incredibly attracted to Ned.

  Ned feels the same way, but he's a professor and Jeff is a student at his college. Ned is determined to keep his distance. That only lasts until he learns that Jeff has been keeping something from him. When Ned finds out that Jeff has no place to live, he invites him home and hires him as Mina's manny.

  There's no turning back now. Living in the same house, neither man can deny his feelings for long. But when danger disrupts their happy life, Jeff blames himself. Can Ned convince him to stay? The next time danger strikes, Jeff might be the only one who can protect what's most precious to them both.

  A Midnight Thanksgiving

  Alex and Vaughn have been frenemies for a while, but they never spent any time alone together. That all changes on Thanksgiving night. When they become concerned about a friend in crisis, Alex and Vaughn are thrown together as they go in search of him.

 

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