The Geek Who Saved Christmas

“Are you all right?” Leaning more into my chest, he peered up at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to drag you into something painful.”

“It’s okay.” It really wasn’t, but he’d gone to a ton of trouble here. And it did look good. “Brandon’s going to love this. I used to bring him here. Back in the early days, when we didn’t have a lot, I’d drive around various neighborhoods, especially Christmas Eve. More than once, I drove until he fell asleep, but he was always awake for this one.”

“Oh. I love knowing that.” Gideon made a delighted noise before stretching to kiss my cheek like he was rewarding me for sharing the story. “And that’s why you got the house, isn’t it?”

“I was planning to flip it like I said. Got it right as Brandon was about to graduate from college. Figured we’d take the summer, rehab it together.” Even now, I couldn’t help my heavy sigh, the way my voice shifted. “But then he got this huge research opportunity and a full-ride to get his doctorate out in California.”

“I’m sorry.” Gideon wrapped both arms around me. I wasn’t a hugger. I didn’t need hugs like some seemed to. But hell if I didn’t cling to Gideon right then, standing on my lawn, full view of the neighbors.

“Don’t be sad,” I ordered him when he made a sniffly noise. God knew I’d lectured myself enough over the past few years. “I’m proud of Brandon. Him sticking around here wasn’t meant to be.”

“It’s okay to want things, Paul. Everyone needs a dream.” Releasing me from the hug, he took my hand.

“Yeah,” I said gruffly. I wanted to know his dreams. The things he wanted. My own dreams might hurt to touch, but his, I wanted to know. And he was wrong. Wanting things was damn dangerous. I knew better. And still, as we stood there, holding hands, I wanted.

“It’s snowing for real now!” Gideon cheered as big fat flakes rained from the sky. His tongue darted out to catch one, and never had I been so tempted. His enthusiasm was maybe the best thing about him, and I hoped he never changed one bossy trait. The world needed more Gideon. And maybe I did too.

Chapter Twelve

Who needs an exercise bike? Finally got a taker for my couch, so I’m about to have enough room to park in my garage if I can get rid of this darn bike too! Free to a good home! ~ Cheryl Bridges posted to the What’s Up Neighbor app

Gideon

It was only a matter of time before I ended up kissing Paul senseless again. Watching him out my kitchen window, I tingled with the memory of Sunday. He was so hot, even doing something as mundane as opening his garage, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out.

Left to my own devices, I’d been known to eat pie for dinner and skip the entree at a restaurant known for dessert. Not to mention, my shopping habits alone said I was crap at resisting temptation. And Paul was both sweet and tempting. Had he not reacted so stricken, I would have kissed him a second time right there, injuries be damned. Or later, when we stood on the lawn, his arm around me, the moment so perfect.

Too perfect. I hadn’t wanted to ruin it with another kiss and possible meltdown. The only melting I wanted to do around Paul was the fun kind. As it was, the way he’d tiptoed around me all week said he was feeling awkward. But I was determined to find a way to rescue his holiday and have guilt-free kissing. He deserved it. I deserved it.

But here it was Saturday, and I lacked a plan to achieve the kissing part of the goal, which irked me. All my other plans were coming together beautifully, so why not that too? I waited for him to back the truck into the driveway before I left my house via the side door, saving him the trouble of texting or coming to knock.

“Ready to play furniture movers?” Smiling broadly, I slid into the truck, setting my bag on the floor. No matter how strange the kissing had made things between us, this was going to be a fun day, picking up both the dining set from my ex and the couch from Cheryl’s garage.

“Yep. Is this going to be weird?” he asked before putting the truck in gear.

“It was only one kiss, Paul.” I bristled because things were already weird, and his bringing it up only served to remind me how desperate I was for more.

“Um. Yeah.” A ruddy flush swept up Paul’s neck as he looked sheepishly down at his hands on the steering wheel. “I meant seeing your ex.”

“Oops. That. Sorry.” Calling myself ten kinds of idiot, I tried for a super casual tone, like that could make up for me being the one fixated on that kiss. “No, not weird. I see Lori all the time, and her wife, Simone, is someone who has been part of our social circle since college.”

“Well, at least you avoided the whole who-keeps-the-friends breakup question.” Paul sounded like he too was having to work for a light tone. Perversely, I preferred him grumpy and real to this too-hearty version.

“Yeah. I worked hard to make sure no one felt awkward.” I added a smile because I’d been successful in that effort. But then Paul stopped for a light, and the sympathy in his eyes said he knew I’d been the one feeling awkward even as I’d rallied the troops around Lori and Simone.

“You’re good at that.” His expression stayed solemn, and I wasn’t sure I liked being this seen, so I forced a laugh.

“I try.” I let the conversation drift off, focusing instead on giving him directions to Lori’s house, which was two townships over but not that far in light Saturday traffic. Their friendly split-level was all decked out for the season, complete with a lopsided snowman in the front yard. I didn’t even have to knock before the door flew open to reveal my favorite pair of kindergarteners.

“Uncle Gideon!” Piper, the bigger and louder twin, threw both arms around me. “Did you bring us anything?”

“Of course.” I held up my bag. “Cookies, but ask your moms first, and this Santa puzzle fell into my cart last weekend.”

“You’re funny.” Joey gave me a toothy grin as he dug in the bag.

“Who’s that?” Piper demanded, pointing at Paul.

“This is Paul.” I followed the kids into the living room, where a toy explosion joyfully mingled with Christmas decorations. “We’re here to move your table.”