The Christmas Deal

“Yeah,” Logan said. “Everyone loved it.”

“You should bring some cookies home,” Pop said. “Seth and Connor’ll miss out if we eat ’em all.”

“I might have made an extra batch for you boys this morning.” Jenna gave Logan a wink.

Home.

Settling back on the couch, Logan took a bite of sweet, soft cookie. The front door banged open, Noah woke and wailed so loud Logan thought he must be dying, and cold air reached the den.

“Close the damn door!” Pop shouted as Jenna scooped up Noah, a stamping of boots thudding from the foyer.

Jun, Seth, Connor, and Ian joined them in the den, cheeks rosy from being outside. Seth took a cookie and sat next to Logan with a wince. Logan frowned. “You okay?”

“My slacks are damp, but that’s what I get for engaging in a snowball fight.”

Logan laughed. “Maybe you should take them off.” He realized what he’d said, but it was too late.

“Save that for later!” Pop chortled, his belly jiggling as he laughed at his own joke.

Jun had his mouth full of cookie, but mumbled, “Wait, what?”

“Pants off!” Ian shouted, yanking down his little slacks and pulling them free, a sock going with them. In Superman undies and his dress shirt, he raced around the carpet, reaching out to jingle ornaments on the tree as he passed by, gold and silver icicles swaying dangerously.

“Everyone’s pants on!” Holding Noah, Jenna gave chase, Ian darting around her and squealing his way toward the kitchen.

Seth was bright red to the tips of his ears, and Connor was laughing his ass off. Logan whispered to Seth, “Christmas at the Derwoods. This is what you’re getting into. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Still blushing, Seth only grinned. He nudged Logan’s shoulder, and Logan nudged back, not ready to get smoochy in front of his family, especially with Pop there. Seth would probably pass out anyway.

Part of Logan still couldn’t believe it. Him and Seth. Him and Seth for real. Everyone knowing and not seeming to mind. Maybe it was the peace and good will and all that shit, but whatever it was, he’d take it.

Chapter Twenty

Snow drifted down on Christmas morning.

Still under the covers, Logan watched fat fluffy flakes fall past the window in Seth’s bedroom. The sky was cloudy, but he could tell by how bright it looked that everything below was thick with white. The perfect day for PJs and TV and all the leftovers Jenna had pushed on them.

They’d fallen into Seth’s plush bed after sharing a lazy shower, full of turkey and stuffing and chocolate cake. Even though they’d been too tired to do anything, they’d cuddled up, their naked bodies still new and exciting.

He was spooned up behind Seth now, his morning wood prodding Seth’s ass. Logan circled Seth’s hole, wondering what it felt like to take a cock inside. He’d told Seth that he’d never done it, and that was true. He’d also told him he didn’t want to, but that was…less true.

Becoming less damn true every minute.

“Mmm,” Seth murmured, yawning.

“Merry Christmas.” Logan kissed his shoulder.

Seth tensed. “Right. Christmas.” He laughed unsteadily. “You’ll think I’m nuts, but it feels naughty to let myself celebrate. This is the first year since I left home that I’ve done anything at all for Christmas. Let alone so many things. A proper turkey dinner, even.”

Fuck Seth’s family and him “leaving” home. Fuck their obituary. Fuck them all in their pious, hypocritical ass-faces. “You deserve every single bit of Christmas,” he said fiercely.

Seth relaxed back against him, turning his head to kiss Logan softly. “Thank you. I wish I’d bought you more than a new tie.”

Logan laughed, letting go of the fury toward the Marstons. They weren’t worth hanging onto. Not when he had Seth naked in bed and the door locked. “Um, I might have gotten you socks that Jenna originally bought for Jun. In my defense, it’s been really busy.”

Grinning, Seth rolled onto his back. “We’ll definitely up our gift game next year.”

He knew they shouldn’t be banking on a year from now, but what the hell. “Deal. At least there’s some stuff for Connor.”

“Yes, Jenna assured me she chose well and that we could take all the credit.”

“She’s always been the best at gifts, like our mom. I’ll pay her back when—well, if I get that job. If not—”

“Nope. You’re getting it. End of story. I have complete confidence in Angela Barker.”

Logan laughed. “Fair enough.” He dragged his fingers through Seth’s chest hair and kissed his throat. “Now what was that about you being naughty? Because I’ve got a few ideas.”

“Mmm. I bet you do.” He ran his foot over Logan’s calf. “I’m all ears.”

“How about you fuck me?”

Seth’s eyes went wide. “Oh! I… Are you sure? You don’t need to. I mean, not to prove anything to me. Or because you think you have to.”