… No, I haven’t started cooking yet, but … Fine. See you then.” He disconnected the call. Dean groaned loudly. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends, but Christ!”
“Are we about to be interrupted?”
Dean kissed him. “Sorry, baby. I’m about to be descended upon by my well-meaning friends, who have taken it upon themselves to turn up earlier than we’d arranged, because they’re bringing dinner.”
Robin stifled a moan as Dean’s dick slid free of him. “How long before they get here?”
“Oh, ten minutes or so.” Dean shook his head.
“Ten min—” Robin grabbed his throw and the bottle of lube. “I’d better get out of here.”
To his surprise, Dean grabbed his arm. “Don’t go. Stay.”
“They’re your friends. They’re coming to see you and spend time with you.”
Dean nodded. “And they’re bringing a mountain of food, by the sound of it. Stay and eat with us. Besides, they need to meet you.” His lips twitched. “It’s not like they don’t know about you.”
“Really?” He couldn’t help but be pleased that he wasn’t a secret. “If you’re sure?”
Dean kissed him. “I’m sure. But we need to get our asses in gear. I do not want them walking in here and having a single clue as to what we’ve been doing.” At that moment, they both sniffed, and Dean grimaced.
“Air freshener,” they said in unison.
It wasn’t until Robin was squirming into his jeans that he realized at least one of the guests was a former teacher of his.
This could get really interesting.
Dean was so fucking proud of Robin.
Once he’d gotten over the shock of who was coming to dinner, Robin held his own. Diane asked questions about his job at the boatyard, and Robin got into a detailed description of what was involved in making a canoe. Kris didn’t say much, but didn’t take his eyes off Robin throughout the meal. When Robin told them about the trip to NYC, both Kate and Suze slowly turned to look at Dean, the pair of them smirking. Diane saved the day by asking what they had planned, and they ended up in a conversation about the museum visit.
“How’s your dad?” Dean asked Kris in a low voice. Robin, Kate, and Suze were talking animatedly about the village fireworks display planned for New Year’s Eve.
“Hmm?” Kris was still staring at Robin.
“Kris. Kris.” When Dean was sure he had Kris’s attention, he grinned. “Put your tongue back in your mouth, wipe the drool off your chin, and tell me about your dad. You haven’t mentioned how your visit went.”
Kris sighed. “It was like Diane said it would be. He’d had some kind of Road to Damascus moment, and he wanted to make peace. He still thinks I’m going to hell, of course…”
“But it went okay?”
Kris nodded. “I’ve been dis-disinherited, if that makes sense. And if I’m honest, that feels… good. I know everyone complains about their parents at some point, but being without them these past years…. That sucked.” He inclined his head toward Robin. “And what about Lover Boy’s parents? Do they know about you?” When Dean didn’t respond, Kris let loose with another sigh. “Hoo boy. I don’t envy you that conversation when they find out.” He peered at Dean. “And in case I haven’t told you? He’s fucking gorgeous, and I hate you.”
Dean chuckled. “You’ll get over it.”
When Robin glanced at the clock, Dean knew they’d run out of time. Robin said goodbye to Dean’s guests, and Dean walked with him into the hallway, after ensuring he closed the living room door after them.
At the front door, Robin smiled. “I like your friends. Though it’s a bit weird having Miss Martindale ask me to call her Suze. And Miss Walker too—sorry, Kate.”
“I think you coped admirably.” Except that was an understatement.
“Good luck tomorrow with the cookies.” Robin’s eyes twinkled. “Think of me when you’re biting into Santa’s belly.”
Dean laughed. “Thank you for remembering to put them out of sight before Suze got here.”
Robin glanced toward the living room. “I guess you’d better get back in there.”
“Not until I’ve said goodbye properly.” Dean kissed him, loving how Robin instantly put his arms around him, moving in close. “I’m going to be really busy this week,” he murmured. “You’d think things would wind down for the holidays, but it’s never like that in reality.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Robin’s hands were so gentle on Dean’s face. “Besides, think how glad you’ll be to see me on Friday. Text me to let me know what time you want me