A Guy for Christmas - K.C. Wells Page 0,88
parents live?” Mom asked Dean.
Robin groaned. “This isn’t a meal—it’s more like twenty questions.” Beneath the table, Dean squeezed his thigh, and Robin sighed. “Sorry. Of course you wanna know about him.”
“And I don’t mind the questions,” Dean added. “Most of my family is in Indiana, Mrs. Davi—Petra.” He glanced at Robin with a smile. “I’m hoping to take Robin with me my next trip. I know they’ll want to meet him.”
Well, they will, hopefully—once they know about me. Dean had said that was next on his To Do list.
“Robin says you ski,” Ryan said suddenly. “Maybe I could join you guys one time?”
Robin saw his twin’s words for what they were—an attempt to show his parents he was okay with this.
Dean beamed. “I’d like that. Are you as good a skier as your brother?”
Ryan smirked. “I’m pretty sure he’s got me beat in that department. Maybe in others too.”
Robin coughed. “More pie, Dean? I’m sure Ryan wouldn’t mind getting you some from the kitchen,” he added with a glare.
Dean chuckled. “I’ve had enough, thank you.” He gave Mom a warm smile. “That was a wonderful meal.”
“I’m glad you came along to share it with us.” She glanced at Dad before continuing. “We wondered what your plans are for tomorrow.”
Dean grinned. “Watching my cats play with their new toys.”
Mom gave Dad a meaningful stare, and he cleared his throat. “You’re more than welcome to come over. We don’t do anything special, apart from the meal. It’s mostly a day for watching movies.”
Something in Robin’s belly gave a flutter. He hadn’t counted on seeing Dean until the day after.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” Dean said after a moment. “After all, it’s a day for family.”
Ryan snorted. “Hate to say this, Mr. Q, but if you’re gonna date my brother, you’re sort of adopted.” He widened his eyes. “Oops. My bad. Sorry—Dean. Yeah, that’s gonna take some getting used to.”
Dean’s eyes twinkled. “Look on the bright side. I can’t give you detention for getting my name wrong.”
Ryan grinned. “Hey, that’s a good one.”
Dean wiped his lips with his napkin. “I don’t mean to eat and run, but if I don’t get home soon and feed the cats, Loki will probably eat the tinsel.” He squeezed Robin’s hand under the table. “And I know how much Robin looks forward to Christmas Eve with his family.”
Robin’s throat seized. Especially as I thought I was gonna miss out this year.
“In which case, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Mom flickered a gaze in Robin’s direction. “I’m sure Robin will be over to see you in the morning anyhow.”
Robin grinned. Is seven a.m. too early? Dean got to his feet, and Robin joined him. “I’ll see Dean to the door.”
Dad chuckled. “I think he remembers where it is.” He caught Dean’s gaze. “See you tomorrow.”
Dean nodded. “Thank you again for the unexpected invitation.”
Okay, Robin was done with the talking. He tugged Dean’s arm. “I’ll get your coat.”
After yet more goodbyes, Dean followed him into the hallway. “You okay?” he asked in a low voice as Robin helped him into his coat.
Robin glanced toward the living room. “I still can’t believe that happened.”
“What—that they invited me over, or that we managed to get through dinner without your dad giving me the third degree?”
Robin chuckled. “No, that was Mom. I can’t get over how well it went.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Dean rubbed his thumb along Robin’s jawline. “I wouldn’t say your mom is an ally yet, but she’s willing to listen. As for your dad? Let’s just say the jury is still out.” He cupped Robin’s chin, holding him steady as he bent down to kiss him softly on the lips. “And I will see you tomorrow.”
Robin couldn’t help himself. He locked his arms around Dean and kissed him, not bothering to rein it in. “But it’s looking hopeful, right?” he said as they parted.
Dean’s eyes were warm. “Yes, baby. It is.” And with one last kiss, he stepped out into the cold, heading for his car.
Robin waited, shivering, until Dean was no longer in sight, then shut the door and locked it.
It’s gonna be okay.
“Hey, doof! It’s your turn to pick a movie!”
“Ryan! Don’t call your brother that.”
“Aw, come on, Mom. He is a doof.”
“Ryan? Listen to your mother.”
Robin laughed quietly. There’s no place like home. Except his definition of home had suddenly changed.
Home was where Dean was.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Robin collected the discarded wrapping paper and went into the kitchen to place it in the box where Dad put