A Guy for Christmas - K.C. Wells Page 0,89

all the stuff for recycling. It amused him to note the difference in him and Ryan. Robin had carefully unwrapped his gifts, whereas Ryan had torn into them.

He really is a big kid.

“Okay, you’ve done the duty bit,” Dad said as he came into the kitchen. “Get out of here.”

“Huh?” Robin feigned innocence. He’d tried to be subtle about it.

Dad snorted. “I lost count of how many times you looked at the clock. I already sent Dean a text to say you’d be on your way soon. But remember—back here for dinner.”

Robin gave him a hug. “Thanks, Dad. And Merry Christmas.”

Dad held him for a second. “Merry Christmas to you, son.” Then he pulled away. “Now go.” He paused. “We both know there’s someone else you’d rather be hugging, so get over there.”

Robin didn’t need telling twice.

He dashed into his room to collect the gifts he’d made for Dean. It had taken every minute of his lunchtimes the previous week, but he’d finished them.

I hope he likes them. Now all he had to do was get them there.

Ryan poked his head around Robin’s door. “Whatcha got there?”

“Dean’s presents.”

Ryan glanced at the larger parcel. “Ooh, what is that one? Or do I not wanna know?”

Robin rolled his eyes. “I swear, your mind is permanently in the gutter.” He gazed at his twin with interest. “Is there no one you wanna call this morning. No ‘special someone’?”

“Nope.”

“Not even your roommate?” Robin teased. “You know, the one who likes—”

“No one. Besides, he went home for the holidays.” To his surprise, Ryan’s cheeks flushed. “Now go see your man. And have a good day.” His eyebrows went into their caterpillars-on-steroids routine again.

Robin was all kinds of intrigued. Precious Dean-time was ticking away, but this was important. Ryan had gone the distance for him, after all. “You wanna talk about this?”

Ryan threw his hands in the air. “Will you get out of here? There’s a hot guy waiting for ya.”

Robin got the message. Discussion closed.

“See you at dinner.” Robin picked up his packages, and headed for the front door.

“Wait!” Ryan came after him.

Robin came to a halt by the front door. “What’s up?”

“You can’t take those on the bike. You’ll have an accident. Lemme borrow the car, and I’ll drive you over there. Dad won’t mind.” And before Robin could object, he went off in search of Dad.

Okay, this was definitely not like Ryan.

He returned a minute later, waving the keys. “Let’s go.” Robin followed him out of the house and over to the car, where Ryan popped the trunk for him. Dean’s gifts safely stowed, Ryan pulled out of the driveway. They’d been driving about a minute before he spoke.

“Look, there’s nothing going on between me and Kyle, okay?”

Robin blinked. “Did I say there was?”

“No, but you sure hinted.”

Robin glanced at his twin. “Have I touched a nerve?”

“I’m not gonna talk about this.” Ryan set his jaw.

“According to you, there’s nothing to discuss anyway. So why are you so defensive?”

“Change the subject.” Ryan checked the rearview mirror before pulling away from the lights. “So how do you think everything went yesterday? When Dad said Dean was coming to dinner, I thought he was joking at first.”

“I think we have you and Mom to thank for that. And that reminds me. I never did say thank you for going to bat for me. I didn’t expect that.”

Ryan huffed. “I told you I had your back, bro. I couldn’t stand seeing you so miserable. Especially when I wasn’t the cause,” he added with a grin. “Besides, how was I gonna enjoy Christmas with you moping around? I had to do something, right?”

Robin chuckled. “And there was me, thinking you were being selfless.” Except he knew better.

He directed Ryan to Dean’s house, and they pulled up to the curb. Robin twisted in his seat to look at him. “Now, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Robin snorted. “Well, I thought I knew what you’d do, but I’m learning otherwise. Thanks for the ride.” He got out of the car, and Ryan popped the trunk for him. Once he had the packages, Ryan sped away with a wave.

Robin walked toward the house, and before he reached the front door, Dean opened it. “Merry Christmas.” His eyes widened at the sight of the gifts. “Oh wow. Can I help you with those?”

“That’d be good.” Robin handed over the parcels, then stepped into the warm interior. As soon as Dean had put them down, Robin pounced. “Merry Christmas.” He kissed Dean