A Guy for Christmas - K.C. Wells Page 0,91

table. “Robin… You need to think about the future. Maybe living here isn’t the right thing for you.”

Okay, that was not what he’d expected. Sure, he’d had the same idea, but he hadn’t thought for a second that Mom would be the one to get the ball rolling. Of course, he hadn’t broached the subject with Dean yet—it was still early days—but Robin hoped he’d be on the same page.

It would be perfect. I’d be in Lake Placid, still working with Dad… The thought of living with Dean sent a thrill of anticipation through him.

“And before you get any ideas, hear me out.” Mom speared him with a look. “Because I have a good idea what’s going through your head right now.”

Yeah, that was his first clue he and Mom definitely weren’t on the same page.

“When you think you’re ready to move out, get a place of your own. I don’t care if it’s for a year, a couple of years, or less. You need to figure out who you are. On your own.”

Robin frowned. “Excuse me?” He knew who he was. This made no sense.

“Robin, you need to do adult stuff like… paying bills, cooking… Ryan is at college, and he’s getting used to his independence. When I met your dad, I was getting ready to go off to college. I got to experience life away from home.” She covered his hand with hers. “You don’t have that. But you should find out what it’s like before you make any… decisions.”

“Is there any eggnog?” Dad called from the living room.

Mom sighed. “We’ll continue this talk another time. I simply wanted you to think about it.” She got up from the table, walked around it, and kissed the top of his head. “Love you, sweetheart.”

“Robin? You got a minute?” That was Dean.

Robin got up and went into the living room, his head in a whirl. She wants me to move out. Well, that was fine. He wanted that too. But as for living alone?

Dean and his dad were flipping through the boatyard’s brochures, and Dean was nodding enthusiastically at something Dad had said. He patted the seat cushion next to him. “I want to show you something.”

Robin joined him, smiling. “I think I know that brochure better than you do. I helped design it.” That earned a chuckle from Dad.

Dean arched his eyebrows. “Okay, but I’d like to give you something to think about.”

My mom beat you to it. Robin didn’t think he could cope with anything else.

Dean addressed his dad. “You haven’t started work on my canoe yet, have you?”

Dad shook his head. “Like I said, after New Year’s.”

“Is it too late to change my order?”

Dad frowned. “You don’t want the RapidFire anymore?”

“No. I was thinking more of this one.” Dean pointed to a photo. “The Ohneka.”

“But… that’s a two-person canoe,” Dad said at last.

Dean smiled. “Yes, yes it is.” He glanced at Robin. “And if it’s ready for Labor Day…”

Robin caught his breath. “The Classic? We’re gonna do the Classic together?”

Dean grinned. “Always said you’re a fast learner.” He took Robin’s hand in his. “Besides, I think my days of canoeing solo are over. I hear it’s more fun with two.” His eyes glittered, and Robin fought hard not to react.

“Come into the office next Monday when we open again,” Dad told him. “We’ll get the paperwork changed.” He gave Robin a grin. “Looks like you get your Christmas wish.”

Robin could’ve told him he’d already gotten his wish—it was sitting beside him.

Robin waited patiently while Dean said his goodbyes. “I’m gonna walk Dean to his car,” he called out as Dean stepped into the hallway to collect his coat.

“Yeah, well, he might never find it—on the driveway.” That was Ryan.

Robin ignored him. He hadn’t had a moment alone with Dean since they’d arrived, and he wanted a chance to talk where they wouldn’t be interrupted.

“I think I can make it to the car without falling on my ass,” Dean assured him. He glanced up to where a bough of mistletoe hung above the front door. Dean grinned. “Hey, look at that.” He crooked his finger. “Come here.”

As if Robin was going to refuse his first kiss under the mistletoe.

He stepped into the circle of Dean’s arms, surrendering to a slow, intimate kiss that made him wish he was going home with Dean.

“We know what you’re do-ing,” Ryan sang from the living room.

“Ryan!” That was Mom.

“And sit down.” That was Dad. “Leave them alone.”

“Aw, Dad.”

“Ignore him, he’s just jealous,”