to talk about but my time with Lucky’s isn’t one of them. I loved that life.” And sometimes I miss that life, but I also enjoy having roots for a change.
“I can hear that in your voice,” George said. “How much you loved the rodeo. I can’t imagine how much it hurt to lose your brother and then leave that life. And to have it happen on Christmas. What a horrible day to lose your brother.”
Old grief squeezed Levi’s heart, and his mind flashed to the expression of utter devastation on Robin’s face as he held a limp Xander in his arms. “It was an accident, and it made the holidays hard for a while. But it was better last year because I was here with Robin, and Robin finally spoke to Dad again. They’d been at odds since Xander died, and I think the reconciliation helped all three of us heal more. No, I’m positive it did.”
“I’m glad.” George cleared his throat hard. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer from your friends. I’m sure we’ll talk again before then, but what time Christmas Day? And, um, I did get my license but I haven’t driven on my own in ages.”
“I don’t mind picking you up. I’ll double-check the exact time of dinner and text you. And if you want to spend the night, that’s okay, too.” It was a bold comment for Levi but he didn’t regret it. Two hours of driving to bring his boyfriend to Christmas dinner was no hardship but he truly hoped George would want to spend more time with him and the cats.
“I’ll, um. Let you know?”
The way he phrased it as a question was intensely adorable. “Of course, and no pressure at all. It’s just an idea, if you’re game. And even if all we do is share my bed, that’s fine. I want everything between us to always be consensual.”
George made a soft noise. “Because of how Grant betrayed you?”
“That’s part of it.” And I am not going into the rest of it today. “But I’ve always been a fan of enthusiastic consent. Only what you agree to. Heck, I’ll sleep on the couch if you want to stay over and sleep in the bed, just so we have more time to spend together.”
“That’s actually kind of romantic. You sleeping on the couch. I liked how we slept the last night at the ranch, all close together. But I, uh, like I said I’ll let you know what I want.”
Levi fought back a tiny nugget of disappointment. “Of course. No pressure ever. This is our relationship, and we’ll go at the pace that’s right for us.”
“I didn’t say that because I’m scared of spending the night with you, Levi. We spent six nights together in a small room, and I always felt safe. But that was also in a house full of other people. You live in a clearing with no one else in sight.”
“I hear you and understand.” He didn’t completely but this was George’s truth, and he’d listen and absorb. “I promise you’re safe alone with me but I do hear you.”
“I know you do. Even though we aren’t talking in person, I can see the reassurances in your eyes. I’m excited to see you on Christmas Day.”
Levi fought a tiny nugget of disappointment that they wouldn’t see each other again until the end of the week but that was part of dating someone long distance. And even if they didn’t see each other in person, they may still “see” each other with their phone apps during the week. He hoped so. He missed George’s smile and wide blue eyes.
“I’m excited, too,” Levi said. “And call or text me anytime. I don’t have any big plans leading up to Christmas Day other than tasting Shawn’s cookies.”
George laughed. “Why does that sound like a euphemism?”
“It’s literal.” He explained the cookie tradition.
“That’s really cool. A fun way to spend the holidays with your partner. Just like Miles and Reyes going camping. Did Lucky’s have any kind of traditions?”
“A few. On Christmas, we did up a big dinner for everyone who was wintering with us. Some people had other family to get to, but a lot of folks are like the ranch hands here. This is their home and their found family.”
“I’m glad places like that exist to take in strays like you and Slater. He opened up a bit about his past to me and Orry, and I don’t know what