The Geek Who Saved Christmas

by Annabeth Albert

He nodded slowly. “I suppose I can help you with the tux.” “I don’t want you to come for help.” I needed Gideon to get it through his head that I wanted him, not his impressive organizational skills. “I want you to come because Brandon’s right, I don’t want to go without you. You belong there. With me.” “Aww.” Elaine’s expression went all soft before she prodded the still-silent Gideon. “If you don’t say yes…” Gideon startled like he was just waking up. “Yes.” He blinked, then smiled. “Yes, I’ll come.” “Good.” Brandon took a sip of his wine, a warm and fruity number Gideon had pulled from the back of his pantry. “Grumpy Paul was going to be no fun.” “I don’t know.” Putting an arm around me, Gideon gave a knowing look. “I kind of like him grumpy.” “You say that now.” The tips of my ears were hot. I liked this version of Gideon a lot, more affectionate and playful since our big talk. “And you say you like me how I am,” he countered with a kiss on my temple. “I don’t want you changing either.”