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“Paul Frost is a tree you can’t climb.”
Fussy might not be my usual taste, but my body sure did like the idea of showing him the finer points of my mattress.
Sometimes hoping hurt and rolling with the punches was the only way to avoid hitting the floor.
Yup. He was such a catch. And him being oblivious somehow made him all the hotter.
It had been thirty-five odd years since anyone had shown this level of concern over my welfare, and that it was him, my grumpiest of neighbors, had my eyes stinging. “Thank you.” I tilted his face up so he’d stop searching me for new wounds. But that brought his face level with mine, his bristly chin in my hands, hazel eyes cloudy with pain like he was the hurt one, mouth parting like he was going to deliver more scolding. And I did the only thing that made sense and slid my mouth over his.
His enthusiasm was maybe the best thing about him, and I hoped he never changed one bossy trait. The world needed more Gideon. And maybe I did too.
He wagged a finger at me. “Uh-huh. I’m on to you.” He could be on me any time he wanted, but of course, I didn’t say that.
And like the best gifts, I couldn’t wait to unwrap Paul under that tree. Soon.
“If you’re asking, I wasn’t kidding the other day. My knees aren’t that creaky yet. And you can top whatever you’d like.”
“You’re cute if you think I can’t be bossy and bottom at the same time.”
He was somehow too much and exactly right at the same time,
He tugged me back to the dining room, totally missing my I-want-to-eat-you-alive vibes.
I hadn’t pictured this. Hadn’t pictured him. Hadn’t realized how much I needed this until I was here, arm around him, train sounds filling my once-empty room, soft lights bouncing off the walls.
“But even the best imagination can benefit from proper…inspiration.”
“Sorry. I needed to write an ode to your cock.”
He deserved someone watching out for him, someone to leave a light on, and if he’d let it be me, well, I liked that. It also terrified me. But not enough to dampen how much I wanted to be someone for him.
“Mmm.” I made a pleased noise as I looped my arms around his neck. “You invited me over to see your new bed and you’re going to feed me? Oh my.” “I plan to make you work it off after,”
Standing next to me, he kissed me tenderly and so carefully that I had to work to avoid swooning like a Victorian virgin.
He was so much more than a neighbor or even friend. Friend was someone you watched a game or had an after-work beer with. Gideon was…special. He’d laugh if I called him that though, wave away the praise. I needed better words, the right ones, words that he’d take seriously. He deserved that.
Accidental dating? Was that even a thing? Maybe we could make it one.
Me and my fiancé
“You came to go shopping with me?” I tilted my head, considering this very un-Paul-like development. “I thought I might.” A muscle in his cheek twitched. “Get a head start on next year. You can tell me what all I might need.” “Because you want my help with next Christmas?” “No.” Paul licked his lips as he darted his gaze everywhere but at me. “I mean, yes. Damn it. This is why I’m not good with words. I want you for next Christmas. The help is a bonus.”
“I really did want to save your Christmas.” My mouth twisted as I tried to find the right words. Paul wasn’t the only one who had a hard time speaking up. “But I also kinda wanted in your pants. I think I might have tricked you into keeping me around.” Paul blinked, then blinked again. “Well. Can you keep on tricking me?” “Pardon?” “First, I’m not sure you noticed, but outside of letting you boss me around, I’m a tough guy.” He offered another crooked smile. “Not a pushover. No one’s weaseling their way into my life if I don’t want it. If you trapped me, I wanted to be caught.”
“Paul.” Brandon gave me a stern look. “You gave up two decades of your life for me. I can shovel a little snow.” My eyes burned, and all I could do was nod. Under the table, Gideon grabbed my hand, laced our fingers together.
