Page 28 of Tasty Tentacles

I jump in before he sinks. “There’s no pressure, Orion. Think about it.”

“Really, it won’t be a problem,” Pops says, understanding. “If you decide to come, we always travel in a big pack, so you’ll be among friends the whole time.”

Bertie says, “You’re welcome to join us, Orion, if it feels right, but like Hidie-ho said, there’s no pressure.” Then he deflects, turning our attention away from our shy guest. “Who needs some more coffee? And get back to work, boys. We’re only halfway through the desserts.”

12

BERTIE

“You’re not getting away without a holiday hug,” I say. Orion put on his mask again, damn it all, but his eyes crinkle in the most adorable way when he opens those long, hunky arms.

I savor the feeling for as long as it lasts, completely enveloped by my GingerGiant, trying to convince myself he holds me longer than is socially acceptable. Or maybe that’s me…I can’t seem to force myself to let go.

Hideo walks up and puts a hand on his shoulder, saying, “Always a pleasure, Orion.” Then he bends and ruffles the hair on a very tired puppy. “You too, Jake. You come back and visit us, okay? And bring your man with you, too.”

Then my GingerGiant is walking down the steps, and I have to sigh. No kiss.

No kiss, yet.

We join the others and Bob says, “We should get out of your hair too. We have a busy day tomorrow, off to see Carl’s brother, and kids, and grandkids. That’s always an adventure.”

“Sounds like great fun,” I say, and I know this from experience. My sister also throws a big family Christmas celebration, although Hideo and I haven’t been able to carve out the travel time for it the last few years. But that’s what online shopping is for. “I assume you’ll come laden with presents.”

“Naturally, like all good guncles, but mercifully, our kitchen duties are finished for the holidays—she’s doing all the cooking.”

Pops adds with a stage whisper, “That’s what he says now.”

“I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of Orion,” Bob says. “He’s a sweetie. So shy, but I bet he’ll be a handful when he comes out of his shell.”

“Seriously guys, mention the Beard Bash again,” Carl suggests. “He’ll love it.”

After the obligatory round of hugs, Hideo and I are left with a quiet, and very messy, house.

“Let’s put away the perishables and leave the rest for tomorrow,” Hideo suggests, and I’m all for that. I had more of the Prosecco than I care to admit.

The trio refused any leftovers since they’re heading to their family gig, so there’s more than enough left over for a Christmas Day feast. That will make things easy (and delicious) tomorrow. We usually use the day to unwind, doing absolutely nothing, far, far away from work.

“I didn’t get my kiss!” I complain as I’m packing up the remaining cookies, remembering Orion helping me cook, and sneaking treats to Jake, and braiding beards with Carl. I thought for sure I’d get my kiss when he left, but it all happened so fast.

“Let’s remedy that,” Hideo says, gathering me up and laying a juicy one on me. Such a nice holiday treat!

“Maybe another?” I suggest. “They wear off so quickly.”

His lips are warm and inviting, and I marvel, for the thousandth time, how perfectly we fit together. This is the one place, here in his arms, where I feel truly comfortable, and safe. But just the same, my mind strays to Orion, and I can’t help but wonder what it would be like with him. Exciting? Definitely. Comfortable? I don’t know…maybe once he got past his shyness.

“Everything okay, BertieBear?”

“All good. I had a great time tonight. I’m just distracted.”

My hubby laughs and says, “Distracted by a certain giant with a ginger beard?”

He knows me so well, and that may be one of the main reasons we’ve been so happy together these many years.

“You caught me,” I admit.

He laughs even louder then, and says, “Ha! And I bet that kiss you were lamenting was meant for him!”

I feel myself flush. I know there’s no problem, but still, this wasn’t my best moment. I keep it light, but still have a tiny trace of worry. “You know I can’t hide anything from you. Guilty as charged.”