24. Chapter 24 #2
He mumbles a shy thanks, which is so unlike him, and heads into the living room, where he places the presents under the tree with the others I bought for him.
“The tree looks really pretty,” he says.
“Thanks. It’s the first one I’ve put up in years.
I had to scramble to buy decorations for it.
” In fact, I’d gone all out decorating inside the house.
I didn’t bother with the outside, since no one can see it, being well off the road.
Besides the tree, I put up garland, holiday-scented candles, and lights, and there are huge wreaths over the fireplaces in every room.
He looks over his shoulder at me. “That’s kinda sad.”
I chuckle. “It kind of is, but I’m happy to be celebrating with you.”
I stand behind him and wrap my arms around his front, pulling him against me. “Would you like to eat first or open presents?”
“Presents, duh.”
“As my pet commands.”
He sits on the floor and hands me a gift from him and grabs one that’s from me.
“Did you get nice presents from your family?” I ask.
“Because we have more money than we know what to do with and can buy whatever we want, we focus on getting each other one gift each that’s sentimental.”
“That’s a great idea. That’s what I enjoy as well.”
Jinx lifts his sweater to expose a bright green T-shirt that says ‘Brat’ on it.
“I got this from Aleks. He knows me so well. Julien got me a cool candle for my apartment that smells like leather and vanilla. It’s cool because the label says, ‘A wise person once said, fuck this shit and went to the barn,’ which is totally me.
Foxy got me a really old, restored horseshoe from the late 1800s, so I hung it up over my front door for luck.
Tink got me a keychain with a horse that looks just like Waffle. ”
“Those sound like lovely gifts.”
“Yeah, it was cool.” Jinx suddenly rolls his eyes so deep inside his head that I’m afraid they’ll get stuck like that, and sighs heavily. “And we have another new puppy that Aleks named Apple Butter. God, we’re drowning in pets and pet shit.”
I laugh, loving the normalcy of this moment. It’s comfortable. It’s pleasant. It’s done wonders for my mood after last night. “You love it.”
He shrugs, playing with the red ribbon on the package. “I guess so. It’s another dog to hold at night when I’m not with you.”
I brush my fingers against his still-cold cheek. “You can stay over here more often if you want.”
“I’d love that, but I can’t because I have to work really early in the morning.”
“Well, the door is always open to you.”
“Thanks.” He nods at the gift in my hand, wrapped in paper that’s white and covered in pine trees. “Open it.”
“It’s small but heavy,” I say, peeling back the paper to a black cardboard box.
I lift the lid, exposing a carefully wrapped object.
After I remove the tissue paper, I hold the statuette of an indigenous man closer.
He’s carrying what appears to be a walking stick and wearing a turquoise necklace. “Wow, this is beautiful, Jinx.”
“It’s Zuni, an indigenous tribe that’s in New Mexico, but used to be a part of this area. I dunno. I just thought he’d look really nice in your house. They told me it’s made from Picasso marble. Do you… like it?”
“I love it, Precious. It’s beautifully crafted.” After I kiss him, I stand and place it on the fireplace mantle next to some indigenous pottery and a painting of the San Juan mountains. “It looks perfect there.”
Jinx tears open his present and pulls out a brand-new cowboy hat. I know he likes them, and this one is handcrafted and not cheap. “It’s a Lucchese hat in granite gray. I thought it would look good on you. If you don’t like it, I can—”
“Don’t you dare tell me you’re going to return it. I love it.” He places it on his head, and it does, indeed, look fantastic on him. He has the perfect head and facial shape for hats. “It fits perfectly. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
My third gift is a black T-shirt that simply says ‘Sir’ in bold white letters. I remove my sweater and toss it on.
Jinx giggles when he opens the hand stamp that says ‘Brat’ spelled backward.
“When you’re being naughty, I’ll press it on your ass hard enough to leave a print,” I explain.
“I love it! We’re so using this tonight.”
“But you haven’t been naughty.”
He raises a brow and scoffs. “It’s as if you don’t even know me. Just wait. I can definitely come up with something.”
I grab his throat and pull him close before kissing him. “I can’t wait.”
When I release him, he hands me another, smaller box. “Jinx, I appreciate you, but this is too much. I only got you two gifts.”
“Who’s counting? Just open it. This one is… I just hope you like it.”
As I unwrap the small box, he fidgets nervously. I’m more curious than ever now.
“It’s probably not a big deal. I mean, it doesn’t look like it. It’s just, I dunno. I thought you might like it. Maybe it’s stupid…”
“Jinx, it’s okay. I know I’ll love it. It’s from you, and that’s all that matters.”
He says nothing as I pry open the box, gnawing on his bottom lip. What is he so nervous about? It’s starting to make me a bit nervous.
But there’s no reason to feel that way. I lift the simple leather bracelet with a brushed metal clasp.
Before I can put it on, I notice the burned lettering on the inside.
I look at it closely and read it. ‘Your Pet Will Always Love You.’ My heart skips a beat as warmth courses through me.
I glance up at his burning-red face. “Jinx…”
“Don’t… let me say this… I know it’s fast, like it’s only been about two months, but I know how I feel.
I’ve been so afraid of being with men, and you helped me trust them again.
You’ve healed me in a way I didn’t believe possible.
I’m never going to be perfect or guilt-free, but I feel almost whole.
That’s because of you. You’ve forced me to confront my demons in a unique way that worked.
It’s forced me to be open and honest with you about everything, not just with you, but with me, too.
And I’m not afraid anymore.” He removes his hat, sets it on the floor gently, and runs a hand through his hair.
“Jesus, it sounds like I’m proposing or something.
I just want to tell you I love you, is all. And… thank you for everything.”
I spread my arms, and he crawls over to me, sitting on my crossed legs. I wrap my arms around him and kiss his head. “Jinx, my pet, my precious… I love you, too.”
He looks at me with bright blue eyes full of wonder. “You do?”
“Yes,” I chuckle. “I’d planned on telling you tonight, too.”
“You did?”
I laugh again. “Yes, because you’ve healed me, too, in the best possible way.”
He nuzzles his face in my neck. “God, I was so afraid to say something.”
“Never be afraid to tell me how you feel, Precious. Never.”
Jinx sits up, takes the bracelet from me, and clips it to my wrist. “Thank you for all my gifts,” I say and kiss him.
He truly is the best gift of all, as corny as it sounds.