Chapter 16
PAX
Christmas Eve was a lot, and I loved every minute.
Aaron brought me back to his house, and we passed out on the couch, not even making it to his bedroom.
Sunlight streams through what appears to be an honest to goodness stained glass window.
The light plays on the surfaces of the room and I can’t help but take in the riot of colors and textures.
The living room is all plush and bright right down to a hot pink couch, lime green fuzzy carpet and bright orange ceiling.
He told me his house was decorated maximalist style, but I hadn’t anticipated everything being so…
Aaron. There’s a stack of three giant gummy bear statues in the corner and puffy stars dangling from the ceiling.
“So, what do you think?” Aaron asks as he watches me take in his house.
“I love it.” I turn to him and kiss his nose. “It’s magical here.”
“It really is. I wanted it to feel like a wonderland, and it is.” Aaron looks around as if he’s just seeing it for the first time.
His hand moves as if he’s sketching. He pushes to his feet, then disappears somewhere.
“You inspire me, Pax.” He plops back down on the couch and starts sketching.
What unfolds is the cutest cat I’ve ever seen.
“How did you know I liked cats?”
“You talked about them at length in the car. You wish you had one, but didn’t feel right leaving it home alone while you worked.”
“You’re a really good listener.” I lean back into the couch and stare at the ceiling, taking in the subtle pattern.
“We don’t really do anything on Christmas day, so we have the time to ourselves. Unless you want to go back over and play with the kiddos.” Aaron seems to plead with me, begging for me to agree to that.
“I had a blast. But I think I need heavier winter gear.”
“I’m sure we can bundle you up.” Pax tosses his sketch pad onto the coffee table and pulls me to my feet. “But first, I think you need to explore my house.”
“I had been thinking about it.”
“Then explore away my sexy adventurer.” And as Aaron shows me around, we have to kiss in every room and rut against each other until we’ve both come at least three times.
By the time we clean up, it’s lunchtime and he text his mom that we’re coming over so there’s a headcount for lunch.
It’s another full day of festivities, and I’m glad I convinced my mink to come home.
He seems so happy with his family. But my heart aches thinking how we’ll manage long distance.
I want to see how far this Fated thing takes us.
I’m not sure I’m ready to give him up January third when I have to head home.