He took a scoop of macaroni and cheese for the first time in years, as well as a thick, buttery biscuit. Delicious.
Conversations happened mostly around him, and George replied to the occasional question thrown his way. Mostly, he concentrated on eating and observing the other faces at the table. And trying to remember all their names. He recognized everyone from the ranch or ghost town, as well as Wes’s parents, Wes’s sister and her husband, and their adorable little girl. But there were too many, and he was out of practice.
Thankfully, no one seemed to hold it against him or ask direct questions about his relationship with Levi. He allowed himself to enjoy these moments with a family created by blood and friendship and marriage. Nothing in his life had ever been as boisterous or genuine, and he ached to be part of this. A true part of it.
He caught Slater watching him a few times from the far end of the table, a knowing half smile on his face. Slater had resisted being folded into the Clean Slate family for a long time, preferring to remain at arm’s length until he’d realized how many people cared about him.
George half smiled back at his neighbor.
Various desserts accompanied the meal but George was full of food and curious about a different sort of dessert. A private one with Levi. He refused offers of different cakes and pies. When Levi cast him a curious look, George held his gaze and tried to put his thoughts into his eyes.
This isn’t about food. This is about privacy. Please.
Levi’s expression shifted into understanding, and he also passed on dessert. It was rude to leave right away, though, so they sat through several minutes of the others eating, George’s pulse racing with anticipation.
“I hate to be the early party pooper,” Levi said, “but George and I need to be heading out. Wes and Mrs. Bentley, the meal was amazing. Thank you for your hard work.”
Thankfully, no one questioned why they had to leave, whether because George needed to get back to the city, or for other personal reasons. George shook a few hands, and accepted hugs from both Shawn and Robin on his way to the door. He’d genuinely enjoyed the meal and the companionship, and he adored Levi for getting them out of there before he could possibly become overwhelmed.
“You did great,” Levi said on the walk to the truck. “You were ready to leave, right? I didn’t read you wrong.”
“I was ready.” George grabbed Levi’s arm by the fender of the truck to stop him. Met his gaze. “I wasn’t overwhelmed by the company, not exactly. They’re all lovely people. More like ready to spend some time alone. It’s been a while.”
Levi’s expression went predatory for a flash before settling into a sexy smirk. “Alone, huh? Just you, me and my three cats?”
“Exactly. All five of us in your bed?”
“That might be a little crowded.”
George’s belly flipped with want. “Then we’ll kick the cats out and barricade the cat door.”
Levi quirked an eyebrow. “It actually has a lock for when we’re traveling. The last thing I need is for one of them to try and get out when I hit a red light.”
“Good thinking.” As much as George wanted to lean in and do something sexy, he was very aware of their open surroundings. And that anyone could be watching them from a window or the front door, and anything beyond quick kisses were still private for him. For now. “Can we go?”
“Definitely.”
Even though it was a one-minute drive up to Levi’s place, it seemed to take forever. Probably because George was eager to spend time with his boyfriend. His first-ever boyfriend, who was kind, patient, spiritual, and who seemed to always want to see the best in people. So different from George, who was skeptical of everyone at first meeting. It’s why he’d shied away from all his neighbors until the night Slater and Derrick came to his rescue.
The simple fact that they’d cared enough to check on a stranger had told him a lot about their character. And it had helped him build trust with them.
The strong trust he had with Levi stemmed from the fact that the man had allowed a near-stranger to care for his beloved cat for a week, without knowing more than surface facts about him. If George hadn’t taken a walk that day, he wouldn’t be here now. Socializing with new friends.
Happy.
Levi carried his bag into the familiar little house, and they both left their shoes by the front door. It didn’t take long for the cats to swarm inside. George bent to lift Ginger into his arms and she head-bumped his chin, already purring up a storm. “Did you miss me, sweetheart?”
“We both did,” Levi said. “Do you want your bag in the loft or bathroom?”
“Down here for now, actually. I have something for you.” His cheeks heated, and he tried to hide his face in Ginger’s fur.
“Oh? I have something for you, too. Your present.”
“Yeah?” George had hoped for a gift but hadn’t expected one. “Can I be super-duper cheesy and say being with you today is already a great present?”
Levi carded his fingers through George’s hair in a tender, affectionate gesture. “I feel the same way.” He put the gym bag on the sofa and approached the bookshelf stairs. A paper Christmas tree was taped to it and a rectangular, wrapped box leaned against the shelf beneath it. It jangled a bit when Levi picked it up.
They were doing this now. Stomach tightening, George retrieved his own gift from his bag and dug out a small, square box he’d wrapped in the candy cane paper Orry had left over from last year. They sat close together on the sofa. It wasn’t the same as waking up together on Christmas morning, but George couldn’t complain. Or think too far ahead about doing that next year.
“I wanted to do—” they both said in stereo. Levi laughed and deferred to George. “I wanted to do something meaningful,” George continued and handed over the small box. “Merry Christmas.”
Levi put George’s gift aside and accepted the box. He examined it slowly, as if trying to solve the puzzle of what was inside, instead of simply tearing into it and finding out. “Thank you for this gift, George.”
“You haven’t even seen it yet.”
“Doesn’t matter. It will have a great deal of meaning, because you mean a great deal to me.” With an adorable bite to his lower lip, Levi carefully unwrapped the paper and put it on the sofa, showing off a white jewelry-style box. The sides weren’t taped so he pulled the lid off. George held his breath as Levi folded a piece of red tissue paper to the side.
Levi’s breath caught, his blue eyes widening in wonder. “Oh wow.” He lifted a metal keychain from the tissue and held it up.
“I found an artist online who does commissions. I was the last person she could fit in before Christmas, and I really hope you like it.”