“Who is he?”
I shrug, knowing she won’t say anything, but I’m not sure I should tell her Nolan is Hailey’s teacher. “His name is Nolan.”
“Uh-huh, and this Nolan . . . Am I going to get to meet him?”
I stand up, placing my bowl in the sink and turn back to look at her. She hasn’t moved, and she’s expecting an answer. “It’s not like that.”
“What’s it like, then?”
“We’re friends.”
“Friends who have sex.” It’s a statement, not a question, and I would give anything to be anywhere else rather than having a conversation about sex with my aunt.
I clear my throat and sit back down across from her. “Yes. Friends who have sex. Not a relationship.”
Her lips press together in a tight, disapproving line. “And this young man is okay with that?”
That I can answer. “Yes.”
“You’re sure?” She cocks a gray eyebrow at me.
“Yes. Things are surprisingly easy with him. Simple.”
She doesn’t look certain but also not judgmental. “Okay, but I can still meet your friend, right? It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m making dinner. You should invite him.”
I can’t deny that doesn’t sound amazing. “Maybe.”
“Good.” She stands up, clearly pleased with herself. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
She walks out of the room, and butterflies fly around in my stomach at the thought of her meeting Nolan. But mostly because I’m excited. I know they’ll get along. Aunt Jo reminds me so much of Janine, it’s insane.
I text Nolan to ask him over for dinner, and after watching the dots appear and then disappear a few times types the reply he must have finally settled on and agreeing to come, I text him back with the time and then go about my day, eagerly awaiting his arrival.
By that evening, I’m buzzing with anticipation, and I know my aunt can tell. Considering Hailey knows Nolan, I had to go ahead and tell Aunt Jo he’s her teacher. She, of course, was totally cool about it.
When he arrives, I make quick introductions, and then we sit down for dinner. Nolan takes a bite of my aunt’s brisket and moans low and deep—a sound that goes straight to my cock. I adjust in my seat, hoping it’s not obvious as I smile at him. His eyes close and then open to meet mine. “Wow. You weren’t kidding about her cooking.”
I take a bite and agree. “I won’t tell your mom.”
Aunt Jo chuckles happily, looking smug, so I suppose she can guess what we’re talking about. “I’m sure your mother is a fabulous cook, sweetie.”
Nolan chews and swallows before taking a drink and addressing my aunt, “She is, but this is fantastic. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course, dear. I am happy to meet Rafe’s friend.”
She’s not at all subtle with the way she says the word “friend,” and Nolan turns to me with a questioning glance I try to shrug off.
“Nolan is my friend too, Aunt Jo, and my teacher!” Hailey pipes up excitedly.
Aunt Jo turns to her, smiling happily. I know it’s been hard for both of them since we moved away, so when they get into a conversation about school, I’m happy to hear it. It’s good to see them together again, even though Hailey has been thriving here.
After dinner, Hailey and Aunt Jo go to watch Elf—a Christmas tradition for them—and Nolan helps me with the dishes.
“She’s really cool.”
I hand him a dish to dry. “That she is.”
“And she’s obviously onto us.”
I laugh as he dries the plate and puts it away while I work on the brisket pan. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that. Apparently, we aren’t as quiet as we thought.”
“Well, fuck,” he laughs, and it’s contagious. I want to press him against the counter and have my way with him, but it’s probably not the best idea.
“Yeah.” I finish scrubbing the grime from the pan and rinse it, trying to ignore my urges. “But like you said, she’s cool. She’s happy I have a friend.”
I grin over at him but don’t miss the sadness on his face. I put the pan in the sink and turn off the water, facing him. “What’s wrong?”
He seems to snap out of his daze and looks directly at me. “Nothing.”
I brush my fingers over his trimmed beard, relishing in that feeling as I gaze into his eyes, studying him. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, of course.” He grabs the pan from the sink and dries it before putting it away. “Let’s hurry so we don’t miss Elf. Will Ferrell is one of my favorites.”
I think he’s hiding something, but if he doesn’t want to talk about it, I don’t think I can force him. So I agree, and we head into the living room, snacking on popcorn and hot cocoa. We watch the movie until we decide it’s time to make cookies.
Aunt Jo gives Hailey a bath, braids her hair, and then reads her The Night Before Christmas as Nolan and I listen along before we place a plate of cookies and a cup of milk out for Santa and tuck her in.
We all move into the living room, making small talk. Nolan is good with Aunt Jo, effortlessly keeping up the conversation until she looks at the clock and yawns. It’s so over the top, I’m sure she’s embellishing before she looks at us. “Well, I think I’ll go to bed. You two have fun.”
She winks, and I nearly die of embarrassment. Nolan laughs happily and waves to her before she heads to the bedroom. He turns to look at me. It’s the first time we’ve been alone all night, and his face is so close to mine. I breathe him in. “Hi.”
He smiles. “Hi.”
“Do you want to go to my room?”
“Maybe we should wait for your aunt to go to sleep.”
I grimace slightly. “I can’t believe she could hear us.”
“Yeah. Maybe no sex.”
I kiss his lips briefly, leaving my hand on his firm chest. “That would be a tragedy.” I kiss him again. “It’s Christmas Eve. There must be sex.”
“That’s a rule, huh?” He looks amused.
I nod, acting super serious. “Yes. It’s a must.”
“Okay.” He kisses me softly, and I let myself get lost in the moment for probably far too long. Hailey could wake up.
With that thought, I gently put some space between our mouths. “Let’s go to my room.”
He agrees, following me, and it’s an easy routine. I lock the door, and we strip down and climb onto the bed. My eyes drag over his naked body with appreciation, and even though I’ve seen him like this so many times now, I’m still in awe.
“Goddamn. Even during the holidays, you keep it tight, huh?”
He laughs, his fingers smoothing over my stomach. “You should talk.”
“Hey, I still go to work every day, Mr. Burke.”
I’m on my knees between his parted thighs and lean forward, blanketing my body over his and feeling the shiver flow through him. He bites his bottom lip, and I can’t help diving in to taste his lips again. I taste the sugar from the cookies and the chocolate from the cocoa and moan into his mouth, needing him.
He’s insanely addictive.
We both seem to only be able to stand a little bit of foreplay before the condom is sliding on my cock and we’re both lubed up and ready. As I move inside him, kissing his lips, I try to hold it together because he feels that damn good.