“Too soon,” CJ said and brushed Jace's stubbled cheek with his thumb. “Lunchtime, I guess.”
“Better make sure we've got pants on by then.”
CJ laughed. “Oh, if you think that someone won't just randomly drop by before then, you're very much mistaken. We should really try to get respectable as soon as possible.”
Jace had to smile. “You? Respectable?”
“All right, how about we just avoid someone walking in while your dick is in my mouth?”
“That,” Jace said slowly, “is probably not the sort of impression I want to make.”
“Nope.” CJ kissed him hard and then threw back the covers. “Come on. We better finish decorating the tree, too, otherwise the awkward questions will be even more awkward.”
“Do you think they'll mind?” CJ looked at him with pure puzzlement. “That we're together now?”
To Jace's surprise, CJ slid out of the bed and laughed—loud. “Are you kidding? They've been threatening to tell you themselves if I didn’t do it by New Year’s.”
Jace had to blink a couple of times as he sat up. “I'm sorry, what now?”
CJ shrugged and his cheeks reddened a little. “You're it for me, Jace,” he said quietly. “And like I said, I haven't exactly been subtle about how I feel. Why do you think mom and dad were okay with me deciding to stay in Houston another year? They know I'd be a mess without you. Isaac was even texting me about it last night.”
“So they know already?” CJ nodded, making Jace frown. “And Matt from the gym knows? Anybody else?”
CJ's lips curved up on one side. “Not subtle, remember.”
“So everyone but me.”
“Are you mad?”
“No. Maybe wishing one of us had said something sooner.”
“Me too. But then, how perfect was last night?” CJ laughed when Jace looked quizzically over at him. “A winter cabin, the open fire, the Christmas music—”
“Boning on the rug.”
“Exactly. Romantic.”
Jace smiled, crawling over the mattress to come to kneel in front of CJ and took him by the hands. “No.” He held back a smile while CJ rolled his eyes, then said softly, “Perfect.”
The End