Page 10 of Wrap Me Up

Before, I never really gave Dylan and Snow a chance. I may have gotten caught up in how everyone felt about how different Dylan and Snow are, though I never understood everyone’s malice. Dylan just happens to be an extremely tall elf. And Snow is a halfling, elf and siren. We were all shocked when he glowed during the talent show last year. So many elves felt bad for how they treated them and started mending their ways. The North Pole has been more pleasant over the last several months.

I live a couple of blocks from Tinsel and the walk is always pleasant with the candy cane and gum drop pathways.

When I knock on Tinsel’s door, he’s in a pair of silver dress pants that hug his thighs. He’s got on a sheer white top and, of course, he’s strapped into one of his leather harnesses.

“You look stunning,” I say. He always does.

A soft blush colors his cheeks. “Not so bad yourself.”

Why oh why was I such an idiot before? I hold out my arm and he takes my elbow. Nerves try to steal my thoughts. “If you don’t mind—”

“I don’t mind anything. Whatever you have planned is going to be perfect.”

His words make my stomach act up. I know he’s being truthful, but I’m still afraid of disappointing him.

“Noel.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve waited a long time for this and we can go to the cafe and eat bonbons as far as I care. I’m just happy to go on a date with you.”

I let out a deep breath. “Sorry, nervous.”

Tinsel leans in. “So am I.” He rubs my arm. “I’ve never dated anyone so I’m not sure what I’m doing either.”

I turn to look at him. “You’ve never dated?”

“Nope. You’re the first.”

“Ugh, I was an idiot and—”

He holds up his hand. “No more putting yourself down. You’re amazing, even if you did sort of stomp on my feelings earlier. Like I said, I’m happy to give you a second chance.”

“Thank you.” I squeeze his hand. “And now I need you to close your eyes because I want the date to be a surprise.” I pull a blindfold from my back pocket.

“Kinky, I like it.”

Once I have the blindfold tied, I take his elbow to lead him. It’s a short walk to the ornament studio. Dylan said that Tinsel has always wanted to go, but thought it was too romantic to go with friends. So, of course, it’s perfect for a first date.

The door chime announces our arrival to the studio that smells like chocolate cake. Tinsel moans beside me as he breathes in. “Did I predict our date? Are we going to eat bonbons?”

I reach up and untie his blindfold. “That’s part of the date, yes, but—”

Tinsel lets out a gasp. “You didn’t?”

“I did.”

His eyes dart over all the options. There are so many! Glass, porcelain, wood, ceramic, yarn, etc. I can’t even name them all.

“We each get to make three ornaments, then I have dinner planned for us.”

“This is amazing. Where should we start?”

“Wherever you want.”

He looks through the room again. “Glass. It’s classic and beautiful.”

“Sounds perfect.” I follow him to a table with dozens of bins holding blank ornaments in different shapes.

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