Page 5 of Don't Go Bakin' My Heart Holiday

I just wish I had more time with Percy. For him, Christmas was one of his busiest seasons. For me, Christmas meant togetherness – being with the ones you loved. If I had to comeand sit in the kitchen with him, that didn’t matter. We would be together, and that was all I wanted.

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him to move in with me the way I did. It’s been a few days, and he hasn’t brought it back up. I know that means it’s either bothering him or he’s thinking about it as deeply as he always does. I just want to hold him every night and wake up with him – or after him every morning. I know what my future holds. I was sure the moment I saw him again. It’s all about him, and it always has been.

How do I make him know that? Do I have to – or am I just pushing things because it's what I want? His choice is his alone. I know that. But my choice always includes what I think is also best for him these days.

God, I’m pushy.

We’re fine and happy as things are, and that’s ok. Four months feels so much longer to me. I’m ready to take the next step. Hell, I’d propose to him if I thought there was a snowball’s chance in Hell of him saying yes. But I know in my heart that it would be too soon. Percy moves slower than I do. His heart is more guarded and cautious – mine is a fucking linebacker ready to tackle everything into submission.

“Yo! Ben!” I waved at Tim, my old football teammate, who ran across the street. “Things are looking good, man.”

“Thanks. The tents will go up tomorrow, and based on everything we’re seeing on social media, the market should be packed.” Fingers crossed. “How’s the burger business?”

“It runs itself, man. I’m more focused on getting the boys into shape for playoffs.” Tim was a coach at our old high school. I tried to catch a few games this year, and they didn’t suck. “You think you have a chance this year?”

“Oh, God, no. I’m just hoping we get past the first game.” He chuckled light-heartedly. “Wanna grab a beer? I have a couple hours before I pick up the kids from the living nativity practice.”

“I wish. I’m actually on my way to meet Percy.”

“Hot date?”

“I’ve cooked up a little surprise for him. I thought it’d be sweet.”

“You two look so happy. We really should all get together after the holiday madness dies down. The kids gave me a wish list on top of their letter to Santa. Amazon will be delivering a lot of packages to the restaurant for the next few days. They’re killing me, but I want to make this the best Christmas ever if I can.”

“I get it. They deserve it, and yes, to getting together. Maybe we can hang out in-between the holidays? I’ll talk to Percy about his schedule. It’s…”

“He works hard, man. You got a good one.”

“I know. I’m gonna be late, so…”

“Cool. I’ll see you tomorrow at the market.” He gave me a high five and turned to walk back into his restaurant. Tim and I had been friends for a long time, and I was lucky to still have him in my life.

I was excited to get Percy and take him to his surprise. I almost skipped to the bakery. Tammy Sue was cleaning the counter, and I waved as I pushed the doors open into the kitchen. Percy was washing his hands.

“Hey, sexy,” I moaned as he turned around. God, he was too pretty. His bright eyes and red hair against his alabaster skin made him a walking piece of art. “You ready?”

“What?” He looked at me so confused it was adorable. “Oh!”

“You forgot about me?”

“Never. I just got busy, and… I’ve made over two hundred cookies for the market so far. I’m already brain-dead. Sorry… I… I did forget,” he admitted and blushed.

“It’s fine. But I have to hold you to our date. So, dust the flour off your shirt, and let’s go.”

“I have a lot to…”

“It’s an hour. You can give me an hour. Hell, I’ll settle for thirty minutes.”

He hung his head for a moment and then nodded as he began to untie his apron. “Thirty minutes. Then I have to get back to this.”

“I am coming to help you decorate tonight. No response is needed. Got it?”

“Yes.” He placed his apron on the counter. “Where are we going? I’ve got flour everywhere. Shit, is it on my face?”

I reached out and ran my fingers through his bangs. “Just a little here.”

“So embarrassing.”

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