Page 68 of Christmas Wishes

I wanted to get pissed, but I reminded myself that kids did terrible shit, often because they didn’t know any better or misunderstood the consequences. I couldn’t place adult expectations on them, but I sure as hell hoped that if they had kids, they were doing everything possible to prevent their children from doing to others what they’d done to Keaton.

Keaton relaxed his death grip on my waist, and I led him to a beginner slope that was as close to flat as possible. He walked beside me with a determined expression. The shimmery eyeshadow he’d applied was the perfect complement to the snow.

“Hey, don’t forget to record your sunscreen update.”

Keaton’s pleased smile sent flutters through my stomach. “Thank you.” He took a quick video and a few photos before reapplying it on both of us, then asked if I would pose for a selfie with him. Of course.

“Text it to me?” I kissed the top of his head.

He leaned into my touch as he tapped on the screen. “Sent.”

“We don’t even need to go on the lift?” Keaton asked as we approached the conveyor to the smallest slope.

“Nope. We can if you want, but I thought we could start here.”

Keaton fell a few times and had several moments of panic, but he successfully completed the most novice run on the mountain. It was clear he was becoming more comfortable because he started laughing each time he fell or wobbled and caught himself.

We worked up to the longer hill that still used the conveyor, then to the most beginner hill that used a lift. Keaton squeezed the bar and my leg hard as we ascended, and I heard him mumbling curses to himself when it was time to disembark, but he did it. I gave him a high five, and he did an adorable happy little shimmy. When he reached the bottom of that hill, he stared at me with his eyes rounded and mouth open in anO. He threw his arms around my shoulders and kissed me with cold lips.

“I did it!”

“You did. Proud of you.” I was so glad I’d rescheduled a few appointments and started work extra early that morning to make time for this. For Keaton. This sparkly, sassy man with the biggest heart in Arizona showed me there was more to life than working as much as I did. Maybe Nico had been right about me prioritizing hiring someone. That was top of my list after the holidays.

“One more?”

“As many as you want.” I laughed as Keaton hurried toward the ski lift.

After several more runs, Keaton suggested we call it quits. We were both sore and exhausted. “Celebratory dinner? My treat.”

Keaton quickly agreed. “As long as hot cocoa is on the table.”

“What would a trip to a mountain lodge be without some premium cocoa?”

Keaton slung his arm through mine as we wearily trudged back to the ski shop to return our rentals. My mind decided to be an asshole and show me flashes of a future with Keaton where we played hooky on a weekday to go skiing once in a while. Or rented a room at the resort and spiked our cocoas with peppermint liqueur.

Despite being physically drained, I hadn’t felt so refreshed in years. Being around Keaton invigorated me. I refused to let this feeling fade after he left. It would be all too easy to fall back into the habits that left my life empty.

We quickly got a table and had our cocoas within minutes. Keaton’s eyes closed and he hummed at his first sip. Some of the whipped cream stayed behind on his lips, and his tongue darted out to wipe it clean. I didn’t blame the cream. Keaton’s lips were a great place to spend some time.

“What’s good on the menu?” Keaton asked as he scanned it.

“I’m not sure. I always get the chicken marsala. I should probably try new things.” My ex teased me for always getting my favorites at places. I liked what I liked.

Keaton clucked his tongue. “There’s not a damn thing wrong with getting enjoyment from something repeatedly. Otherwise, why do people stay in relationships?”

I laughed. Couldn’t argue with that logic.

“Hey, Riggs! Didn’t expect to run into you up here.”

My stomach sank as I turned toward the voice and reminder of the real world waiting to burst my and Keaton’s bubble. Andrew stood next to the table, smiling. He was a client who’d hired us quite a few times. Often, it was to clean up after his DIY projects. It would’ve been cheaper if he’d hired us from the beginning, but how he spent his money wasn’t my problem.

“Hey, Andrew. Here with the family?”

“I am.” He gestured to his wife and three young kids waiting for him near the host stand. “Glad I bumped into you. I’ve been meaning to call. I saw a video a couple of weeks back for an awesome light display. I’ve been working on it but have run into a few electrical issues. I was hoping to get it up and running before tomorrow’s voting. Think you could swing by on your way home tonight?”

A dozen possible responses came to mind. I immediately dismissed the ones that tested the limits of my colorful cursing vocabulary. I paused on a yes but ultimately dismissed that too. If I wanted to make changes in my life, I needed to start telling people no or yes based on my timeline, not theirs.

I opened my mouth to tell him I wouldn’t have time until next week when Keaton spoke.

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