Page 27 of Stocking Stuffers
“I read a novella last week where the heroine was a bear shifter. She was big, bossy, and queer. There was a bit of a love triangle, which a lot of readers hate but I love. It was funny. I enjoy funny books.”
“Gosh, that gives me so much insight into you. Valerie said you’re the romantic in the family.”
He glanced away from her, trying not to give himself away or make things awkward again. He had all these romantic ideals but had always been horrible at the follow-through, as evidenced by his line of breakups.
Maybe he’d just never been with the right person, the type of person who made him comfortable in his own skin, comfortable with sex and intimacy, comfortable letting loose the romantic in his heart.
Crazy that he was sure Sasha could be that woman, if she’d allow it.
He knew that she wouldn’t. She’d made that clear.
“Your turn. I’m the romantic in the family and love bear shifters. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
Sasha considered his question for a long time before shrugging. “You might not want to keep hanging out after I tell you this”
He couldn’t imagine what she’d say that might make him feel that way.
“You’ve already admitted to drinking boxed wine. What could be worse?”
She laughed and jokingly punching his arm. “Nothing, evidently. I’m bisexual.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “I’d figured that out.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Valerie told me she thought you were queer. She has good gaydar.” He paused thoughtfully. “What do you call that if you’re bi? Bi-dar?”
“Queer-dar?” she provided helpfully.
“Is that what you say?”
“No, I say gaydar.”
He bumped his shoulder against hers. She continued to blow him away with her wit, and humor, and courage. Every moment he spent in her presence made him like her more, want her more.
He was in awe of his sister and her bravery in coming out and living authentically. Valerie hadn’t had the easiest time as a teenager, but she was the strongest person he knew. It took guts to come out, and it was a constant process, reoccurring every time you met someone new. He doubted he’d have the strength or patience to do that.
“Thank you for telling me,” he said.
“Some people I’ve been with have had issues with it.”
Those assholes.He brushed a lock of hair off her forehead.
“That’s horrible. I’m sorry. I don’t have a problem with it in the least, if that means anything to you.”
She smiled and pressed her head into his fingertips. “It means more than you can imagine.”
“Is that why you don’t date?” he asked.
“No. That’s a whole other thing. So how did you get interested in landscaping and horticulture?”
He blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the abrupt subject change. “I could show you.”
“I’d love that.”
“We’ll have to leave the only Christmas-free zone in the house.”
“Oh, never mind, then.” They shared a comfortable laugh before Sasha hauled herself off the couch. “Kidding. Lead the way. We’ve probably missed lunch, and I’m starving.”
