Page 28 of One More Yule Log
Ben reached out, took his hand, even as those dark eyes searched for Liv, making sure she was still in shouting distance.
Warm. Oh that felt good, even through his gloves. He sat there, grinning like a fool, just happy to his bones.
Liv came back just in time to snuggle in as the mayor stepped up to welcome them all with a short speech. Then they all gasped when the huge tree lit up, music filling the air as they applauded.
A few rousing Christmas carols and everyone started to file out of the stands, the cold sending them in search of warmer indoor venues and more hot chocolate.
“Okay, y’all. I’m freezing my bo-heinie off. Let’s go drop you off at Emily’s, shall we?” Ben beamed at him. “Mister Gray and I have a date.”
“I know! And I have an a-thon!” She jumped the last two steps into Ben’s arms, which almost gave Gray a heart attack.
Ben caught her like she was still a tiny baby, then swung her around and made her laugh.
“Ben! We were hoping we could catch you.” The adults were only vaguely familiar, but Emily was instantly recognizable. “We decided to come down last minute, and we have an extra seat for Olivia.”
“Oh, excellent! Her bag is in the car.” Ben made sure to introduce him again, include him in the conversation, act like he was proud to be together with Gray.
“Cool. You having a date night?” Emily’s mom asked. Renee? That was it.
“We are. We’re going to have supper and enjoy ourselves.”
“Yay!” Renee winked at him, and he laughed.
“Yes. I’m excited. We’re both not working. How cool is that?”
“That’s a rare thing these days, for all of us. We’re going to make popcorn and stay up all night, right, girls?” Renee’s husband Paolo was a hoot, eyebrows waggling outrageously.
“Yes!” Emily and Liv looked at each other and giggled madly.
“Okay, let’s get your bag, huh?” In just minutes, Liv had left with Emily’s family, and they were alone.
“Hey. So…are you hungry?” Ben’s words sounded…tempting.
“I could… Uh. Whatever you’re in the mood for.” There. That was flirty, huh?
“Let’s have supper and wine, and then I’d like to take you home, if you’re willing.”
“I would absolutely be willing. Olivia’s not the kind to come home early, is she?”
“My Liv? I’ll be dragging her home by her hair at six tomorrow evening.”
“Oh, that gives us some time.” Anticipation could be lovely.
“All night long. I’ll even make brunch.” Ben’s hand barely brushed his ass.
“Will you? I have a great biscuit recipe.” God, he felt amazing. They were planning their own sleepover.
“I have sausage and a fruit plate, and you already know you like my coffee.” Ben hooked one hand behind his back and led him to a shiny silver Escalade.
He was hot now, not cold, and he was glad they were about to go into a hiding for a few in the car. He might be showing off too much.
“It’s going to be hard to wait until after supper to kiss you.” Ben opened the car door and loaded him in.
“You don’t have to.” He smiled when he slid into the passenger seat. “You have this great, sturdy SUV.”
“I do. It’s cushy and not a bad place for a first kiss.”
“Private, even.” Gray licked his lips.
