Page 53 of Gotta Have Mistletoe
“You look very handsome,” I tell Max. Because really—this is my son? In a tiny suit? He’s never looked so polished in his life. “I’m going to show Anders!” Max scurries down the hallway, slipping and sliding.
“Don’t run,” I call after him. “This isn’t our backyard in Mistletoe Springs!”
“It’s fine,” Erik assures me. “I have fond memories of running through this castle once.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“My father used to put me on top of the doors. My mother was displeased.”
I chuckle.
“You look handsome,” Erik says softly.
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
“You shouldn’t be.”
“I’ll try not to be,” I promise.
“That’s not what I meant.” Erik takes my hand. “I am lucky to have you at my side, Glen.”
My heart zings, but it doesn’t matter. I’m going back the day after tomorrow. “You shouldn’t say such things.”
“They’re true.”
I shake my head, more firmly this time. “I might believe them, and...” My chest hurts. “I’m going to leave.”
Erik blinks multiple times. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too,” I add easily.
“Maybe...”
I stare at him. Two pink spots have appeared on Erik’s cheeks.
Is he going to bring up that I’m leaving soon? That we’ll never see each other again?
Romantic music plays, and my eyes widen.
“The musicians are practicing.” Erik swoops into a bow. “May I have this dance?”
I nod and take his hand. Dancing is something I can do. I hold him in my arms, and we waltz in the hallway.
Anders and Max appear. They giggle and wave, then dart away, leaving Erik and me in the privacy of each other’s arms.
I kiss him.
Of course, I kiss him.
I can’t bear not having my lips on him, not tasting his lips, his tongue, his mouth. He kisses me more forcefully, and the initial shyness and trepidation he had a few days ago has vanished. He pulls me against him, so I’m pressing him against the wall.
I run my fingers over him, because I leave the day after tomorrow, and then he’ll turn into a memory.
I’m gonna miss him something fierce.
He does something crazy to my insides, and all I am when I’m faced with him is want and longing.
I kiss him until his lips become pink and swollen.
