Page 35 of Winter's Surprise
“Wow, what’s in here?” After placing it on the table, Jake tore at the paper. The box only mentioned The Hoppy Place Company. Jake rushed to grab something to open it. “What is this?” he asked with a raised brow before pulling out a large glass container.
“A starter homebrew kit,” she said, beginning to wonder if she’d picked a bad gift.
“What?” he asked with a large smile. He reached in and grabbed more odds and ends inside the box and placed them next to the glass container.
“The guy at Hoppy’s said it was their smallest and most basic kit. He suggested it in case you decided you preferred to just drink rather than brew it,” she spouted off nervously.
Jake stepped toward her and pulled her into an embrace. “This is an awesome gift. Thank you!”
“Really?”
Jake pushed her hair back and cradled her face in his hands. “Yes! I’ve been toying with the idea of brewing, but never pulled the trigger on it. It’s like you read my mind.”
“He said there was a local place in town that sold the hops and malt you’d need. I guess it’s a pretty popular place. I didn’t realize how big homebrewing was until I bought the kit.”
Jake stepped back and examined the different parts he pulled out. “Yeah. I know a few friends who have gotten into it.”
As she watched him, her heart bubbled over with happiness. Seeing him so excited made her wonder what a morning of gifts would be like with kids.
Kids.
Whoa.
Michelle shook her head to rid herself of the thought. She didn’t want to put the cart in front of the horse after all. With the movement, she caught the other gift that sat unwrapped on the table.
“Oh, hey, I forgot!” she told him as she handed him the smaller box. “Careful, make sure you don’t drop it,” she added when it wobbled in his hands.
Jake unwrapped it and pulled out a pint glass. His thumb slid across the etching in the glass that read,my brew’s better than yours.
“You can use it to drink whatever beer you make,” she said. She was proud of herself for thinking of this gift. Originally, she considered something cheesy like,Jake and Michelle established 2017. The only problem she had with that was the worry that she would jinx it all.
“It’s great. Thanks, Elle. These are the most thoughtful gifts anyone has ever given me.” His eyes shimmered for a moment before going dark with desire.
Michelle cleared her throat. “You still have one more gift to give me.”
His brows knit together with confusion. “Huh?”
She sat on the couch and looked up at him. The fire’s light glowed over his body. “Since Santa arrived a little early, I think he should take off his suit before anyone learns the truth.”
Amusement sparkled in his eyes. “You’re right. Only…”
“Only what?” she asked, hearing the breathlessness in her voice.
Jake put the glass in its box followed by the hoses into their box, building the anticipation between them. “On whether you’re on the nice list or the naughty list.”
Movement caught her eyes, and she watched as the loose Santa boxers tented. “I guess you should come over here and check.”
