Page 48 of Real Tree / Fake Boyfriend

Julien’s hands moved down Tyler’s body. He let himself forget, for a moment, that Tyler’s entire family was watching. It didn’t matter when their tongues moved to explore each other’s mouths.

Julien knew he could grow addicted to it. Maybe he already was.

“I think we got it,” the photographer announced, and Julien pulled back as real life crashed around him.

They were ushered away to be replaced by Walter and Hailey, who would take the longest. They had an engagement ring to show off.

Tyler leaned against the island with his wine. He was flushed but watched Hailey and Walter pose with envy playing across his features.

“You were right, you know?” Tyler said softly. “I’m just jealous I don’t have what Hailey and Walter do.” He turned his gaze up to Julien and shrugged.

“You could,” Julien said, and he had to wonder if he meant withhimselfor in general. He had a bad feeling he knew which one.

Chapter 19

Julien

Duke bounded across the lawn after the ball Julien had thrown. The old dog ran, spry as a puppy, to retrieve the tennis ball across the massive backyard.

Julien took a moment to flick the ash off his cigarette before he knelt to take the ball back when Duke proudly returned it to him.

The ball was slimy and wet, but Julien didn’t mind. “Good boy,” he cooed when Duke dropped the ball at his feet. He gave the dog a scratch behind the ear for good measure.

“Uncle Julien,” Kelsey said from where she stood, bundled up and blowing bubbles with her brother on the patio.

Julien stiffened at the name. He whipped around to look at Tyler who stood by his niece and nephew, holding the bottle of bubble soap. Liquid had spilled all over his gloves and onto the neatly laid brick of the patio.

All Tyler offered was a warm smile and a shrug.

“Yeahhh?” Julien threw the ball to the patiently waiting dog.

“Do you think Santa will bring Duke a Christmas present?” she asked. She pronouncedthinkwith anf,and all herrsounds came out asw. It was painfully adorable.

Julien never thought he would want kids, but he could possibly reconsider after spending time with Kelsey and Owen. Besides the few times he’d been to one of the Rossi family gatherings, he’d never spent time around kids. Those had been filled with stress rather than cozy feelings.

“I think if he’s been a good boy, he might, yeah,” Julien said because he had no idea if dogs got gifts in the Ashford house. But seeing as Duke even got his own stocking by the tree and a family Christmas sweater, it seemed likely that the dog would at least get a nice bone.

“He’s a dog,” Owen said, in the pragmatic little tone he used when he thought he said something brilliant. “Dogs arealwaysgood.”

Julien laughed and crouched to pick the drool-covered ball up once more. “True. And Duke doesn’t steal anyone’s shoes either,” he added. “So, I think he’s probably been terrific.”

Tyler nodded in agreement with Julien’s assessment. “What about you guys? Have you been good?” Tyler asked them while Kelsey dipped her want into the bottle and sloshed more soap over his glove.

“Yes!” she cried out. She blew too hard, and no bubbles appeared from her wand, even when she tried again.

“I think so,” Owen commented with less enthusiasm. “Mostly.”

Tyler laughed. “I guess we’ll see in a few days when Santa gets here. Come on, we should clean up before our contest.”

Julien stepped on his cigarette, picking the filter up so he could throw it into the bin in the garage before they went inside.

The Ashfords did gingerbread house decorating contests every year. Tyler had even shown Julien the pictures from prior years, which were insanely detailed. Julien had no ideagingerbread houses could even look like that, let alone how to make one look like a literal house.

“We’re going to make it together,” Tyler assured him. “Besides, no one can ever beat Cece and Brad. They do this stuff for a living.”

“I didn’t know there was a market for full-sized gingerbread houses,” Julien said. He went to wash up. The large table was now covered in candy and gingerbread pieces, all lined up for construction.

Cece walked in with a tight smile and announced, “Brad had to go meet with a client. He’ll be back late tomorrow. Mommy is now on your team.” Cece sat and pulled her son into her lap. Owen squirmed and tried to get away.

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