Page 48 of Four Letter Feelings

Chapter 19

Jessica had left without his cinnamon roll recipe, despite her best attempts at extracting it from him. He’d sent her away with half a dozen, which muted her arguments temporarily. They’d exchanged cell phone numbers before they parted ways, and as Jeremy walked up the path to Blake’s house, Jessica texted. He sat the bag of baked goodies down on the porch.

Jess the Magic Mermaid: What do I gotta do to get this freakin’ recipe? Butt stuff? 'Cause while I’m totally down for butt stuff, I can totally pretend to be reluctant about it if it’ll get me this recipe.

Jeremy laughed out loud. He hadn’t seen what she’d saved her name under in his phone and shook his head as he replied.

Jeremy: You ate them all, didn’t you?

He pushed the doorbell and read her quick reply.

Jess the Magic Mermaid: NO!

Jess the Magic Mermaid: I do have SOME self-control.

“I’ll get it!” he heard Blake’s younger brother, Jayden, call from inside the house.

Jess the Magic Mermaid: There’s three left.

Jeremy: Nice self-control… No obligation for butt stuff, but if you want to…

“It’s Jeremy, Blake!” Jayden called, as he pulled open the front door. “You brought gifts?” he sounded surprised as he eyed the bag at his feet.

“I think what you mean is, ‘Hi Jer, happy holidays!’”

“I’m still stunned that you brought gifts.”

“Don’t worry, there’s none for you.”

His face fell. “Kidding,” he grinned. “Though, if you hate it, just remember it’s the thought that counts, 'kay?”

He nodded enthusiastically.

“Well, invite him in, Jayden, don’t leave the poor boy standing at the door,” Blake’s mom called, loudly, from somewhere in the house.

“I can’t stop, Mrs. B!” he yelled. “I’m on my way to the airport!”

“Safe travels and tell your parents Merry Christmas!”

“Yes ma’am! Thank you, and Merry Christmas!”

Blake appeared next to Jayden. “Jeez. Dial down the decibels, man. What are you doing here?”

“He brought gifts.”

“And treats!” Jeremy added.

“Treats?”

Jeremy felt his phone vibrating in his pocket and smiled, knowing that Jessica was probably persisting in her quest for cinnamon deliciousness.

“Why is he smiling so much?” Jayden asked Blake.

“I have no idea,” Blake answered with a raised eyebrow. “It’s certainly weird. Here,” he said, picking up the bag of gifts. “Put these under the tree.”

“You want rid of me, don’t you?”

“Yup.”

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