Page 22 of 12 Gays of Christmas

The smile reappears. How does he find this cute and not pathetic? “This is probably a terrible idea, but I’m suggesting you practice on another person. Me.”

I scan his face. His cheeks are tinged pink as he looks everywhere but at me. Am I really considering this? My brain saysno way. This could be devastating to our friendship. My other body parts vote yes. My lips tingle. My heart races. My stomach twists with anxiety, but my dick is definitely on board.This isn’t a democracy.

Colin doesn’t see my nod. He’s staring at my Yoda socks. I have to say the words aloud. “Yeah. Okay.”

I’m at least a foot taller than Colin, so we agree sitting would be better. At least then, I won’t be poking him with my hard-on. I don’t have to wonder if I’ll get a chubby kissing Colin. I’m already there, just from the thought.

Colin turns to face me and clears his throat. “There are different types of kisses: closed mouth. Open mouth. Tongue. No tongue.”

“Is this—are you—am I getting a lecture?”

He frowns. “Do you want my help or not?”

“I definitely do.” The lecture style should turn me off, but, oh my, it does not. I’m into it. My dick is way into it. This is a huge mistake, but I’m beyond the point of no return. Way beyond.

“Touch my face,” he says, pulling my fingers out of the death grip they’re in. Just that touch has me hyperventilating. “Breathe,” he reminds me. Then he places my hand on his face. His skin is soft. God, I’m touching him. My hand covers the side of his face completely. I take the initiative and cup the other side. His eyes flutter closed, and he takes a shuddery breath. Danger bells are going off in my head, but I ignore them. “Now, lean in and kiss me. Nothing major, just brush our lips together.” His eyes open. “You can do this, Gil.”

I nod. “But keep your eyes shut, okay?” He complies, but that crooked smile is back, and suddenly, it’s easy. I focus on capturing that smile as I touch our lips together. Firm. Warm. And the contact sends electricity zinging through me. I let out a tiny gasp, pulling away but not far. His breath teases my lips. “Holy forking hell,” I whisper against his mouth, and Colin whines.

He grabs the back of my neck and crushes our mouths together like he can’t go another second without kissing me. It’s everything. Soft kisses. The slight touch of his tongue. If he opens his mouth and lets me taste him, I might die.

He pulls away just as quickly. “I…sorry.”

“Don’t be. That was”—amazing, life-altering—“helpful.”

He nods his head a few times, his brows scrunched together in confusion, as he stands and starts to walk away. “Okay then.”

“Where are you going?” I jump up, not sure what to do. Chase him down?

“My room.” He glances at the doorway longingly. “I think you’ve got this.”

“What about—” I press my lips together to refrain from begging.

“What?”

Is he really going to make me say it? “Open-mouth kisses? With tongue?”

He shifts from one foot to the other and jams his hands into his pockets. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Sure. I get it.” I try for nonchalant. “You probably haven’t had much practice. I can find someone else.”

He narrows his eyes and glares at me. “I know what you’re doing. I don’t like it.”

“Okay.” I shrug.

“It’s not fucking working. Asshole.”

I bite my lips to keep from smiling. Trying like hell to look innocent.

“I’m going to regret this.” He sighs. “Fine. But follow my lead.”

When I nod, Colin points to the couch. “Sit.”

I almost make a joke about being a dog, but my stomach is doing somersaults at the thought of what we are about to do.

“Spread your legs.”

“What?” My eyes dart to his face.

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