Page 28 of 12 Gays of Christmas

“Whatever.” I don’t need this. I stomp off, stopping in front of the gift shop. Cool history and art souvenirs? Check. Snacks? Check. No Colin or Remi? Double check.

I walk around checking out the merchandise and let my frustration cool down. Maybe I need a snack. The candy is standard and not what I want.

“Do you have chocolate-covered raisins?” I ask the guy behind the counter. He’s cute with dark curly hair and an eyebrow piercing.

“I don’t think so. Let me check.” He looks around and then shakes his head.

My frustration returns. I just need a little chocolate. “Do you have chocolate-covered anything?”

“Hold on,” he says, giving me a smile. “Yes, here we go. We have chocolate-covered pretzels, or me, if you’re interested.”

“What?” Is he flirting with me? Colin would definitely call me an idiot.

His intense, dark eyes watch me as he leans closer. “And I can be covered in anything you want, sweetie. Chocolate. Whip cream. Or nothing at all.”

My mouth drops open at the guy’s boldness.

“Seriously?” Colin interrupts, glaring at the guy.

The look he gives Colin is less flirty. “Is this your boyfriend?”

“No,” I say, glancing at Colin, “he’s my…” Colin raises his brows at me, and I mentally cross out everything I was about to say and end with, “…not. Not my boyfriend.”

“Smooth,” Colin mutters and stomps off.

The guy turns his focus back on me. “So, what can I get you?”

“The pretzels,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel, “and your number.”

“Is this about him?” He nods toward Colin. “Or are you actually going to call? Because if you aren’t interested—”

“What time do you get off?”

The guy preens. “Three o’clock, and then, hopefully, soon after that.”

Warmth rushes to my face. I glance over at Colin. He’s standing several feet away and making gagging noises. I ignore him and turn back to the cutie. “Perfect.”

After my date is arranged, I meet up with Colin and Remi.

“What was that?” Colin asks, barely looking at me.

“That was me being myself. Thanks for the advice.”

Colin bitches about everything the rest of the way home. And when we step into the apartment, he stomps over to the board, crosses outHunky History Geek, and writesHimboin big letters. Then he slams the chalk down, goes to his room, and slams the door.

This was his idea, so I’m not sure why he’s so angry. “What’s his problem?”

Remi shakes his head. “You’re an idiot.”

“Why are you here?”

“Bored.”

“Be bored somewhere else.” I leave him in the living room, not caring if he stays or goes.

* * *

I’m not preparedfor my date. I should have been considering the way the guy flirted with me. But apparently, Remi is right. I am an idiot.

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