Page 52 of Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas
“We’re not having sex again,” she mutters, mostly to the air.
“You telling me or yourself, Foster?”
“Myself.Obviously.”She clears her throat.“It's just…hormones.And wanting more is all because orgasms release—” She stops herself, like she's saying too much, not realizing hearing her flustered but herself has me wanting to find all the ways I can recreate that feeling.
“Oh, I’m dying to hear this.”
She narrows her eyes.“Endorphins.Dopamine.Sometimes oxytocin.The cuddle hormone.”
“Ah.So what I’m hearing is… more research on the Adam Harrison method is needed.”
She flushes crimson, her composure cracking as she glances out the window."Is that mechanical Santa's candy cane pointing at...oh my god, it is."
I let the distraction fill the space and follow her gaze to the town square display."Yeah, that thing's directional preferences have been questionable since Thanksgiving.The HOA sent three letters to the town administration."
"That's not very...anatomically accurate.”
"Unlike your detailed assessment of my anatomy last night?"
"And we're done with this conversation."But she's fighting a smile, and for now, that's enough.
I don't tell her I drafted a message three years ago wanting to show her that display because she once mentioned a similar one from her childhood.The scent of Sally's caramel scones waft up from downstairs as Pine Creek comes alive with the scrape of snow shovels and muffled morning conversations.
I shoot off a quick reply to Dr.Chen.
Dr.Alyssa Chen
Don’t stress about the delay.I’ve got Pine Creek covered through the 26th.Take care of your emergencies.Canine or otherwise.
It’s a domino effect.Chen’s replacement got stuck at her clinic, so now I’m here longer.Which I’ll make work.Yes, my practice in Sandwich Bay still needs work before reopening, and I have to prepare for the first college meeting and I am already renting a place I won’t move to until later, now.But it’s okay.
Cape Cod can wait a bit longer.
I still haven’t told Eve that’s where I’m heading.
And I don’t know why.
Except that I do.I know exactly why.Dropping “Hey, I’ll be living fifteen minutes from your hometown” isn’t only a logistics update.It’s potentially upending her life.Like I’m forcing her hand.Not sharing information.
Kellan’s name lights up my phone.
Kellan
So, how was the world's longest foreplay session?
Me
Mind your business.
Kellan
You were practically feral.Did Santa come early this year?Better yet, did she?Ha-Ha.Or rather Ho-Ho-Ho.
When I don't answer, he continues.
Kellan
Fa-la-la-laaaaaaaaaaaaAdam?
