Page 17 of Mink Hijinks
Breakfast was full of stories from Aaron about him and his siblings. We found a sweet little mom and pop type diner and had the best food I’ve eaten (aside from Aaron’s pumpkin loaves) in weeks. Now we’re strolling through the grocery asking each other about our favorite foods.
“Ugh,” Aaron says as we start down an aisle that has stuffed toys lined down one shelf.
I cock a brow when he holds up a particularly festive teddy bear.
“The problem?” I ask.
“Nothing, I’m just frustrated with myself for not getting any Thanksgiving or Christmas designs out this year. I keep teasing something totally cute and original come the New Year, but I’m still stumped.”
“All those stuffies. I knew they were yours, but you designed them?”
“Yes.” He sighs. “I love them, but I need fresh ideas. That’s why I’m on a solo vacation.” He smirks, and we both chuckle. Solo. Ha. Fate intervened.
“You could do something big for Valentine’s Day? Celebrate your birthday?”
“And get lost inthatsea of pink and red, too?” He sighs again and puts the toy away on the shelf. “I want to be spectacular. And while I’m good, I’m not in grocery and gift shops across the country good. At least not yet.”
“You could be. If you wanted to, but do youwantto?” I ask.
Aaron swallows and pushes his cart in front of mine. “I want to sell licenses to different places and do collabs. I’m so close I can taste it.” He fists his hand in the air as if he’s grasping for it. “But there’s something missing and I can’t figure it out.” His hand drops as his shoulders do.
“What do you need?” I’m not sure I have the ability to help, but I can be there for support.
“I don’t know. I probably need to sit down and evaluate everything. It’s not like I’m doing bad. I can live off what I make after expenses, but I’d like to thrive.”
I press a hand to the small of his back and lean into him. He breathes the top of my head and I try to soothe him with just my touch.
“So, you knowmydream,” he starts. “What’re yours?”
I sigh. “I have no idea. Never really thought about one. I went to school, and I work in a garage. I really enjoy working with my hands and sticking it to people that think Omegas are only good with delicate work. Screw that.”
Aaron nods as he smacks his hand on the cart. “Screw that indeed! But, it’d be fine if you wanted to explore something delicate. If you wanted to try something harder, even. Or it’s also just fine if you want to stay exactly where you’re at. If you’re content, that’s all that matters.”
I blink up at him. He really is perfect for me and I’m not sure how I feel about it. “Thanks for that.”
We finish our trip and head back to the cabin. We’re loaded down on food that’ll last until it’s time to head home.
AARON
“What do you do for Christmas?” Pax asks as we settle in with a bag of popcorn each and a list of movies to watch.
“Well, first we drink a boatload of hot chocolate, then we shift and play in the snow for hours and hours and hours. It’s so cute watching the little ones play in the snow. Then we drink more hot chocolate and eat a big meal, open presents, then set up a few tents in my parents’ house so the littles can camp in the living room. It’s always so much fun.” My shoulders sag a little. Why did I give that up?
“And you’re missing it this year.”
“I am, but I’m glad I did.” I don’t even convince myself. “What doyoudo for Christmas?”
Pax gives a self-deprecating chuckle. “The last couple years my Heat has come around so I just stay home then rest through the new year. But...” He chews on his bottom lip before taking a drink of hot tea. “Hear me out...”
I munch on popcorn as I wait for him to finish his thought.
“We could keep our plans and stay here. Or...” He looks around. “This place is nice, but we could go experience your family Christmas?”
“Oh, my gosh, you’re bored out of your gourd too!” I nearly fist pump the air.
“Yes! I thought it’d be fun to hang out in this cute cabin and just do nothing. And I’m sure we can find something to entertain ourselves, but I didn’t research and I’m just sitting here thinking I’m with this sexy Alpha and just bored knowing we could be doing something. But if your siblings and nibblings aren’t expecting you, it’d be a really fun Christmas to just show up, right?”
I pop to my feet, popcorn going everywhere. “You know what? Let’s do it! I have my car. We can be at my parent’s house by Christmas if we head out tonight.”
