Page 31 of Daddy's Christmas Elf
The sounds of Christmas smoothed over the cracks. Grey let the traditional carols wash over him, as they set about decorating the room under Eli’s supervision, the task soothing and calming. Garlands of red berried holly tumbled down from the fireplace mantel whilst bunches were bound together, using the ivy as string, and placed on the hearth, along with a glass bowl filled with pine cones.
Grey stepped back and looked at their handiwork. Already the room felt cosy and festive and more like a home once more.
“It looks lovely. I didn’t realise just a few bits of holly—”
“Would make such a difference? Now it really does feel like Christmas.”
Eli smiled as he stepped in beside Grey. The light outside was fading fast and Grey had turned the lamps on, their soft light bathing the room in a warm and golden glow. Grey cast a glance at Eli, his breath catching as the buttery light shone on his hair, picking out the strands of dark copper and making them glow bright like the smouldering logs in the grate.
“Not sure we can do much to improve that ugly tree of yours, though.”
“It’s not ugly. It’s contemporary minimalism.”
“Which translates as ugly.” Eli frowned in thought. “We’ve got a few bits left, but do you have any bright coloured scarves? We could wrap some around it, to disguise its profound and utter nastiness.” Eli stared at him with a deadpan expression.
“Do I look like a man who owns a limitless supply of colourful scarves?” Grey raised a brow in challenge.
Eli chuckled, the low, throaty sound sending a delicious shiver down Grey’s spine.
“Who knows? You could have hidden depths.”
Grey doubted it. He didn’t have scarves, but—
“I’ve got a reel of red ribbon. I think it might be in my office.” Red ribbon bought to wrap a special gift, last Christmas. He should have thrown it out, but as Eli’s eyes sparkled with delight Grey was very glad he hadn’t.
A couple of minutes later, and with a gleeful smile, Eli wrapped the scarlet velvet ribbon around the tree, transforming it into something worthy of the season. Grey smiled as he watched Eli throw himself into the task he’d set. The awkwardness of earlier had at last melted away, replaced by Eli’s almost childlike joy.
“There, that looks better, but it needs something on the top.” Eli looked up at the tree. “And I know what.” With deft fingers, he tied a large and elaborate bow with what was left of the ribbon, and held it out with a triumphant grin. “And before you ask, I once had a holiday job in a fancy gift shop, and they taught me how to make bows and stuff for gift wrapping. Let me stand on a chair and I’ll fasten it to the top.”
Before Grey could stop him, Eli dashed from the room, returning moments later with a kitchen chair.
“No, not after that fall you—” Grey swore. Eli was already on the chair. “You shouldn’t be doing this, not after your tumble earlier.” Grey frowned as Eli attempted to attach the bow.
“Told you, the thing that hurt most was my pride.”
Grey’s frown deepened and he pressed his lips together. He’d seen how shaken Eli had been, had felt him tremble in his arms. His hands burned to lift Eli off the chair and set him on the sofa but instead he drew in a deep breath and let it go slowly as he stood close, ready to catch Eli if he threatened to fall.
Eli reached for the tree’s pinnacle, the movement pulling his shirt free from the waistband of his jeans. Just a couple of inches, it was enough to show dark bruising and Grey bit down on his tongue, sending a spasm of pain through him.
Not quite able to reach, Eli pushed himself onto his toes and wobbled.
“I just need to reach a little higher…”
Grey grabbed him hard, clamping his hands to Eli’s hips.
“For god’s sake, come down from there. Isn’t one fall in a day enough for you? You’re covered in bruises.” Grey pushed the words out through gritted teeth, each one as hard as iron.
Eli stilled and looked down at him, their eyes locking.
“Not covered. Just a few. Honest. Maybe the snow cushioned the worst of the fall?” Eli looked away, taking just a couple of seconds to fix the bow in place. “Done—”
Grey pressed his lips into a harder, tighter line. Yes, Eli was done — done with risking taking another tumble. Sliding his hands to Eli’s waist, he lifted him from the chair and planted him safely on the floor.
“Oh!” Eli’s eyes widened before he blinked. “A bit battered and bruised or not, I could have got down on my own.”
“More than a bit. Your shirt, it’s come loose.” Before he could think, before he could begin to stop himself, Grey trailed the backs of his fingers over Eli’s exposed skin. Eli’s gasp was a burst of searing electricity, and Grey stumbled back as though burned. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“No, it’s okay. Er, yeah, I’ve got a few bruises…” Eli dipped his head as he made a mess of shoving his shirt back in.
