Teddy Bear Christmas (4 page)

She didn’t say a word, but her dark eyes met his once before flickering away.

“She’s shy,” her mother said, her voice thick, as if she was on the edge of tears.

Oh, please, don’t cry.
Aaron couldn’t take it if everyone started crying.

The whole process lasted longer than he liked. Aaron was happy to see Oliver where he belonged and answered nearly every question to that effect. Where did he get the idea for the book? Did he take the pictures on duty? Where was he from?

At least Shay and her mom got part of the spotlight. He smiled for the pictures and gave a great sigh of relief when everyone was finally gone.

“You did good, Aaron.” Linda patted his shoulder as he followed her back to work.

“Don’t suppose that merits a raise….”

“Out of my hands and you know it.”

“Can’t blame me for trying.” He felt warm and flushed, and maybe a little tickled after the whole thing. It wasn’t until he got back to his station that he realized the time. He’d missed Tyler’s flight.

“Hey, there was a guy here looking for you,” Yvonne said. “I couldn’t tell him when you’d be back, so he left.”

“Damn it!”

Later on, when he finally got his phone out of his locker, he texted an apology to Tyler. It was past midnight, so he wasn’t expecting a response. He nearly dropped it when it buzzed immediately after pressing send.

Don’t be. I saw you on Twitter. Nice work.

Aaron stared stupidly at the text before opening up the browser on his phone. The local news story had hit the web already.
Am I Internet famous?
he sent back.

I think Oliver is. Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?

He stared at his phone. Aaron had hoped for this, that their one night would not be the only night. It still didn’t quite feel real since these were mere digital words, not the richness of Tyler’s voice.
Is this a date?

The text took a moment to arrive.
Only if you accept. I have reservations at 7 at Donovan’s on 5th. You know it?

I’ll find it. And I’ll be there.

T
YLER
SIPPED
his white wine, the flavor cool and dry. He waited at the bar, watching the entrance and hoping every time it opened that Aaron would be on the other side. He’d made these reservations back in August when the slots opened up. Donovan’s wasn’t an easy place to get in on New Year’s. Originally he’d planned on taking his friend Cecily, who at the time had also been single. Luckily she’d met someone last month, so he didn’t need to feel the least bit guilty about not inviting her.

If he hadn’t met Aaron, Tyler didn’t know what he would have done with the slot. Sell it on Craigslist, maybe?

Now he was worrying for no good reason. Tyler put the wine down, resting his thumb on the bottom of the glass. Either Aaron would show up or he wouldn’t. Was he more scared of Aaron showing up? Would they have that same instant connection, or had that been a fluke?

A rush of cold air filled the bar area, and this time when he looked up, Aaron stepped through the entrance, bundled in a heavy parka. Aaron pulled off his hat, leaving his dark hair looking wild and unkempt and absolutely beautiful.

“Hey.” Tyler got to his feet as Aaron approached. “Uh, they have a coat check.”

Could he get any more awkward? What happened to their easy banter?

Aaron grinned. “Order me something while I check it?”

“Sure, what do you want?”

“Seltzer is fine.” Aaron disappeared into the crowd.

Seltzer. Right. So, did that mean no alcohol? Tyler eyed his wine as he called over the bartender. Maybe Aaron was saving the drinking for later? Did he not drink? Did that mean he wanted to be sober for sex after the ball dropped?

“You look confused,” the bartender said.

Perhaps Tyler was overthinking this. “Two seltzers, please.”

The glasses were on the bar by the time Aaron came back. It was almost odd to see him out of uniform, but he looked delicious in tight khakis and a soft-looking black sweater. “Thanks. How was your trip?”

“All right. Traffic was horrendous.”

Aaron grinned. “I meant your trip home. For Christmas.”

“Oh, right, of course.” Tyler rubbed his hands on his jeans. He’d changed five times before deciding on his current outfit—dark slim-fit jeans and a white button-down shirt. The entire time he’d worried about being too casual or not casual enough. That was stupid. He was ruining everything with his sudden bout of anxiety.

He and Aaron had clicked by talking. It was time to actually say what was on his mind. “I’m really kind of nervous.”

Aaron nodded. “Me too.”

“You know, that makes me feel a lot better.” And it did. The weight pressing down on his chest released its squeeze.

“Well, that makes one of us.” Aaron let out a little huff.

Tyler laughed. “Why don’t we talk about what brought us together in the first place? Teddy bears.”

“Oh my God.” Aaron scrubbed at his face. “I can’t believe you actually watched that broadcast. I looked like a total idiot.”

“No,” Tyler said softly. “No, you didn’t. You looked like a hero to a little girl.”

Aaron dropped his head, and even in the dim lighting, Tyler could see the blush on his cheeks. “Wouldn’t have been able to be a hero without you.”

They went to their table shortly after that. The conversation stayed light over dinner, Tyler retelling some of the best stories of his trip. As he sipped his water, he realized Aaron still hadn’t mentioned his family. “So, what about you? Are your parents still around?” Crap, he’d feel like such an ass if Aaron’s parents had passed.

Aaron shrugged. “I guess so. I haven’t spoken to them in a few years.”

“Oh.”

“Hey, it’s fine. I’m over it, really. It wasn’t like they disowned me. We stopped having anything to talk about.” Aaron twirled his fork. “Don’t stop talking about yours, okay? I think it sounds nice to have a big family that accepts you.”

They’d accept Aaron too
, Tyler thought. He shouldn’t rush things. This was a first date, really. But Tyler had gotten a taste, and he’d only wanted more.

Their waiter told them there would be coffee and desserts on the enclosed patio overlooking the lake. They could ring the New Year in out there if they wanted.

Tyler stood and held out his hand. After a moment of hesitation, Aaron grasped it and let himself be led out of the main dining room. His palm was warm against Tyler’s, and it made him want more skin contact.

Large glass windows looked out over the shimmering water, with the rest of the city in the distance. Tables with food were set up along the back, out of the way of the cozy couches and intimate seating. They stood away from the others in the room, so it felt almost as if they were alone.

“I’m not the only one, right?” Aaron said after a moment. “You feel this too? This connection?”

Tyler gripped his hand tighter. “I’d say it’s Christmas magic, but that would be horribly insensitive of me.”

“Especially since Christmas is over.”

Tyler stopped himself from explaining that the twelve days of Christmas were the days after the twenty-fifth. Instead, he listened as Aaron continued.

“But the New Year has a magic too, I guess. New beginnings. Leave the old crap behind, right?”

They settled in by the window, and Tyler draped his arm around Aaron, keeping him close. He took a deep breath, trying to capture Aaron’s scent over the coffee smell filling the room. When he caught a hint of mint, he knew he succeeded. “You know, my sister is getting married in June.”

“Hello, non sequitur.”

Tyler smiled. “Not really. I think I want to see where this goes. I want more than just a blow job in your living room. I want to walk with you in the art museum. I want to see where you purchase your little collectibles. I want to take you to my sister’s wedding.”

“Way to make me blush,” Aaron said.

“I’ve been doing that all night.”

A spark of light drew their attention. The fireworks had started to explode over the water. Midnight had surprised them.

Aaron turned and kissed Tyler, pressing their lips together in a smooth, gentle motion. “Yes,” he said. “I want to see where this goes. I want to see what else you do beside rescue teddy bears.”

“Good.” Tyler pulled him close.

Aaron was infinitely more interesting to look at than the fireworks anyway.

Don’t miss the 2015 Advent Calendar:

31 stories of holiday love!

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CC B
RIDGES
is a mild-mannered librarian by day, but by night she writes about worlds of adventure and romance. A fan of science fiction and comics since the ripe old age of twelve, she incorporates her love of genre into her work. She writes surrounded by books, spare computing equipment, a fluffy dog, baby toys, and a long-suffering husband all in the tiny state of New Jersey. In 2011, she won a Rainbow Award for best gay sci-fi/futuristic novel.

Website: www.ccbridges.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ccbridgeswriter

Twitter: @ccbridgeswriter

E-mail: [email protected]

Exodus

Heaven Corp: Book Two

By CC Bridges

Henry “Hank” Abraham’s privileged status in the floating city of Heaven lets him flout Morality Laws that control the lives of others. But when he wakes up in the arms of another stranger, only bodyguard Ian Caldwell’s quick thinking saves his life.

Though Ian’s from the low levels and the labor class, he’s used to dealing with the pampered society of Heaven. He’s assigned to protect Hank while angels, cybernetically modified humans who defend Heaven, investigate the assassination attempt. Doing his job means Ian must ignore his growing interest in Hank. Acting on their mutual attraction would certainly get Ian reprogrammed, something neither of them can afford.

When Hank follows Ian to a popular BDSM club in Downside and his ID chip is lost during a nearly fatal mugging, he finds himself locked out of Heaven. As Ian fights to get them home, rumors of impending war begin to circulate—along with more troubling news that Ian is wanted for Hank’s murder. While struggling to keep the man he has come to love safe, Ian must find out who’s behind the plot and if it’s a catalyst for war or just a convenient excuse.

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