The arrogant smirk that started to appear on his face was enough to snap me out of whatever trance he was trying to charm me into and I gave him a big grin.
Alright then my lovely boyfriend, time to make some dinner ! I exclaimed, shooing him off towards the kitchen.
Max cleared his throat and I corrected myself. Time to make your lovely girlfriend and lovely brother some dinner ! I smiled, causing him to scowl at me.
Well that’s not a pretty face. I said, shaking my head.
You’d be a hassle to date. He muttered, going into the kitchen willingly now.
Oh but you love me and still would. I gushed at him, leaning against the counter as he put his mug in the sink.
Now who’s being a, what was it again, Mr. Cockypants ? He raised an eyebrow, the scowl gone and replaced by an amused smirk.
Less talking more cooking. I ordered, my stomach growling in agreement.
Alright alright. What will my gorgeous girlfriend have today ? He asked with heavy sarcasm.
Surprise me my booboo. I grinned and he thought for a while, before turning back around and starting to pull out ingredients.
Oh and this time don’t start a fire. I reminded him with a smirk.
You know I got a rag that’s just dying to go in your mouth. He said back, keeping his back to me as he pulled out some pans.
I thought that was your tongue. I said with a wicked grin, calling him out from when he had kissed my cheek.
His eyes lit up and he was suddenly in front of me in an instant. I know you’d love to interpret it that way, but I think you’re reading too much into a friendly, harmless kiss. He shrugged his shoulders.
It was awfully close, seemed like you missed the spot you were aiming for. I countered back, my breathing becoming hitched as he moved an inch closer.
Then why don’t you let me shoot another shot ? He asked seductively, his voice becoming lower.
I made the mistake of glancing down at his delicious full lips and he caught me looking.
You know you want to. He whispered, his minty cold breath fanning my lips.
What was this trickery ?
I glanced down at his inviting lips again and saw them quirk up slightly.
No, I don’t think I do. I deadpanned, pushing his chest away.
I knew I would have kissed him right then and there, and thankfully that one cocky smirk got me and snapped me out of it.
What the hell was I doing playing so carelessly with fire like that ? Maybe it was the way he always pushed and teased me. For some reason, I think he ignited a fiery streak of confidence and danger within me, one that seemed to rapidly grow each time he got closer.
I realized that my heart was still drumming from the close contact once I had pushed some breathable distance between us and I did my best to regain my composure.
Suit yourself. He smirked knowingly, turning back to whatever he was making.
I opened my mouth to bruise his ego more when Max screamed from the living room.
HALLELUJAH ! He yelled.
I pushed myself off of the counter and walked to the front to see that he had in fact, pulled the entire seven-foot-tall tree through the door.
You got pine needles everywhere ! Nathan whined, grabbing his hair.
Max didn’t seem to hear him though as he was too busy gloating.
Told you I could get it in ! I told you ! Max cheered.
I rolled my eyes as he did a happy dance and Nathan just turned back around to finish making his surprise dinner.
Having a pretend boyfriend was pretty cool. I was just happy he hadn’t told me that my dinner would be pretend dinner.
Santa ?
I looked up suddenly to see Dustin appear from the hall, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and looking adorable in his dinosaur pajamas.
Max stared at Dustin with large eyes as I shot him a glare.
The idiot had woken up Dustin and we both knew what that meant… When Nathan had left to go on his secret mysterious trip with Alvin, he had forgotten to mention not to wake Dustin up at all costs. Once he was awake, you could not get him back to sleep.
No, Santa’s not here yet, go back to bed or else he won’t stop by. I smiled down and grabbed his hand, turning to tuck him back in before he became more awake and hyper.
Why is the tree still on the ground ? Dustin asked us, staying rooted to his spot.
I forgot ! I have to help you guys decorate the tree ! Dustin exclaimed with his eyes wide and awake now, excitement filling them.
If only Max and Nathan had been more competent and able to bring the tree entirely in as soon as we had gotten back.
Well you really need to go to bed or Santa won’t stop by our house. Max tried to softly explain to his younger brother.
But I want to help ! He complained and stomped his tiny foot. We didn’t even put the milk and cookies ! Me and Nathan always put the milk and cookies. He looked up at the both of us with an adorably heart-broken face.
I had to look away otherwise I knew I’d crack.
Dustin, it’s way past your bedtime okay, if you don’t go to bed now, no presents for you tomorrow. Max spoke sternly.
This caused Dustin’s eyes to well up with tears threatening to burst at any more wrong words spoken.
I shot Max a glare quickly, then looked down at the disheartened kid.
It’s not fair. He mumbled, standing there staring at the floor, trying hard not to cry.
At least the kid was genuine and not trying to cry on purpose for attention.
What’s going on here ? We all turned our heads to see Nathan walk in now from the kitchen.
They won’t let me help decorate the tree. They won’t even let me put the milk and cookies out ! Dustin whined, but in the most adorable way where it was completely okay. What will Santa say when he has no milk and cookies ?
I watched as Nathan walked over to him and kneeled down in front of his younger brother who was just seconds away from becoming emotionally undone.
You really wanna help us decorate the tree ? Nathan asked, staring at his younger brother.
He eagerly nodded.
Do you promise to go straight to bed after ? Nathan asked.
Yes. Dustin promised, trying to hold a solemn expression, the excitement trying to bubble out of him.