A Guy for Christmas

by K. C. Wells

  Robin flushed. “I snuck a peek in Dad’s papers, looking for your order for the RapidFire. And as to why I’m here… You said something the other day about being a ski instructor?”

  Dean frowned. “Yes.”

  “Well… I was wondering if you’d take me out on the slopes. I’d like to give it a try. If I think it’s something I’d enjoy, then maybe I’ll get some lessons.” He laughed. “Not saying I wanna be a ski champion or anything.”

  Dean was genuinely puzzled. “You were born here, right?” When Robin nodded, Dean continued. “Are you telling me you’ve never skied? Because if I lived here all my life, I’d sure as hell have learned to ski. The winter sports scene here is incredible.”

  Robin shook his head. “Nope. Never got around to it. So… would you?” His cheeks were flushed.

  Dean smiled. “I think I can spare you some time this Saturday, if you’re not working.”

  “I don’t work weekends, unless we’ve got a lot of orders to complete. Right now it’s fairly quiet.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  Robin nodded. “I’d like that. And thank you.”

  “You need to dress appropriately.”

  Another confident nod. “I can do that. And I can lay my hands on a pair of skis.” He took a sip from his mug. “This is good.”

  Dean recognized evasion when he saw it. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe Robin’s reason for being there, but something about the whole situation didn’t feel quite right. Nothing he could put his finger on, but…

  Robin sat on the sofa facing him, and Lady instantly jumped into his lap, purring as he stroked her with his free hand. “Your cat likes me.”

  Dean chuckled. “I hate to disappoint you, but she’d like anyone with a pulse who will cuddle her. Ragdolls love to cuddle.”

  Robin inclined his head toward the stereo. “You turned the music off.” His eyes sparkled. “Rock, huh?”

  “A reminder of my youth.” He watched Robin in silence for a moment. The young man had changed little since high school, but then again it wasn’t all that long ago. He had to be eighteen by now. And a rather gorgeous eighteen at that. Dean supposed the floppy hair was in fashion, but it didn’t detract from Robin’s clear complexion and warm brown eyes. He wasn’t all that tall, and with his slight build and beautiful face, Dean was sure Robin would break hearts. If he hasn’t broken some already. That laugh of his was a delight.

  Those lips, however, were definitely kissable, and for one brief moment Dean wondered what it would be like to feel them against his. Has he ever been kissed? Did those gorgeous eyes widen as he experienced those first precious intimate seconds?

  Dean pushed aside such delicious thoughts and relaxed against the seat cushions. “You don’t look like your twin,” he observed.

  Robin blinked. “Of course. You taught Ryan. I’d forgotten.” He smiled. “You remember him?”

  Dean laughed. “Trust me, it’s hard to forget him. You should have seen him in my drama class. That boy would take on any role. He was the only student prepared to play Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest when we did a scene from it.” Ryan had had everyone laughing their asses off. “Does he still have a potty mouth?”

  Robin snorted. “No change there.” He leaned back too, visibly more relaxed.

  Dean studied him. “No, you’re really nothing alike.” Not in looks, nor in temperament. Ryan had been the class clown, whereas Robin? He was the kind of guy who drew attention of a different kind. A delightful mixture of sweetness and snark.

  “Mom used to joke one of us was a changeling. She just couldn’t figure out which one. He’s in college now.”

  Dean drank a little of his hot chocolate. “You didn’t want to go?”

  Another shake of his head. “I always wanted to work with my dad. He’s got me working on gunwales right now, but he’s gonna train me to make the hulls. It’s kinda tricky, because it’s a vacuum process.”

  Dean smiled. “Maybe my boat will be the first one you make.”

  Robin’s eyes lit up. “I’d like that. Have you been canoeing long?”

  “I first got into a canoe with my dad on the lake here when I was about eight years old. I absolutely loved it. First time he let me go out on my own, he made sure I rolled over and learned how to right myself. That was it. I was hooked. I did a little canoeing in Chicago out on the river, but I guess part of me wanted to be back here, where I’d been so happy as a child.” Where the water was a lot cleaner than in Chicago. Getting the job at the high school had felt almost serendipitous, as though Dean was back where he belonged.

  “Dad says I’ll be the one to take customers out onto the pond, to demonstrate the canoes.”

  His dad’s confidence in Robin’s skills said a lot. “Sounds to me like one day you could be running the business.”

  Robin let out a wry chuckle. “I think that’s my dad’s idea too, but that’s not gonna be for a while yet. Unless he’s planning on retiring very early, and taking my mom on a long cruise. She keeps dropping hints.”

  “I’m glad you’re doing something you enjoy. Not to mention something you’re obviously good at. This talent for woodwork… Does that come from your dad?”

  Robin nodded. “I remember being very little and helping my dad at his workbench. I think the first thing I ever made was a birdhouse.” He laughed. “Though I pity the birds who had to live in it.” He inclined his head toward the paintings. “I can see why you became an art teacher. You obviously like it.”

  Dean suddenly realized he’d omitted to say something vital. “Those paintings… they’re mine.”

  Robin’s eyes widened. “You’re really good. I mean it.” He glanced at them again. “Some of them look like photos.”

  “Thank you, but the thing about teaching art is, you have to be a jack of all trades. I get to teach drawing, painting, pottery, even sculpture.”

  “Your students do all that? Wow. I really missed out.”

  “Before you get too miserable, I should add they sculpt from soap. I get these blocks of soap that are only about four times the size of your average bar. It’s a good way to get kids started.” He peered at Robin. “Besides, you didn’t miss out. You did woodwork instead. And from the look of that gunwale you were working on, that’s obviously where your talents lay.” He glanced at the clock above the fireplace. “I’m not trying to get rid of you, I promise, but you need to think about going home. It’s getting late, and we’ve both got work in the morning.”

  Robin gave him a warm smile. “Thank you for the hot chocolate, and for not being annoyed at me turning up here.”

  Dean chuckled. “You really did intrigue me. But now I’m looking forward to spending a couple of hours with you on Saturday, teaching you to ski. I suspect you’ll be good at it.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Because you’re a talented young man. And I think you give everything you do one hundred percent. But remember… If you fall on your ass, it’s only your pride that gets hurt. You get up and keep on skiing.”

  “I’ll try to remember that.” Robin stroked Lady. “I love your cats.”

  “And they clearly love you.” Loki had climbed onto the sofa and lay on the seat cushion next to Robin, his chin resting on Robin’s knee. It made for an adorable picture.

  Okay, so cats would like anyone who cuddled them. Dean liked to think cats were also good judges of character. And so far, Robin was making a very favorable impression. He was intelligent, well mannered, and good-natured.

  It didn’t hurt any that he was also a beautiful guy.

  For God’s sake, quit thinking about his lips.

  What Dean wouldn’t give to be the first to kiss Robin Davis. Then he thought about it. The guy was eighteen. Since when did kids reach eighteen these days with no experience of sex? Robin had probably gotten laid the first chance he got, never mind experimented with a little kissing.

  Dean shoved such musings aside. He had papers to grade,
and the last thing he needed was to be distracted by thoughts of kissing Robin. Because dear Lord, that guy was a walking distraction.

  But as Robin said his goodbyes and walked his bike along the path, Dean had to admit he was thinking less about papers, and more about skiing with Robin.

  Chapter Six

  They sat at a table in the cafeteria near the huge windows of Bear Den Lodge, at Whiteface Mountain. Outside, the sky was clear blue, bright against the white snow. Skiers walked to and fro, carrying their skis, and kids threw snowballs at one another, laughing when they hit something, which was almost never.

  Two mugs of hot chocolate sat on the table in front of them, and Robin inhaled the heavenly aroma. There was nothing like it after a few hours on the slopes. He always loved the first ski of the season.

  Of course, having Dean alongside had been a definite distraction. More than once, Robin’s concentration had wandered, but that had worked out fine. Hey, I didn’t want to appear too good, right?

  Dean leaned back in his chair. “That’s the way to start the weekend.”

  Robin had to agree. “Thanks again for taking me out on the slopes.” He’d struggled with feelings of guilt the whole time, however. He didn’t like deceiving Dean.

  “How do you think you did today?” Dean asked.

  Robin pretended to hesitate. “Okay, I guess. I didn’t fall over too much, did I? But we were on easy trails, right?” He hated this. He knew exactly how difficult the trail had been, and for a moment back there he’d wondered why Dean had taken him to it after only half an hour’s skiing. The panicky thought had flitted through his mind. Because he knows, you doof. He’s seen right through you.

  “Wrong.”

  Robin blinked. “Excuse me?” Uh-oh.

  Dean shrugged. “I wouldn’t call Victoria an easy trail.”

  He swallowed. “Wow. I guess I coped better than I thought.”

  Dean cleared his throat. “Okay, let’s start this again. You’ve skied before.”

  It wasn’t a question.

  “No, I—”

  “Hey, Robin!” Ginny Richards stopped at their table, greeting Robin with a huge smile. “Great to see you. I knew you’d be here once the season started. Not like you to stay off the slopes, right?” She patted his shoulder, then looked across to where Dean sat, and her eyes widened. “Hey, Mr. Quentin. Is Robin here showing you a thing or two?”

  Dean gave her a polite smile, his eyes twinkling. “He certainly is.”

  Aw fuck. Robin stomach clenched.

  “Well, I’ll be seeing you around. Take care.” And with that Ginny walked off.

  Before Robin could utter a word, Ben Taylor approached, and Robin groaned internally. Oh, for God’s sake. What is this—Run into Your Senior Year Classmates Day?

  “Hey, Robin. I was hoping I’d see you. Can I buddy up with you one weekend? I want to try the Connector trail and I know you’ve done it before.”

  Robin was well and truly fucked. “Sure, Ben,” he said with a sigh.

  Ben gave him a grateful nod. “Aw, thanks. I’ll text you, and we can set it up.” He gave Dean a quick nod, then did a double take. “Hey, Mr. Quentin. Good to see you, sir.” Then he waved at a group of skiers on the other side of the cafeteria, and with that he was gone too.

  Robin gave a nervous laugh. “Seems to be my day for running into friends.”

  Dean was staring at him.

  Robin was so busted.

  “Before you think how unlucky you are that your friends happened to walk past at this precise moment,” Dean began, “I should add that I knew you could ski before they turned up.”

  “How?” Robin had done his level best to appear an amateur. Where did I go wrong?

  Dean folded his arms. “I watched you. Do you know how difficult it is to fall over on purpose–and be convincing? Not to mention the way you use your legs when you ski. That comes with a lot of practice.”

  Robin had one last try. “Maybe it’s because you’re such a good instructor?” he said hopefully.

  “Bullshit,” Dean responded promptly. “You’ve been caught. Now tell me why you lied in the first place.”

  Robin sighed. “I should have known better than to listen to my stupid brother,” he muttered.

  Dean frowned. “What’s Ryan got to do with this?”

  “I guess I’d better come clean. It was really good seeing you at the boatyard, and… I just want to spend more time with you, is all. The ski instruction was Ryan’s idea.”

  Dean snorted. “Why does that not surprise me?” He gave Robin a reproachful glance. “You didn’t have to make up some story about wanting to learn to ski.”

  “Yeah, well, I see that now.” He must have looked like a total loser. When Dean glanced at his watch, Robin’s heart sank. I really messed up.

  “I’m going home for lunch.” Dean paused. “Why don’t you join me?”

  Robin gaped. “You mean that?”

  Another shrug. “Why not? Your bike is at my place anyway. Apart from that, you’re good company. But don’t get excited. It’s only mac and cheese.” Robin beamed at him, and Dean laughed. “Why do I get the feeling I just said the right thing?”

  Robin grinned. “Mac and cheese is my favorite!”

  “Then what are we waiting for?” Dean nodded toward Robin’s mug. “Finish your hot chocolate, and we’ll get out of here.”

  Okay, maybe my brother has his uses. Score two for Ryan.

  “You know we’re going to talk more about this, right?” Dean speared him with an intense gaze, and something in Robin’s belly quivered.

  His elation suddenly seemed a little premature.

  Dean finished loading the dishwasher, and went to find Robin. He was standing in the hallway, peering at the framed photos that covered the wall in one long line. Dean stood still, not wanting to disturb him. Except it was more than that.

  Dean was enjoying the view.

  When Robin wasn’t bundled up in his skiing gear, he was a gorgeous mix of tousled hair, narrow waist, slim hips and slender legs. It all added up to a beautiful young man. Dean watched as Robin peered at the photos, a finger held to his lips, lost in contemplation.

  Those lips… Dean still wanted to know how they would feel against his, how it would feel to hold that slender body in his arms…

  “Is that you?”

  Dean broke off from his not-so-innocent thoughts. He knew exactly which photo Robin was referring to. He laughed. “Oh God. Yes, that’s me. It was an amateur dance production in Chicago.”

  Robin turned to face him, smirking. “Nice… costume.”

  Dean walked over to where he stood and peered at the photo. All the men had worn nothing but tights, and they’d danced barefoot. “What little there is of it. I only did it as a favor for a friend. He needed another dancer, and he knew me from college. I couldn’t say no.” He pointed to the figure on his right. “That’s Adrian. He’s now a professional dancer. Right now he’s rehearsing for a production in NYC. Actually, it’s his production.”

  Robin let out a soft exhale. “He must be good.” A smile flickered. “Were you any good?”

  Dean shrugged. “Adrian was happy enough. And it wasn’t as if I had a lead role. I was there to make up the numbers.” It had been a great experience, however, and Adrian had remained a good friend.

  “I think it’s cool.” Robin bit his lip, and not for the first time the gesture sent a trickle of arousal through Dean. “When I was little I asked my mom if I could take ballet classes.”

  “Seriously?”

  Robin chuckled. “Thankfully, she said no.” When Dean gave him a puzzled glance, Robin sighed. “I forget what I’d seen on TV—it could have been a dance scene in that movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—but I loved watching it. The guys dancing looked so cool. But there was no way I was cut out to be a dancer.”

  “Why not?” Dean imagined Robin as a lithe mover.

  “Ryan says I have two left feet.” Robin laughed. “
Although, we were eight at the time, and dancing at a wedding.”

  Dean couldn’t help himself. “Why am I picturing you in a cute little suit with a neat waistcoat?”

  Robin gaped in mock horror. “Okay, when did you see that photo?”

  Dean laughed. “My mom probably has similar photos of me someplace.” He inclined his head toward the framed photo. “Adrian is going to send me a couple of tickets for the opening night.” When the thought occurred to him, Dean rejected it, until a little voice in his head gave him a dig. Why not? “Why don’t you come with me?”

  Robyn’s eyes were huge. “Really?”

  “Why not? You’d have to ask your parents, I guess.” Robin might be eighteen, but he still lived under their roof.

  “They’d be okay about it, if I was going with you.”

  The more he thought about it, the more Dean really liked the idea. “I’ll let you know when I get the tickets.” His phone buzzed in his back pocket and he took it out to peer at the screen. “Excuse me. I have to take this call.” Dean walked into the kitchen and clicked on answer. “Hey, Kris.”

  “Dean? I really need to talk.” The note of panic in Kris’s voice was obvious.

  “Are you okay?”

  “No, no I’m not. Are you home?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “I’ll be there in ten minutes.” He disconnected.

  Dean shook his head before turning toward Robin. “I’m about to have a visitor. A friend. It sounds like he has problems.” He was a little concerned. Kris wasn’t given to moments of drama like this.

  Robin nodded. “I’ll go.”

  Dean didn’t begrudge helping out a friend, but Kris’s timing left a lot to be desired. “Hey, you don’t have to go right this second. Wait till he’s here.”

  Robin walked slowly toward him. “About today… You know, the whole ski instruction bit… I’m sorry I lied to you. I should’ve known better.” The note of contrition was genuine, and Dean regretted his blunt reaction.

  “Well, you got to spend time with me after all, so I guess it worked out okay.” Robin’s serious expression touched him. “Hey, no harm done, okay? We had a couple of hours skiing, and it was a great morning. And you might be spending more time with me if we go to NYC. Have you been there before?”