Jesse lost his parents to an accident, and it shaped him. The tragedy of it made him who he is, for better or worse. Though I’d say better, because he’s fucking strong. I gave him the best childhood I possibly could, and I know I did well for the kid. But he doesn’t need me…

Regardless of what he thinks, his love for me, he doesn’t need anyone. I respect that immensely. I’d like to think I’m the same, but I’m not sure if it’s true.

Because I definitely need him.

Jesse’s face tilts up to mine and I can’t stop myself. I grab him and haul him into my arms, hugging him tight, hand sliding up to cup his head, the other resting on his lower back. He melts into me and we just sway for many minutes by the fire.

He’s not shivering anymore. I think he’s warm and content. I hope he is…

After a while, he pulls back and gazes up at me, lashes fluttering as he says, “Sit. Please.”

I’m confounded by his soft command, and I nod, releasing him and plopping down onto the loveseat. Jesse wanders over to the Christmas tree and bends to rustle something from underneath. He comes back to me with a small gift box, wrapped in sparkly paper with a red bow on top.

“In all the excitement, I never got to give you your gift,” he says, handing it to me.

I take it with a cock of my brow. “Excitement… That’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one.”

Jesse rolls his eyes, a smirk covering his plush lips. “Just shut up and open it.”

A chuckle bubbles from my throat as I examine the box in my hands. I’m vibrating in anticipation…

What kind of gift could he have picked out for me?

Glancing up at him, I pat the seat next to me. His grin widens and he slinks onto the loveseat, nestling up to my side. I can’t resist pressing a kiss in his silky hair before slowly unwrapping my Christmas present.

Removing the top from the gift box, I blink. Airline tickets…

I peer at him, and he bites his lip. Taking them out, I read the destination.

“St. Barth…” I murmur, my fingers trailing the tickets.

Jesse leans in, pointing to the travel date. “For New Year’s.” I peer down at him, and he mumbles, “Surprise,” chewing nervously on his lower lip. “Is that okay? It’s only a week, and I know you have time off… I just figured you could use a vacation. I mean, we both could, I guess…”

I cut off his rambles with my lips, kissing him softly, though I’ve surprised him enough that he gasps into my mouth. I have no idea why his timidity turns me on, why the idea that he was nervous about this gift has my heart thudding aggressively in my chest. But it does and I have to force myself to stop mauling him.