And he’s the same way. At least, he always has been. But I can’t blame him for wanting to interact with other people on occasion.

So I just keep reminding myself this is good for him, while our drinks are delivered, and we order food.

Blake and Kenneth raise their glasses. “Here’s to a tropical Christmas,” Kenneth says.

“With our sexy new friends,” Blake adds, winking in our direction.

I chew the inside of my cheek, following Jesse’s lead, lifting my glass to clink with them.

“So… any big Christmas plans?” Kenneth asks us.

Jesse and I share a look. He bites his lip, then says, “We usually just hang out at home and exchange gifts.”

I rub his shoulder lovingly. “He’s being modest. He loves Christmas. Plans out elaborate meals and surprises…”

I give him a little grin, and he lights up. It takes away my frustrations just a tad. I can’t wait to spend our holiday anniversary with him.

“Ooh, that sounds fun,” Blake says, leaning in on the table. “So you’re really just a little chef, huh?”

Jesse chuckles humbly.

“Seriously… more than just gingerbread dicks on the menu?” Kenneth asks, amused.

“Hell yea,” Jesse says. “I’ve got a whole ass menu prepared.”

Blake and Kenneth laugh, clearly impressed. Which they should be, because he’s awesome.

“Do you work in a restaurant?” Kenneth asks Jesse.

“No,” he murmurs timidly, fiddling with his glass. “No, I just like to cook…”

“Not yet,” I cut in, and he peeks at me. “But he easily could. He could run his own restaurant if he wanted to.”

Jesse stifles an illuminated smile. “Maybe someday…”

“You will, baby,” I tell him softly, confidence lining my tone. “I fully believe you can do whatever you want. I mean, we know you can…”

He lets out an adorable little chuckle while giving me some major swoon eyes.

Unfortunately, I forgot we’re not alone.

“Awww!” Blake cries. “That’s so sweet! You two really are adorable together.” He tilts his drink in my direction while speaking to Jesse. “He’s so supportive of you. You’re lucky.” His eyes flit to Kenneth. “This one doesn’t always support my passions…”

Kenneth rolls his eyes. “That’s because your passions are creating an OnlyFans and seeking out endless partners for content.”

Jesse, who was taking a sip, spits into his drink, immediately coughing hysterically as I rub his back, all the while eyeing the two dudes across the table.

I knew this was coming…

Blake argues with his partner. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy the research.”

The food arrives, as the perfect distraction from this increasingly awkward topic of conversation. Not a fan of where that was going…