Page 130 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
“No, I was waking up,” I lie, because I don’t want him to feel bad. “What did you do?”
“Stubbed my toe on the coffee table,” he answers and then takes a seat next to me on the air mattress. “How did you sleep?”
I smile up at him. “Wonderfully.”
“Yeah?” His hair is askew, his scruff is thicker, and he looks all kinds of adorable in the morning with that smirk of his.
“Yeah, I did. You’re really good at spooning.”
“I taught myself.”
I chuckle. “Wow, you grew your face yourself, and you taught yourself how to spoon. Looks like I hit the jackpot.”
“Glad you see it that way, because you did.” He winks and then says, “I brought you breakfast in bed. And before I hand it over, I don’t want you to get your hopes up that banana pancakes and bacon are about to be placed on your lap. I might have a fire going and a generator warming up some hot water so we can take quick showers, but that’s the extent of the luxury while the power is out.”
“I’m just grateful I’m not a Popsicle frozen to my couch this morning.”
“Me too.” He nods. “Sit up for me.”
I untangle myself from the blankets and sit up only for him to place a cookie sheet lined with a dish towel on my lap. On top of the dish towel is an unwrapped Pop-Tart arranged on a plate, a cup of coffee, and a banana.
God, he’s so cute.
I smile up at him and say, “Cherry Pop-Tarts are my favorite.”
“Wait, really?”
“They are. Clearly the best choice out of all the options.”
He presses his lips together and then looks away. “That... that makes me want to have you sit on my face all over again... with said cherry Pop-Tart in your mouth.”
I laugh. “An odd fantasy, but I’d be game.”
“Don’t tempt me.” He gets up and heads back toward the kitchen.
“Where are you going?”
“Grabbing my tray. You’re not the only one eating a cherry Pop-Tart this morning.”
He heads back to the kitchen, and I start peeling my banana. Clearly, Atlas has been looking after the fire overnight, because there’s a fresh log on it.And he made me breakfast.It’s sothoughtful, especially considering reserves must be low. I’ve had a few boyfriends here and there, but they’ve never treated me like this, and Atlas isn’t even my boyfriend, just a guy who likes me.
“Not going to stub my toe this time,” he says as he comes around and takes a seat on the air mattress next to me. “How’s the coffee? Instant isn’t always the greatest, but it’s the best I could do.”
“Haven’t tried it yet. But I bet it’s not as bad as you think it is.” I lift the mug up to my lips and take a sip, only to shiver from the muddy taste. “Oh... oh my God.” I cough and he takes the mug away from me as I quickly take a bite of my banana to get the taste off my tongue. “That’s... that’s horrendous.”
He chuckles. “Sorry. Should have warned—it’s an acquired taste. I can grab you something else.”
“No, it’s fine. Don’t get up again. I have some water that you brought over from last night.”
“You sure? I can make you some tea.”
“I’m sure,” I say, placing my hand on his leg. “Seriously, you don’t have to cater to me, Atlas.”
“I just want to make sure you have everything you need.”
“I do,” I say with a shy smile.
He points at me. “Are you... are you flirting with me?”
