Page 30 of Tasty Tentacles

They are great. I think you just charmed my hubby.

Oh?

Yep. BertieBear is a big SciFi fan.

Thanks for the intel. I never guessed. BTW, I love that name for him. Fits him perfectly.

I agree. He’s eminently huggable. Do you know his nickname for you? It’s right here on his phone.

He has a name for me?

You have met him, haven’t you?

:)

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. And…?

I punch Hideo on the shoulder and say, “You’re giving away all my secrets!”

This is Bertie again. I see Hideo has been telling tales.

I’m still waiting.

If you must know, you’re GingerGiant in my Contacts.

I’ll take that. :) I am freakishly tall, and ginger head to foot. Thanks.

“I so, so, so want to kiss this man,” I say. Now I’m imagining ginger fur, everywhere, and I want to do a lot more than kiss. Ginger chest and ginger abs, furry ginger legs, bushy ginger pubes…augh! How am I going to get to sleep tonight?

“Go ahead—ask him over tomorrow,” Hideo says. “Maybe we’ll have a holiday miracle.”

As I’m trying to craft a non-threatening but flirty way to do this, I get another text.

I’m glad you texted. I wanted to ask you guys something.

Yes?

I didn’t finish my holiday decorations this year. Do you want to come over and help me put up my tree? I usually binge some Next Generation too.

Hideo is watching over my shoulder and says, “And there it is…you just got your present from Santa.”

I take a deep breath and force myself to type slowly, so I won’t make any mistakes.

We’d love to! We have tons of leftovers from the party.

Let’s call it brunch. I’ll make mimosas. Drop in when you’re ready.

I’m so ready.

:) Sweet dreams.

Holiday hugs.

“Hooray,” I cheer. “This is going to be great fun.”

“Hooray,” Hideo says, with considerably less cheer. “An afternoon in the Federation.” He’s not a SciFi fan, and he’s probably seen enough episodes to last the rest of his life. Then he brightens up and adds, “But I can always play fetch with Jake.”

As Hideo turns off the light, I ask, “Hidie-ho, could you lose the t-shirt tonight? I want to cuddle.”