“Whatever. I’m not going to ask him.”
His fingers itched to send Henry a message right that second.
“Mm-hmm.”
To Dom’s surprise, Nathan let the subject drop and the conversation moved on.
But it stayed in Dom’s mind all through his afternoon at work. By the time he finished, his phone was practically burning a hole in his pocket. He’d been texting Henry on and off throughout the day but hadn’t asked him the one question he really wanted to.
Damn Nathan and his stupid ideas.
As soon as he suggested it, Dom wanted it more than anything, but chances were Henry already had plans. Why wouldn’t he?
Dom could almost feel the disappointment of Henry saying he couldn’t make it.
Christ, this is ridiculous. I’ve not even asked him yet.
No time like the present.
Dom: I know it’s late notice, and I totally understand if you’ve already got plans, but I thought I’d ask anyway. If you’re free Christmas Eve, do you fancy spending it with me? At my house? x
He hit Send before he could second guess himself, then turned his phone on silent, set it on the passenger seat, and drove back to his aunt and uncle’s house.
He managed to resist looking until he pulled onto their drive, but as soon as he turned the engine off and put the handbrake on, he had his phone in his hand.
The screen glowed bright with a message from Henry.
Dom stared at it for a second, almost afraid to open it.
Almost.
He held his breath and opened the app.
Henry: No plans that I can’t get out of. I’d love to spend the night with you x
Another message arrived as Dom was about to reply.
Henry: Or just the evening. That works too. Sorry, I just assumed you meant the whole night, but of course it’s fine if you didn’t.
Dom laughed out loud, a smile breaking out.
Dom: Of course I meant the whole night. I want to go to sleep with you on Christmas Eve and wake up with you Christmas morning. That okay?
He mentally crossed his fingers.
Henry: Yeah, I’d really like that.
Dom smiled so wide his cheeks hurt.
Dom: I finish at midday. I could pick you up on my way home?
Henry: I’ve got the day off. But I’d better drive myself. I need to be back in Bristol for Christmas lunch with Ella, my parents are coming down.
Dom: I can bring you back.
Henry: Don’t be daft. It’s miles out of your way, you don’t need to be doing a 2 hour round trip on Christmas Day.
Dom stared at his phone, nose scrunched up. Henry had a point, but he’d been looking forward to picking him up. But then if he had to take Henry home, they’d have to leave earlier for Dom to get back in time.
