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“Pants first,” I suggest. “And put a nice dress shirt under the sweater to class it up a notch.”
“Yeah?” He bites his lip as he glances over his shoulder at me.
“Definitely.” I nod encouragingly when he pulls out a pair of khaki slacks. Neither of us bats an eye at him changing into them in front of me. The man has a gorgeous ass, which I admire from a purely aesthetic and totally platonic perspective. That ass is off limits. He’s asexual and only rarely has any interest in that kind of intimacy. Which is a huge part of why we never could have worked as a couple long-term, in addition to me not meeting his needs.
He rolls his eyes when he notices me ogling him. “My eyes are up here, sailor.”
“Uh, huh. They’re pretty too, very soulful. I was just checking the pants. Very nice. They really show off your assets.” I slurp the last of my drink and set the empty tumbler and my gift bag for Meg on his dresser to deal with later.
Carl rolls his eyes again. “I don’t want him to like myassets. I want him to likeme.”
“Well, you don’t need my help with that part, babe. Just being your lovely, sweet self should seal that deal. But I can make sure you look hot.” I reach past him for a purple plaid button up and one of his more muted sweaters, a soft brown boatneck, to show off the shirt.
Carl gives me a dubious look. “Are you sure?”
“Trust me darling, the pop of color will bring out your gorgeous eyes.” I pat his furry cheek, then hold the shirt up for him. Carl shrugs into it, letting me fuss over the buttons while he fidgets anxiously. “He’s going to love you, and if he doesn’t, then it’s his loss and you deserve better.”
“Agh. You always say that,” Carl moans.
“And it’s always true. Put on the sweater.” I hand it to him. Carl pulls it on obediently. Then he holds out his arms for me to roll up the sleeves of his dress shirt so they lay just so. “Hair.” I nudge him toward the washroom. I run some gel through his unruly hair, leaving the rest to him as he brushes his teeth and makes sure his beard is tidy.
“Good?” He poses in front of the mirror, trying to suck in a gut that’s utterly perfect for cuddling. He plucks at his pants. “It’s not too much?”
“Stop that; you look edible.”
“I don’t want to be edible.” He pouts.
“Well, you always look delicious to me,” I tease him with a wink. “So I guess I’m no help to you.”
“Saint!” Carl whines my name. He’s so damn eager to make a good impression. I get it. I just want him to be with someone who can see how incredible he is. So if this guy is put off by Carl’s burly bear good looks and his love of bright colors and soft textures, then it’s his loss. Anyone would be lucky to date Carl.
“You seriously look hot, Carl. If he doesn’t love you, it’s on him.”
“Thanks. Okay. I should go, right?”
“Yeah, probably.” I nod, following him out of his washroom and toward the stairs, stopping to collect my stuff from his dresser.
“Can I text later to talk about how it goes?” Carl asks. As if he needs permission.
“Any time, babe.” I wink at him. “Good luck with the date.”
“Thanks. Ah! I’m excited. Fingers crossed, we’ll make some Christmas magic.” He actually holds up crossed fingers. Freaking adorable man. It’s a mystery why he’s still single when I know he’d rather be in a relationship. I make a quick detour to deposit my dirty tumbler in his sink.
For Carl’s sake, I hope this guy is the one. He deserves to have his perfect holiday romance. Even if it means I get to see him less often. He puts on his shoes and a nice jacket with an earth-toned plaid scarf that’s neutral enough to complete his look.
“Mind locking up for me?” Carl asks as we step outside.
“Not at all. Have fun tonight. And let me know how it goes.”
“Obviously. Don’t wait up.” Carl winks at me.
I force a smile and wave to him as he pulls out of our driveway to go meet his date. As I lock his front door before letting myself into my side of the duplex feeling morose. I set the new phone for Meg in the entryway and wish it was tomorrow already, so I’d have company tonight while Carl is hopefully getting swept off his feet. Too bad I can’t give Meg the phone tonight, so I could at least talk to Angel. Tomorrow will just have to be soon enough.
Chapter 7
Angel (December 14th, 2023)
Saintgreetsmeatthe door as I’m prying off the fierce calf-hugging faux leather boots I thrifted for Meg last year. She didn’t like them, but they’re my new favorites. The shearling lining is warmer than most of my other stuff, and I can just cram my feet into them despite their being a size too small.
