Chapter 39

As he slipped a capful of whiskey into his drink, he heard someone approach behind him and turned to find Robbie there. His skin looked golden and glittery, his eyes sparkled like stars, and everything about him was so warm and glowing and it didn’t help Jake one bit that they were the only ones in the kitchen at the moment. Clearing his throat, he said, “Hey. Rob.”

“Hey.” Robbie reached past Jake to refill his own drink, his arm brushing along Jake’s. “You having fun?”

Jake shrugged. “Yeah.” The lie came easily. He was used to lying to Robbie, pretending he didn’t think of him in erotic thoughts or sordid carnal dreams, pretending his friend’s touch didn’t ignite his blood and set his skin aflame. “How about you?”

Robbie laughed. “I live for this.” His eyes twinkled over the rim of his mug as he sipped at the eggnog. “Are you okay, man? Lighten up—it’s Christmas.”