Chapter 3

That thought bothered me more than I cared to admit. Changing the subject, I held up the first DVD, whose case depicted Tim Allen dressed as Santa. “What do you think?” I wanted to know. “Hot or not?”

For a moment, I didn’t think Chris would answer. But when I glanced at him, he was studying the case in my hand as if debating whether or not he should answer honestly. He knew I would try to embarrass him no matter what he said, so he answered my question with one of his own. “Isn’t that the guy from Home Improvement? You think he’s hot?”

I shrugged. “I think Santa is. This dude could be anybody, really. Can I tell you a secret?” Chris nodded and leaned towards me, his eyes wary. Lowering my voice, I told him, “Santa suits? Turn me on.”