25. Xander

Xander

My nerves were on edge as Ry and I set out for his family home. His hands were steady on the steering wheel, a stark contrast to the flutter in my chest. We'd FaceTimed them a few times since Ry and I'd come out, yet there was still a twist of unease nestled deep within me. This was all new – not just the trip, but the idea of spending time with someone else"s family.

The relationship I had with my parents as a child – before our recent blowout – felt more like a business deal than anything else. The only times they seemed to remember they had a son were during those drab business parties they threw – events where I played my part as the obedient son while they played at being loving parents in front of their wealthy friends.

Christmas – the so-called "most wonderful time of the year" – was anything but for me. It served as an annual reminder that I was just a prop in my parents" world – a lonely rich kid whose existence mattered only when it boosted their image.

But this year might be different. Despite my jitters about navigating unfamiliar family dynamics, there was this spark inside me that wouldn"t go out – an excitement that whispered this Christmas with Ry"s family might actually live up to its reputation.

"Ready?" Ry asked, glancing over at me with a reassuring smile. It was as if he could sense my nervousness.

I took a deep breath, pushing aside my nerves. "Yeah, I'm ready," I said with more confidence than I felt. For once, Christmas held promise instead of disappointment. "Hey, do you mind if we make a quick stop at my parents' place?"

Ry raised an eyebrow. "Your parents' place? Why?" His eyes searched my face for clues before quickly returning to the road.

"It"s a surprise. They're in Paris–" I knew this because Judy kept tagging me on her social media posts. I guess she wanted to keep up the appearance that all was well with the Harrison family, "–and I want to show you something."

Not surprisingly, his curiosity got the best of him, and he had to ask questions. "Come on, Sunshine. Give me a hint. What"s this surprise about?"

I chuckled, enjoying keeping him on edge. "Nope, not telling. It"s more fun this way."

He let out a playful huff, his lips curling into a small smile.

I gave him directions, which he followed without a hitch. "Almost there."

The wrought-iron gates of my parents' estate loomed before us as we pulled up. Ry"s eyes widened, taking in the impressive sight.

"This is your home?"

"Yeah, it was until I left for college." For reasons I couldn't fathom, I was embarrassed. "It"s... something else, right?"

"Xander, I knew your family was loaded, but..." Ry"s voice trailed off, leaving the statement hanging in the air.

I shrugged it off, not wanting to dwell on the material aspects of my life. "You know I would"ve exchanged all this for the support and unconditional love of my parents, right?"

Ry looked at me, his eyes filled with understanding. He drew me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly. "You"ve got my unconditional love and support, Xander. Always."

We held each other close, whispering words of love and affirmation into each other"s ears. He felt like the missing piece I"d been searching for my entire life.

"Come on," I said, pulling away slightly, my hand still gripping his. "Let me show you around."

As we walked through the foyer, Ry took in everything. The high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers made us look small, the polished marble floors reflecting our every step. Intricate moldings framed the walls, and expensive art pieces caught the light just right, illuminating their beauty.

"Wow, this is... impressive," Ry admitted, craning his neck to take in every detail.

"Wait till you see my room," I said, leading him up the sweeping staircase. "That"s where the real magic happens."

"Magic, huh?" Ry"s voice held a teasing edge as his hand found a confident hold on my ass cheek and squeezed it playfully. "I think we make magic every time we fuck."

His words drew an amused snort from me, and I couldn"t help but respond with a saucy comeback. "Really? Didn"t know you were some kind of bedroom sorcerer."

Before I could even process his reaction, he was all over me. He tackled me with such force that we both stumbled backward, not even registering that we were on the stairs. His lips crashed onto mine and I reveled in the sweet slide of his tongue.

But as abruptly as the kiss started, we pulled apart. A devilish grin stretched across Ry"s face as he backed away slightly. His smug expression brought back the reason why we were here – I had something upstairs in my bedroom that I wanted him to see.

My heart raced with anticipation as we approached my old bedroom. I wanted him to see the truth behind my passion for hockey.

"Here it is." My hand trembled slightly as I reached for the doorknob, taking a deep breath.

As the door swung open, I stepped back, allowing Ry to take in the room.

"Wow, Sunshine…" Ry"s voice trailed off as he stepped inside, his hand reaching out to touch one of the posters. "I had no idea…"

I stepped beside him, our shoulders brushing and the warmth of his body radiating against mine. "I wanted you to know how much you mean to me, Ry. You inspire me, on and off the ice."

His eyes swung around the room and took in the room in its entirety. It was adorned with hockey memorabilia, posters lining the walls, and various merch items scattered throughout the space. All with him in it.

Ry's gaze locked onto mine, searching for answers in the depths of my gaze, his eyes wide. He swallowed hard, his Adam"s apple bobbing with the motion. "Sunshine…?"

"Yeah." I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. "I"m your biggest fan, Ry." Why am I suddenly feeling so shy? My face is damn hot, man.

"But I thought Steele was your hockey idol."

"His game was important for me to study, but it was you who really got to me; I just didn't realize it back then," I admitted. "I was nine when I caught my first glimpse of you on the ice, scoring a double against Calgary. That moment, something clicked – I knew I wanted to be a left winger… and I dreamed of being on the same team as you, sharing the forward line."

"Sunshine…" Ry"s voice was barely above a whisper.

"I know it"s a lot to take in," I murmured, "but I wanted you to see... everything."

Ry breathed out, his fingers gently tracing the line of my jaw, sending sparks of electricity dancing across my skin. "Thank you. This means more to me than you know."

Our lips connected in a soft, sincere kiss. Everything outside of this moment faded away, replaced by the heady sensation of Ry"s mouth on mine.

When we finally broke apart for air, Ry gently pressed his forehead to mine, and his lips broke into a smile.

Ry's phone vibrated in his pocket. He plucked it out and glanced at the screen. "It's LoLo. She wants to know why we aren't there yet."