What else could Jackson do? He’d agreed to this pretence, so he could hardly leave Nick hanging. Up close, he could see flecks of grey in Nick’s blue eyes that he’d never noticed before. He put his hands on Nick’s shoulders and quickly ducked his head, intending to give Nick a brief kiss on the lips. But as soon as their lips met, Nick curled his hand around the nape of Jackson’s neck and held him there with enough pressure that Jackson got the message loud and clear.
Not so fast! He could imagine exactly how Nick would sound if he was saying it out loud, stern with a touch of humour.
Jackson gave in, letting Nick take charge of the kiss as their mouths softened against each other’s. It wasn’t a snog exactly. There were no tongues involved. But it was definitely more than a peck on the lips. It made Jackson’s heart surge in a sudden thrilling rush because it was so sweet and gentle and loving.
Except it wasn’t.
This was just for show, and that knowledge caused a dull ache in Jackson’s chest as he longed for the real thing.
When Nick finally released him, Jackson’s heart was thumping as if he’d done fifty press-ups.
“Happy Christmas,” Nick said softly.
“It’s not Christmas yet,” Jackson managed.
“Well, Happy Christmas Eve, then.” Turning away, Nick addressed his nephew. “Hey, buddy. The food’s supposed to go in your mouth, not all over your face.”
Maria laughed. “Yeah, we’re still working on that, aren’t we, darling?” Seth stuck his free hand in the yogurt pot and shoved a handful of it into his mouth, as if to prove Nick wrong. Then he threw his spoon on the floor.
Jackson picked it up. “Shall I give it back to him, or do you want me to wash it first?”
“You can give it back to him. But he’ll probably drop it again immediately.”
Sure enough, the moment Jackson put the spoon on the highchair tray, Seth grabbed it and flung it to the floor again with a joyful shriek.
“Well if you don’t want it, it can stay there,” Maria said calmly. “I think you’re finished anyway.”
Seth craned to see the spoon on the floor. “Ba-ba-bah!” He pointed.
“No. You’re done. Let’s get you cleaned up and I’ll see if I can get Daddy to play with you while I sort out this mess.”
“Want us to take Seth for a bit?” Nick offered.
“Oh, yes. That would be awesome. I’m not sure if Adrian will be out of the shower yet.”
“No problem. Seth can have some quality uncle time.”
Maria got a cloth and wiped Seth’s face and fingers, and then removed his bib, which looked like an impressionist painting. “Right, that’s good enough till bath time.” She unclipped him and scooped him out of his chair. “Off you go with Uncle Nick and Uncle Jackson.” She passed him to Nick, shooting Jackson a quick grin and a wink.
Jackson’s cheeks heated as he grinned back. It felt good being referred to as Seth’s uncle. Way too good.
He followed Nick into the empty living room.
“Right, Seth.” Nick plopped him down on the carpet and sat cross-legged next to him. “What are we going to do?”
Jackson sat on the floor too, and they watched as Seth crawled off towards the basket of toys. He pulled out a few random things until he found a soft toy. It looked like a rabbit, with big floppy ears, and buttons for eyes. Some parts of it were furry, others smooth fabric, others textured. Seth poked the button eyes, and then scrunched one of the ears in his hands. It made a crackling sound.
“What have you got there, buddy?” Nick asked. Seth held the toy out towards him, and Nick moved closer, reaching out a hand to scrunch the other ear.
“Guh.” Seth looked at him expectantly.
Nick scrunched the ear again. “Cool. Nice rabbit.” He took the rabbit from Seth and wiggled it in front of him, putting on a silly voice and saying, “Hello, Seth! How are you today?”
Clearly unimpressed, Seth grabbed the toy and crawled towards Jackson, rabbit clenched in one determined fist. When he reached Jackson he shoved the toy in his lap. “Guh.”
“Your turn.” Nick grinned.
“Thanks, dude.” Jackson smiled. “What do you want me to do with it?”
“Guh-guh.” Seth sat in front of Jackson. “Guh-guh-guh!” His tone implied that whatever he wanted, it was very important.
Jackson picked up the toy and squeezed it, making it give a loud squeak.
Seth’s face split into a huge smile and he flapped his hands in excitement. “Guh!”
“Ah, that’s it.” When Jackson squeaked the toy again, Seth gave an excited squeal, whole body bouncing as he flapped again.
“How did you work that out?” Nick looked a little disgruntled.
“Prior knowledge.” Jackson tapped his nose with a smug grin. “It’s not my first time playing with baby toys, remember.” He had two nieces and a nephew, and sometimes babysat for his sisters.