Spencer was naked except for the spectacular piece of jewelry on his left wrist that he couldn’t stop staring at. He felt Cole drift in and out of slumber, and Spencer tried to lie as still as possible and not disturb him since he’d stayed up all night finishing his gift. They continued to lie there in each other’s arms until the aroma of Christmas dinner was coming through his walls. On cue, Cole’s stomach growled loud enough to frighten them.
“Oops. Sorry. I guess I skipped breakfast, and lunch… and dinner.”
“I’m being a lousy host.” Spencer rolled over, feeling a little embarrassed that he couldn’t stop smiling. “I have no food prepared.”
“I know a great place where we can eat butter-roasted turkey, honey ham, and all the fixings.” Cole propped himself on his elbow and beamed down at him. “If you’re hungry, just say the word.”
“Word.” Spencer winked.
Cole smirked as he shook his head.
“What?”
“Just yesterday morning I was wishing this day would just come and go. Today…” Cole grazed his finger along Spencer’s pecs. “I’m hoping it never ends.”
“Imagine what tomorrow will bring,” Spencer added.
“You talk like a writer.” Cole smiled, hugging him. “Have Christmas dinner with me.”
Spencer fingered his bracelet, which was already becoming a piece of comfort to him. “I’d like that. Very much.”
“Good.” Cole pecked him on his forehead, then hurried and got out of the bed. “We better get going. The chef said if I’m there by four, he’ll feed us.”
“There where?” Spencer asked, looking confused. “It’s only one thirty, we have plenty of time.”
“Get dressed, beautiful. Axel texted a half hour ago that they were bringing the car around,” Cole said, yanking his pants on.
“Geez. Can I at least take a shower first?” Spencer teased, feeling lighter than he had in years.
“Sure. Make it quick though. I’m starved, and I’ve been thinking about George’s sweet potato casserole for a week,” Cole said, grabbing his arm when he walked by and giving Spencer another scorching kiss that quickly escalated until he was palming his naked ass and pulling him against his hardening dick.
Spencer was close to dropping to his knees when Cole spun him around and popped him lightly on his ass to get him moving. “All right, all right, I’m going.” Spencer went across the hall and started the shower while Cole straightened himself in his suit. “Where are we having dinner anyway?”
“At my house… in New York.” Cole came in and kissed Spencer’s slack mouth. “New traditions, remember.”
Spencer nodded, swallowing back his emotions. “I remember.”
THE END
Author Note:
I felt very blessed when asked to be a part of this Anthology with so many authors that I respect, for such an amazing cause.
I wish you all a Happy Holiday this year. And if you know of someone who is alone this season.
Reach out to them. It could make all the difference.
Meet A.E. Via
Adrienne Via’s writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
She’s kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. She’s head-over-heels for gay romance and has tons of more hot stories to tell.
Website: authoraevia.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3iPkmZh
Good Things Happen When You’re Out for the Holidays!
A Dream Come True…
Derek - This is it! I’m finally opening my own bistro. I’ve spent the last two years getting ready for this moment. I can’t decide if the holidays are the perfect time to begin a new venture, but I’m excited. It would be nice if my family were on board too.
Gabe - I play water polo. I don’t know anything about the restaurant business, but I want to make sure Derek’s grand opening goes according to plan. I’ll rally our friends, send out invites, and yeah…I’ll even deal with his mother. He’s my number one person, and I’ll do whatever it takes to be sure we’re out for the holidays.
Out for the Holidays is a low-angst MM romance featuring Derek and Gabe from Out in the Deep…and a host of friends from the other Out in College books!
Out for the Holidays
Copyright © 2020 by Lane Hayes
Editing by Flat Earth - Hope Vincent
Proof Editing by - Mildred Jordan
Chapter One
“I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.”― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Derek
The sound of clinking glass and rattling silverware might be heard under the cacophony of conversation and laughter. It might bounce off the bistro’s white-paneled walls, wood farm-style tables, and blue rattan café chairs. Soft jazz would be piped through the speakers. Or maybe holiday music. Fairy lights would twinkle merrily in the potted trees near the wide windows, lending a festive ambience to the inviting space that encouraged customers to settle in, order a ton of food and a bottle of wine or two, and just…enjoy.
Well, that was the dream, anyway.
The reality was an empty shell of a room with chipped tile flooring, cobwebs in every corner, and if I wasn’t mistaken, mouse droppings on the front door. Gabe followed my wandering gaze and made a “yuck” face as he snaked his arm around my waist.
“Look beyond the mouse shit, babe,” he advised. “This place is…charming. Kind of.”
Evan snorted. “I warned you it was a fixer-upper, Der. We, in the business, refer to this type of property as—”
“A money pit?” I intercepted.
Max chuckled. “I think he was going to say ‘opportunity.’ Am I right, boss?”
Evan held his hand out for a high five. “This guy’s going places. That’s exactly right. You know what they say. Location, location, location. It’s the damn truth. And you’re not going to find a better location for your bistro. You need to be on Second Street. The next-best option is a block away. But that block could cost you customers. Visibility is important. I know this place is nothing to look at right now, but it’s got potential.”
I stepped toward the huge picture window. There was plenty of space under the ripped awning for outdoor seating in warm weather. Evan was right about the location. The foot traffic alone in this section of town was worth the high rent. I just didn’t know if Gabe and I could afford it.
“The ceiling is kinda cool,” Gabe commented idly.
I glanced up on cue at the painted tin tiles, then studied my boyfriend and our companions.
They were a damn fine-looking trio. Tall, dark, handsome, and athletic too. My best friend, Evan, was a former football player turned real estate agent. He’d lost a bit of his bulk since graduation a couple of years ago, but he was still muscular. Max, his coworker, was a former baseball player at Evan’s alma mater. When Max started working for Evan’s firm four months ago, Evan volunteered to train him. Max was gregarious like Evan…a trait that would no doubt serve him well in sales. He was also extremely hot.