by Rowan Nash
Must be a family make-out hideout.
Reeve held Caleb’s face and skimmed his cheekbones with the pads of his thumbs. The slow and deliberate movements told Caleb he didn’t want to scare him. But he wasn’t scared; he was finally free and full of passion that was hot enough to light Reeve’s synthetic costume on fire.
“Have any other wishes you’d like Santa to fulfill?” he asked.
“Only one. You, Reeve.”
He tugged his beard down and lowered his forehead to rest on Caleb’s. “My parents would’ve loved you.”
“They gave me the gift of you and you gave me the gift of wanting me to be me, so I love them too. This has been the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.”
“So, my sister kissed you?”
Caleb slid his hands under the velvet jacket and found Reeve’s stomach tense with anticipation. “She’s definitely not my type, Santa.” He slid his hands around Reeve’s waist and into his pants. The belt loosened with just a touch and he cupped Reeve’s perfect ass over his boxers.
Reeve moaned and his lips covered Caleb’s in an unhurried kiss. Tongues tangled like the twists of garland along the banister and Reeve’s hands lowered to cup his ass, pulling Caleb close.
Reeve’s eyebrows rose. “Well, ho, ho, ho, I think Santa’s wishes are going to come true tonight, too.”
And they will.
Epilogue
CALEB
He opened the door to the hotel room that would be their home for the next five nights. Sure, Reeve lived only blocks away, but the room was non-refundable, and Caleb wanted to have a mini-vacation before the truth of their relationship sunk into him.
The truth he kept avoiding thinking and talking about. Distance.
Reeve lived here and Caleb lived an hour and a half away. He cared for Reeve so much that he couldn’t believe the distance wouldn’t be an issue. Like all distance relationships, they’d try to make it work. They’d do our best. But he wasn’t sure it was fair to Reeve. He desperately wanted Reeve with him or for him to be with Reeve, but that wasn’t possible. Commitments. Being adults. It all kind of sucked.
His muscular arms wrapped around Caleb from behind while he watched the hordes of tourists crowding the streets beginning their festivities, appearing like ants from a distance.
“You’ve been kind of quiet this afternoon, Mr. Gilden.”
Caleb turned and Reeve’s hands dropped lower to cup his ass. Reeve had been insatiable, his libido an endless stream of hunger that had Caleb physically exhausted, but in the best way and always with the utmost respect that he knew Reeve was right for him.
But … they hadn’t actually gotten to real sex. They’d agreed that they needed a little more time. It’d only been a week and as much as Reeve had become someone Caleb already couldn’t live without, giving him that part of himself would make them a done deal.
I’d be 100% his. Screwed. Fucked. As if I’m already not…
A tremble of anticipation traveled his spine. Caleb moved away to his suitcase on the stand in the corner to unpack and get perspective on what was really happening inside of him.
“The trip was a little nerve-wracking.” Caleb glanced back at Reeve as he crossed his arms and his chest outlined his power under his thin sweater.
His eyebrows furrowed. Reeve read Caleb like the Sunday paper, and he never missed a section. “You rode the train. How was that nerve wracking?”
“Just a lot of people, then the taxi ride here with the snow, and you know … things.”
Reeve’s brows relaxed and he stepped to Caleb. “I wish you would’ve let me pick you up at the station. The city thinks a little dusting of snow is the end of the world some days.”
“I’ve kept you away from the office for a week. Pretty sure your boss calling my phone to get ahold of you meant you were needed back here.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, sorry about that. Liam can be a pain in my ass, but he was my dad’s best friend, so I put up with a lot of his shit. He exerts his power and authority in weird ways, but he’s harmless.”
“I blocked his number.” Mr. Power and Authority hadn’t even introduced himself before demanding to speak to Reeve about something Caleb could only imagine wasn’t important. The call took all of two seconds with “I understand,” and “We’ll talk when I’m back in the City,” being the only two things out of Reeve’s mouth.
Reeve cleared his throat. “Point taken.” He glanced to his phone as it lit up in his hand. “Speaking of the devil’s apprentice.” Turning back to the wall of windows, he continued a conversation that seemed one-sided, but by the way his hand fisted before being shoved into his jeans it didn’t sound good whatever it was.
Caleb wasn’t jealous—well, maybe a little—but it was more about Reeve getting taken advantage of that made him want to scratch the devil’s eyes out. He took his toiletries into the bathroom and a big smile slipped over his face.
The garden tub was surrounded by dozens of candles and rose petals floated in steaming water. Reeve knew the perfect way to soak away all of Caleb’s fears and worries. He slipped his chinos off and pulled his Henley over his head. Lips pressed between his shoulder blades, sliding down, down, down, trailing along the waistband of his boxers. Just the heat of Reeve’s breath and a wet, soft tongue against his skin made him lose myself to never wanting anything other than Reeve.
“I want you so bad, Caleb. I really think I’m going fucking crazy with how bad I have it for you.” He stood and turned Caleb’s head. Caleb stared into eyes that spoke so much sincerity.
His gut turned. “I don’t know if this will work with you here and me in Cold Spring.” Caleb gazed into the flickering candles and waited. He didn’t want to say more. More would only hurt so much more.
“And that’s why I’ll be moving my practice to Cold Spring.”
He turned to face him. “Really?”
Reeve’s gaze flicked between Caleb’s own and his warm hands rose to hold Caleb’s face. “Yeah, really. That’s why Liam’s been calling so much. He’s making sure I’m getting things taken care of. It’s hard for him to let go of control because he really feels like he’s losing something.”
“You?”
“And my father again. His death was hard on a lot of people at the firm. But I’m ready to move on.” His breath brushed Caleb’s face as he neared. “With you, Caleb.” He kissed the promise into reality.
Caleb broke from his lips, even when he didn’t want to. Reeve didn’t lie and the truth meant as much to him as it did to Caleb. He was now living his.
But he had to ask. He needed to know. “You’re sure? Like a hundred percent, no turning back, and ‘til death do us part?”
Reeve’s lips landed on his firmly and he backed away slowly. “One hundred percent, never turning back, and if you want to marry me tomorrow we’ll go to city hall and we’ll do it, Caleb. Even if it’s before sex, I’ll make you mine forever. No matter what happens. I’m yours and you are mine. I love you, Caleb Gilden.”
And in that moment, Caleb was found with Reeve. Every fear washed away with his kiss. These words were the other hurdle they’d avoided, but they’d faced it head on. Caleb was good at hiding so much. But he wanted everything from Reeve.
And to be open was a part of that.
“I’ve never loved someone as much as I do you, Reeve Rousch. But maybe propose to me some other day.”
His smile radiated happiness that Caleb would never take away. “I want to move in with you, Caleb.”
“You sure your family will be okay with that?” He stopped Reeve from lifting his sweater.
“Who cares if they are or aren’t? I’m okay with it if you are.” He lifted his sweater and threw it on a chair. “I’m not going to worry about them any more. Molly’s a grown woman, and if she can handle Evie Knievel, she can handle herself. I will only worry about you from now on because you are worth worrying about. I’ll handle my family. They love you, almost as much as I do, so I think you n
eed to stop worrying so much and enjoy this … you and me.”
That was a sure sign that Santa was real, ‘cause this was a wish Caleb never even imagined could come true so he’d never even considered it. After being rejected by his family, being accepted into this family meant more to me than he could ever say.
Caleb slid his hands into Reeves and backed toward the bed. “Today, I want to be yours in another way.”
He lifted the edge of Reeve’s T-shirt and teased his stomach, loving how his muscles tightened under his fingers. He hadn’t been celibate before Reeve, but not one moment with those men had his stomach in knots like this one. He pressed his lips to Reeve’s neck, feeling his pulse pound under them and pausing to savor the effect he had on Reeve. He removed the T-shirt and stepped behind him. Caleb reached around to the buckle on Reeve’s jeans while performing a symphony of kisses on his back, the muscles jumping and his head rocking back on a long moan.
Reeve’s cock already tented the dark denim fabric and Caleb brushed a hand over the impressive peak before opening to reach inside and pull his next present out. Reeve turned and his eyes sparkled like that ball of lights in Times Square.
Caleb slipped Reeve’s jeans and boxers down and his eyes were the ones that widened. They’d given each other blowjobs, but now his cock looked so much bigger. And thirst inducing.
Reeve’s smile shined his happiness.
It was one of Caleb’s favorite visions. “I love your smile.”
“Ditto, baby.”
Reeve turned Caleb and backed him to his front so they were staring out the window. The snow had picked back up, swirling and twisting like his tongue was along the shell of Caleb’s ear.
Caleb dropped his boxers to match Reeve. The anticipation building like a volcano inside of him.
Reeve
“Where and how?” Reeve’s voice rumbled into Caleb’s ear.
“Bed and you on and in me.” Caleb’s fingers skimmed Reeve’s cock and it took every ounce of control not to go off like a teenager again.
“You bring—”
“I’m ready for you, my love. On the nightstand is everything we need.”
Reeve rocked his hand along Caleb’s cock, watching his breathing speed and reactions. His eyes flicked down to view the action.
He’d always known that tonight would be the night. Starting the New Year with Caleb, he’d never leave this man’s side from this point on.
Pulling him to the bed, Reeve pressed into Caleb’s body as they fell to the cloud-like bedding. He twisted Caleb’s head with his hand under it, and their lips met. Rolling twists of their tongues made his cock harden next to Caleb’s and their moans sparked eternal fires.
Together, they were both healed. Caleb supported Reeve while he still grieved and helped him understand himself as much as Reeve did Caleb. It seemed he did the same for Caleb and that was one of the biggest turn-ons of his life.
Reeve rolled them so now his body was under Caleb’s. Sheltered by his strength and opened to his heart, he was happier than he’d ever been. A warm hand wrapped Reeve’s cock and jacked it until he was writhing to take his love quick and hard, but Caleb had other plans. His body slithered down Reeve’s and his mouth engulfed Reeve’s dick. His body was a moment from exploding when he sat up straight and flipped Caleb onto the bed.
His lubed fingers probed for entry into Caleb’s body, and in seconds, he allowed me to make his body as well known as Reeve knew his own.
Reeve brushed Caleb’s prostate, the movement and touch making him moan until Reeve’s body pulsed to be with him. “You want it this way, or—”
“Get inside of me, Reeve. Now.”
With a chuckle, Reeve didn’t waste any more time. He quickly suited up, and while his forehead rested against Caleb’s, he connected their bodies like their hearts.
“Jesus, Caleb. Thank you for the best gift of all.” He moved to deepen the contact. “You.”
There was just too much pent up inside of him. Too much love. Too much want. Too much fucking hope for the future.
“Yes. Reeve, yes.”
Their bodies crashed together, over and over. There was a moment where silence was a good thing and they’d both reached the point of no return. They enjoyed the warm hum of a fucking amazing orgasm that resonated through their bodies.
Reeve lifted his head from Caleb’s shoulder and his lips pressed to Caleb’s briefly. “We’re doing that again.”
“And again,” Caleb said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
The worry and pain of the past didn’t exist when they were together.
Wishes do come true.
Thank you for reading this Holiday Hotties short story. I hope you enjoyed a little holiday inspiration with a bit of humor. Reviews are always appreciated and I’m grateful for each one.
There are six more Holiday Hottie titles to be released before January 2020, so please visit my Amazon page for more information on the titles in the Rowan Nash collection. Amazon Link
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Coming Soon!
Snowflake Smiles – Holiday Hotties
Order Snowflake Smiles now!
A blizzard, a moody Christmas tree farmer, and a chance to be what each other needs.
Race car driver Ben Carver’s trip home takes a detour when the storm of the decade dumps on his plans. With no available hotels, he’s committed to riding out the storm and holiday in a restaurant until his phone buzzes and a stranger announces he’s come to save Ben from a Christmas alone. Ben’s ready for a new challenge in his fast-moving life, but the brooding tree farmer might have too many secrets that will keep them from getting their relationship to the checkered flag.
Christmas tree farmer Ford Lennox returned to western Nebraska after his parents passed away in quick succession and left unanswered questions about how he really came into the world. He dedicates himself to reviving his parent’s business and giving holiday happiness to others, much to the detriment of his personal life, but one night snowed in with the comfort of the blazing fire and a man who makes his heart race might change his thinking. He’s hidden too much for too long and maybe the past doesn’t matter as much as the future does.
Will Ford end up being the best Christmas gift Ben’s ever received?
Frozen Faith – Holiday Hotties
Dayne Swift didn’t imagine the last-hope loan for his business would be accompanied with a flirty loan officer, but he’ll take both. After coming out, Dayne’s family told him don’t come back and since then, he’s kept to himself, only confiding in one other person—his ex-girlfriend from college—and she’s cheering him onto the goal.
Burned one too many times by love, Will Howard knew the opportunity to invest in Dayne’s business was the right call, and Will can’t help but think the sweet and nervous furniture designer is worth taking a chance on, too. He asks Dayne to join him at a hockey game, but little does Dayne know he’ll be on the ice and not in the stands.
When the loan’s in jeopardy, can Dayne come up with a different plan for his business to save his future and can Will find the faith to believe Dayne is worth fighting for when he’s frozen with memories of past choices?
Champagne Cheers – Holiday Hotties
Aspiring venture capitalist Matteo Bianci III has one chance to prove himself to his brutally honest father or his dreams of becoming a partner in the Bianci business will be over. Sent to assess the return potential of several Niagara-on-the-Falls area vineyards, Matteo’s short business visit turns into an unplanned vacation when a lake-effect blizzard causes whiteout conditions and the airport closes. Matteo’s attraction to the bed and breakfast and vineyard’s owner isn’t in his future plan, the solid plan he’s had since he was fourteen. Falling can’t happen, but still he wonders what it would be like to have someone to kiss on New Year’s Eve.
Janek Becker’s vin
eyard is struggling, so when the stubborn rich guy shows at his door declaring he has a reservation in his closed bed and breakfast, Janek’s torn between turning him away into the snow or making a pitch to the man who could save his future. When the vineyard’s generator stops working and equipment breaks in the fermenting house threatening the year’s wine, can they work together to save the crop?
Will Matteo realize a good endeavor when he sees one and invest his heart? Or will he decide that the Three Cheers Winery and Janek aren’t worth the risk?
Candy Cane Cupid – Holiday Hotties
Shane Bradford has been put on a mandatory two-week vacation from his job. He’s also been handed a gift list from his ultra-controlling mother that includes visiting a tea shop that contains more than just flavorful teas. The substitute storeowner intrigues Shane, but finishing the shopping list has to come before finding out if his vacation could end up being more than sitting and staring at the Christmas tree in his condo.
Baris Ardor didn’t expect his last customer of the holiday season to be the one that was hotter than the boiling water he used to make tea for his mother’s customers. But after an awkward meeting and accidentally keeping Shane’s shopping list, can Baris find him and make a better impression?
When Shane finds out that Baris is just a temporary visitor to the city, will his vacation become something more permanent? Or will he let the one man who warmed his Grinchy-heart just walk away?
Mistletoe Mine – Holiday Hotties
This year Kiel Rushton wishes for something with a beating heart and a wagging tail. A trip to the local shelter finds him facing a tough decision when he discovers that two dogs, Mistletoe and Holly, are destined not to see the New Year. He’s never had a fish, much less a dog, but the kennel worker with twinkling eyes seems to think he could handle the responsibility, but responsibility has always been Kiel’s middle name.