Dylan Hughes owns a small bakery. He's doing what he loves and business is good, but he's lonely. After a bad relationship, he's been keeping to himself, and things are worse during the Christmas season. Then there is his unrequited crush on Aaron Tyler. Aaron is a successful event planner. He and Dylan met more than two years earlier and, after tasting Dylan's baking, Aaron proposed a collaboration. They've worked together ever since. Not willing to risk their friendship, Dylan has kept his feelings under wraps. But a secret admirer begins to send Dylan thoughtful gifts twelve days before Christmas. The cute, clever gifts keep on coming and he's flattered, but they couldn't have come at a worse time. Aaron has finally asked him out. What happens when the secret admirer’s identity is revealed on Christmas Day? Will Dylan's blossoming relationship with Aaron survive?

Twelve Gifts

“Yea…yeah, I…look, I’m not ready to…you know…”


“Dylan, it’s okay. I don’t mind. One step at a time and all that jazz, right?”


He nodded in relief. His last relationship had left a deeper scar than he realized. One night stands were different; there was no bonding beyond the physical. He’d had a crush on Aaron for the longest time though and he could feel the emotional aspect beginning to solidify now. He truly believed that soon he would be able to have intercourse with the man. He just needed a little more time.


They smiled at each other and continued to cuddle for another hour before Aaron had to go home. He walked the man down the stairs and through the bakery before unlocking the door.


They parted with another sweet kiss. Dylan waited until the other man had driven his car away from the curb before closing and locking the door behind him. He slept soundly that evening. 3


Chapter 5