Widowed bookseller Lawrence Fenton has spent a lonely lifetime hiding who he is. He has convinced himself his feelings for his far too young, gorgeous, but troubled assistant Christy Shaw are nothing more than pride in his protégé and concern for his plight.<br><br>Christy’s life involves walking fine lines: one between his mother and his abusive stepfather, one where he must keep his needs hidden, and hardest of all, one where he must keep his feelings for his serious employer to himself.<br><br>Lame since birth, Lawrence cannot imagine anyone wanting him, least of all Christy. But when Christy’s life threatens to spiral out of control, Lawrence steps in. Then Christy’s emotions spill over into a kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas. Will Lawrence be able to face the long-buried truth about himself and keep Christy by his side?

The Mistletoe Kiss

“It is time for luncheon. Are you hungry?”


Christy blinked a few times and then yawned hugely and stretched. His torso was naked. Hairless, naked,and creamy gold in the pale light. He scratched his flat belly and then pushed the covers back and swung his legs to the floor. “I’m sorry, I was freezing so I got under the covers.”


“Don’t apologise,” Lawrence said and went to get Christy’s breeches which lay over the back of the chair. They felt damp. He squeezed them and held them to his face to check.


“Still wet,” he said when he noticed Christy looking at him oddly. He cleared his throat and put them down. He went to his wardrobe and pulled out a pair of black breeches and some stockings. “Here. Borrowthese until they dry. They should fit. We aren’t too much apart in height and build.” He was taller and broader than Christy but that was probably because he had a good fifteen years on him. Possibly more. Possibly twenty.


Christy took hold of them and smiled shyly.


Chapter 14