‘Tis the night before Christmas and hardware store owner Harry Pettit was all alone in his store with only his accounts and a recording of La Boheme for company. When someone knocks at the shop’s door, Harry is surprised to see a knight in full armour. Thinking it’s a drunken prank or a hold up, Harry is reluctant to let the knight in. However, upon discovering the knight’s helmet is stuck closed, Harry’s good nature and the fact it’s Christmas has him invite the stranger inside. Once freed from the helmet, Harry is immediately captivated by the shy man underneath the armour. Seems George White was destined to attend a fancy-dress party with his brother, but when the brother cancels, George, like Harry, finds himself with nothing else to do on Christmas Eve. So why not spend it together? Can St. Nicholas deliver a happy Christmas and a good night to both men? Warning: this short holiday-themed story contains romance, poetry, snow, and a can of WD-40.

The Knight Before Christmas

Harry’s heart sank. Was this…coming to a close already?


“I’ll ring for a taxi, can’t ask you to drive in this.” George’s voice sounded flat.


Harry swallowed, knowing if he didn’t ask he’d forever kick himself. “You don’t have to go. You could spend the night here, if you like.”


George turned to him. “I couldn’t impose. I…”


“I would really, really like it if you stayed.” He cupped George’s face in his palms and stared into the man’s green eyes. “We don’t have to do anything but sleep.” Sex with George would be amazing. The man had a firm, full arse on him that Harry would love to explore with both tongue and dick, but George was special. Harry didn’t want to rush. “I don’t sleep with a guy on the first date.” That wasn’t strictly true, but Harry wanted it to be true this time. “If you can call tonight a date.”


Chapter 9