Because of his severe stutter, Atticus never fulfills his childhood wish to make a joyful noise onstage at Christmastime. Now going by AC, the same problem isolates him with only his cat Spud for company as he forgoes the holiday season and personal, meaningful relationships altogether.<br><br>On their way to pass the yuletide in Mexico, AC and Spud encounter a stranded band who call themselves The 12 Drummers Drumming. Though AC tries to resist the urge to help, he’s somehow convinced to drive them back up north in his van to ensure they make their Christmas Eve gig.<br><br>AC immediately rates each guy, figuring on a one in twelve chance to at least score a holiday hookup. As he spends time with each, he sees them in less superficial terms. Sparks ignite, and by the time Christmas Eve arrives, AC has a whole new reason to believe in Christmas magic and romance.

12 Drummers Thumbing

“Do I prefer a b-book or a movie?” AC kept whispering. Being so close to Rohan’s ear was helpful and sexy.


“Book.” Each time Rohan answered, he’d move so his ear brushed AC’s lips, but then quickly twist his head the other way for his turn to query. “Name the order in which I like the seasons.”


“Hmm. Summer, spring, au-au-fall, and then winter. Except when we look back on this so-someday, winter will b-b-be y-your f-f-f-favorite.” Partway through, AC realized how lame he sounded trying to be poetic and flowery, and the stutter returned in full force, even while whispering.


AC went on, though he figured Rohan’s perception was warped by his level of smitten-ness. “Okay.” Voice low, his mouth was as close to Rohan as he could get without kissing him, the urge to do just that pretty strong. “Am I a pasta or s-steak guy?”


Chapter 34