When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won't be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend Joe's, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe's brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he's always kept his distance.<br><br>As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother's best friend is hurt, he's happy to help Travis while he heals. He's only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis's true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.<br><br>When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?

His Needs

“Travis!” Angela’s voice startled me and I jerked, my gaze snapping up to find her. She was leaning in the doorway from the dining room. She looked elegant with her hair swept back from her face, and even the dark green apron over her black dress didn’t mar the effect. “There’s food and drinks on the buffet. You need to eat.”


For a split second, I thought about arguing. But I knew better. So I nodded and shoved myself off the couch.


Christmas Eve in the Mastriano household was loosely structured. Everyone sat around, laughing and talking while nibbling on food and drinks. There wasn’t a sit-down meal, exactly, though Angela did put out more hearty dishes of lasagna, turkey, ham, and baked ziti at about six thirty.


Chapter 37