For Otho Newcomer, the small village of Snowmelt is a haven from his old life. If he isn’t exactly a changed man, he at least hopes to keep his distance from all those easy romances, and the inevitable heartache and disappointment that always follow. Mason Dager is an idiot. His ex has cleared out his bank account, sold his car, and got him thrown out of his apartment. And he has no one to blame but himself. But what better way to celebrate a new chapter in his life -- one that includes homelessness and the humiliation of telling his family they were right all along -- than to spend Christmas at a swanky winter resort like River Cove? It’s already paid for, after all. When a very drunk Mason makes yet another dumb decision, Otho comes to the rescue, throwing the men together during the most magical time of the year. What should be the wrong choice for both of them might be exactly what they need. They’ll just have to survive a nosy best friend, an asshole of an ex, and the scars of their pasts if they hope to find something together.

Turning Wood

“It’s silly, I know, but it’s Christmas and everyone should get a gift. It’s nothing special, only to show a little appreciation.”


“Appreciation? For what? I’ve done nothing but complicate your life, taken up your time, eaten your food—”


Just a gift. Mason nodded. He never got gifts. “Thank you.”


“I enjoy having you here. I…Never mind.” He shrugged and nodded at Mason to open the gift.


He wanted to know what Otho had been about to say but tore the red paper off and stared at the small cardboard box. Opening the lid, he peered down at a beautifully crafted ceramic mug with a dark blue glaze, filled with chocolate pralines. “It’s beautiful.” A lump formed in his throat. StupidIt’s just a mug.


Otho shrugged again, but at least he was smiling. “I figured you should have something.” He turned around, but Mason caught his hand and got to his feet.


Chapter 14