Daring a snowstorm might not be the smartest thing Aiden Evans has ever done, but he can’t stand being in his flat a moment longer. With only three days to Christmas, he doesn’t want to be alone. He wants a place to belong, wants people around him who won’t look down on him. He might not find that at his mother’s place, but it’s better than being alone in the city. If he can make it there, that is. Tristan Gardner is looking forward to a quiet night in front of the TV, but instead, he has to save an idiot in designer clothes from freezing to death in his forest. Tristan tries not to notice the man’s good looks, just like he has tried not to notice any man’s good looks for the last seven years. He knows where relationships go and is far better off living alone, with his dog, in his cabin. Aiden is driving Tristan mad with his bratty comments and irresponsible ways, and Aiden is going crazy from Tristan’s judgmental attitude. Luckily, in a few days, the weather will clear up, and the two men won’t have to be together any longer. But will a few steamy nights with the grumpy lumberjack change Aiden’s mind about wanting to leave? And will Tristan still want to go back to his peaceful, predictable life without fear of getting his heart broken? Contains the stories “Once in a Snowstorm,” “The Empty Egg,” “Happy Endings,” and “Just Words.”

Aiden and Tristan

&ldquo;Did you get hold of who you needed to?&rdquo; Why the fuck was he asking? It was obvious things hadn&rsquo;t gone the way Aiden had hoped.


&ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ll just have to head back home when the roads have opened. I can stay in a hotel, if you want.&rdquo;


Tristan choked on his coffee, then he started laughing. &ldquo;Oh, darling, there aren&rsquo;t any hotels here.&rdquo;


Aiden&rsquo;s eyes snapped up, anger simmering like molten lava. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you dare patronise me!&rdquo; He pushed at the table and was on his feet before Tristan had a chance of grasping what the hell was going on. The plate with the omelette flew right into his lap, and he grabbed it as Aiden stormed out the door. Through the window, Tristan could see him kicking at the snow, which had piled even thicker while they&rsquo;d been inside.


Chapter 16