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

When he was clean, he went out to the living room, put a few logs in the wood-burning stove, where the embers still glowed, and slumped on the sofa. It didn&rsquo;t take long before a crackling fire burned, but the sound did nothing to sooth Aiden&rsquo;s worries.


He rubbed his forehead. He should try to get some sleep, and then tomorrow he should leave before Tristan grew tired of him. He would have to go back to his flat and clean it out. His heart hammered and his breaths came more rapidly. Where would he go? Where would he live? Aiden didn&rsquo;t have anyone. He didn&rsquo;t have friends close enough to ask if he could stay with them. He didn&rsquo;t have any contacts. He had to call Mum again


He lay down on the sofa and tried to sleep but only ended up tossing and turning for what must&rsquo;ve been hours.


Chapter 26