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

Aiden swallowed, anger and sadness warring in his chest. He&rsquo;d eaten Tristan&rsquo;s luxury fudge. He couldn&rsquo;t give him an Easter egg with two pathetic pieces, that was…pathetic.


Og&rsquo;s honey-coloured eyes held none of their usual understanding. If Aiden hadn&rsquo;t known better, he&rsquo;d have said that look was downright accusing. Breathing out a puff of air, he slunk down onto one of the kitchen chairs and brought one of the last remaining pieces of fudge to his mouth. Irish coffee. He grimaced. He didn&rsquo;t like Irish coffee. Tristan did, though.


A lump formed in his throat, and he cursed the way his eyes burned. He&rsquo;d planned the dinner so carefully, wanting to give Tristan something special for their first Easter together.


The last piece—a beautiful banana swirl—tasted bitter though he knew it wasn rsquo;t. His belly was full, and he wasn rsquo;t nearly as excited about dinner as heersquo;d been a few minutes ago.


Chapter 37