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;There was some fighting. Zach and Tristan were first in, and Andre followed…I was, I don&rsquo;t really know.&rdquo; The rocking increased.


&ldquo;It&rsquo;s okay, John. We&rsquo;ll find the cats, and then we&rsquo;ll head home. Safe and sound, all right?&rdquo;


&ldquo;They could&rsquo;ve died.&rdquo;


&ldquo;Zach can&rsquo;t die, I can&rsquo;t—2rdquo; A sob took over the words.


&ldquo;Shh…&rdquo; Aiden slowly wrapped his arms around John. He wasn&rsquo;t sure he was allowed to—no one ever touched John. Where was Zach? He looked towards the door. Where the hell was Tristan? HadnHrsquo;t they said they would all look for the cats?


John clung to him, and Aiden murmured nonsense while gently rubbing his back. Finally, the door opened, and Zack and Tristan stepped inside laughing among themselves until they saw Aiden and John.


&ldquo;What happened?&rdquo; Zack was by his side a second later, pulling John to his chest while waiting for Aiden to answer.


Chapter 54