Page 38 of The Northern Lights in His Eyes

“I know you’re teasing. And you met Garvin at a party a couple years ago. He was the one who had lost his husband a few years before. He isn’t some bushman, and his cabin is really nice. It’s on a lake up there.”

Arnie rolled his eyes like he didn’t see the difference. “But the rest is true. You fell for the guy, and now he’s ghosting you.”

“He isn’t. Not exactly. He just doesn’t talk much. I send him texts and get one-word answers.” William shrugged, and Arnie held out his hand. “What?”

“Show me,” Arnie said like he was running out of patience. William brought up the texts and handed over his phone. Arnie read through them, shaking his head the whole time. “God. This is like Lifestyles of the Poor and Boring.” He handed the phone back. “You two are about as interesting as a dead fish. Not everyone knows how to text and not everyone is comfortable with it. If you want to spice up your text life, then you need to be the one to show him the way.”

“And how do you suggest I do that?” William asked, wondering if Arnie’s cheese had fallen off his cracker.

“Instead of sending him pictures of what’s going on around you, send him ones of you, maybe in bed or just getting out of the shower. For God’s sake, do not send dick pics—that’s gauche and tacky—but if you really like this guy, then give him something to stoke the heat on those cold Alaska nights.” He winked, and William felt like smiling, really smiling, for the first time in a while. “Good. Now change that mopey attitude. I’ll let you know the schedule for the next set of commercials, and you get yourself ready for Paris. We’ll go over your schedule next week. I have four shows booked so far, and there is some additional interest. You also need to be seen in the best light, because while runway shows are important, more and more fashion merchandising is being done online and with video, so I’m hoping to get you launched in that space as well. You have the experience with your other work, so it should be a great opportunity. But this mopey attitude isn’t going to do it.”

“All right. I’ll talk to you soon.” William got out of the car. He knew he needed to put this stuff with Garvin out of his mind. He had a job to do, and he was a professional, so it was time to put everything else aside and get on with it.

DAMN, WILLIAM was tired, but the commercials were wrapped up, the folks from P&G were thrilled, and William was on his way to Paris. He loved the city, with all its things to do. Of course there were too many temptations, and if he wanted to look good on the runway under all those lights, those were off limits, especially the food ones. His driver had picked him up on time and taken him to LAX. He’d flown to New York and had most of the day in the city. He got a hotel just so he could get some rest, and while he was there, William took a moment to snap a picture of himself fresh out of the shower and send it to Garvin.

Since his conversation with Arnie, he had indeed spiced up their texting, and it seemed to be working. He got a picture of Garvin in bed, and he even got one of Garvin bare-chested, holding Sasha. William has responded, lucky dog.

He also told Garvin he was on his way to Paris and that he’d send plenty of pictures. He didn’t get a response right away, but one did come in a few hours later, along with another picture of Garvin, this one cut off in the most tantalizing way. It was sexy as hell.

That evening, he left New York and managed to sleep on the plane. He had learned from experience that he had to rest because he was expected to hit the ground running. At the airport, Arnie waited for him in the back seat of the car that would take William to the hotel. He’d been in Paris for almost a week already and was all smiles.

“Let’s get you to the hotel. I managed to book you in an additional show, so you’re going to be busy, but it’s all good. You’re in demand, and that’s what we want.”

“Really?” He knew he only had a few years left and then he’d just be too old.

“Yes. Of course. Young and pretty will always be in style, but you have a presence the others can only hope for, and that’s what these designers want. Someone who will make their clothes look amazing to their customers. Now relax and stop worrying. Everything is under control.” He smiled as he sat back, one of those “cat who ate the canary” expressions on his face, and for a second William wondered what the hell Arnie had been up to. “I have your room all ready for you. Here is your key card and the room number. I’m just down the hall if you need anything.”

They entered the city, the Eiffel tower jutting into the sky, low buildings covering the landscape all the way to the river.

William had seen this sight before, but it always sent a thrill through him. The car dropped them off out front, and Arnie escorted William inside. “What time do we need to meet?”

“You have nothing until a reception tomorrow evening. A number of the designers you’ll be working for will be there. Until then, your time is your own. Go on out and have a little fun.” He smiled as they strode through the impressive marble lobby to the elevators. William carried his own luggage and stepped inside the small elevator to ride up to the fifth floor. Arnie pointed William in the direction of his room and then turned the other way.

William had no idea why Arnie was acting strange. He usually spent the first day with William, making sure he knew everything and what time he had to be at each commitment. As he approached the door, his phone dinged with a message. I added all your commitments to your calendar. Call if you need anything. It was followed by a smiley face.

Thanks, William texted back, then unlocked the door and went inside.

Garvin lay on the king-size bed, shoes off, his head on one of the pillows, arms folded across his chest.

William couldn’t believe his eyes. “When did you get here? How long are you staying? Is this real?”

Garvin chuckled. “It’s real. I needed to see you, and I contacted your friend Arnie and asked when you were going to be here. He told me, and I made arrangements. It seems he has been worried about you, and he told me that you haven’t been the same since you returned from Alaska. I believe Arnie used the words ‘mopey’ and ‘a real Debbie Downer’ to describe your new attitude. He had me call him when I arrived, and he let me into your room a few hours ago.” He sat up and then stood and pulled William into his arms.

“This is the best surprise ever,” William croaked as he buried his face against Garvin’s neck, inhaling his woodsy scent. “It’s so good to see you. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too. So did Sasha, who is staying with Devon and Enrique while I’m gone. He moped around the cabin for a week and looked for you every time I opened the door.” Garvin held him tighter. “I told you I didn’t think I could see you in LA, not yet. But Paris… well, that was a different matter.”

William chuckled. “So you flew halfway around the world rather than just down the West Coast.” Sometimes people did crazy things. “Doesn’t really matter. I’m just so happy you’re here.” He pulled back and then kissed Garvin hard, pressing him down onto the bed. “I haven’t slept well in weeks. It’s surprising how quickly I got used to you tossing and turning at night.”

Garvin chucked. “And I got used to the way you’re always cold.”

William kissed Garvin gently, their gazes meeting. “I could be cold now and you could warm me up,” he whispered, still having a difficult time believing that this was real. He had dreamed about a moment like this since he’d left Alaska, but he honestly never thought it would happen. His plan was to complete his fashion week engagements, clear things up in LA, and then head back to Alaska for the late spring or early summer. William figured that was the soonest he’d be able to see Garvin again.

“What are you thinking about?” Garvin asked.

“You surprising me like this,” William answered. “I didn’t expect it at all. Did you do all this because of what Arnie told you?” He could imagine his manager meddling just to make sure William was in the right frame of mind.

“No. I came because I spent nearly two years in my cabin and I was perfectly happy. Then an old friend came to visit and managed to turn everything on its head. All my friends ask about you all the time, Sasha moped for weeks, and last week Devon asked me when you were coming back because he swore my cold, dour expression was delaying the onset of spring.” He rolled his eyes.

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