Page 123 of Snowed In

“No, it’s okay,” Ronny soothes, covering my hand with his and giving it a squeeze. “I admire a man who doesn’t settle for less than he deserves. The wait was well worth it.”

I think my heart just did a somersault. Maybe it’s from the shock of hearing something so flattering from him. Or maybe it’s the bashful smile he gives me before he slowly releases my hand.

Geez. He’s good. Really good.

An hour later, after everyone has left the table, I find a quiet spot by the entryway to the living room. Drink in hand, it feels like I’m in an alternate universe, spying Ronny across the room, chatting up my aunt and uncle.

It’s unbelievable that I’m not worried about whatever’s being said. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this relaxed at a family function. Who would’ve thought I’d be able to shut off my defense mechanisms becauseRonnycan handle the conversation? Everything has gone so well, and this sensation of being at ease is… nice. Is this what it would feel like to be a couple with someone?

“Marshall!” comes a horridly chipper call. “Your mom was just telling me how you got stranded at a cabin and had to be rescued. Oh, my word. How awful!”

Fucking. Trent.

Goodbye, glorious peace.

He can drop the faux concern. What’s the point of pretending to care if you have malice in your eyes and a grin on your face?

“I wouldn’t exactly call it a rescue. We just had to wait for the roads to be plowed.”

“Chet and I keep a winter emergency kit in the trunk for whenever we come home this time of year,” he boasts.

Of course, they do. I hope, for Chet’s sake, their kit includes earplugs.

Ronny appears at my side, making me panic on his behalf. Hevolunteered for this. Why am I cringing at the thought of him being subjected to my cousin? That was the point.

“Oh! So, this is your date?” Trent enthuses like a carnie spotting a new game contestant.

“Boyfriend,” Ronny corrects, extending his hand to shake. “And you must be Trey. Good to meet you.”

Satan’s face falls, and he clarifies, “Trent.”

It’s all I can do not to snort. Ten points to Ronny.

“Oh, sorry. I thought someone said Trey.” Ronny wraps an arm around my waist, pressing me close to his side. It makes me momentarily mute, gaping as he moves in and nuzzles my ear “I guess I was distracted.”

His lips brush against my skin, stirring all kinds of sleeping bag memories. If I pop a hard-on in front of my cousin, I’ll never forgive him.

Seeing Trent gawk in disbelief that someone would want to be affectionate with me is enough to draw me out of the haze of Ronny’s intoxicating scent. I even smile. Happy couples smile, right?

“So, Ronny, what do you do?”

“I’m a carpenter. Met this cutie at work, actually. Best job I ever had.”

“Really? Doesn’t the whole working together thing worry you? I mean, if things don’t work out, won’t that make the workplace a little awkward?”

For real? Fuck him. Already dooming my fake relationship. I open my mouth to refute his cynicism, but Ronny’s quicker.

“Are you kidding me? No, we love it. We get to see each other all the time, and he’s a damn fine carpenter, the best one at the company.”

I am?

Bullshit, Marshall. Try to remember this is all bullshit.

My perfect ‘boyfriend’ releases his hold on me and shifts toward Trent, giving him a slap to the shoulder. Damn. That looked like it hurt, but the way Trent flinches is priceless.

“Plus, I’ve had my eye on him since I started,” Ronny whispers to him conspiratorially. “So, I’m not about to let this one get away. When you know, you know, right?”

My jaw hangs open along with my wretched cousin’s. Get it together, Marshall. This is why you brought Ronny, even if you didn’t know he’d actually deliver.

---