Page 15 of Cold Winter Nights

Dinner was served early, from five o’clock to eight, and Royal had made it to his favorite table by the window overlooking the mountains just in the nick of time.

It was dark out and the glow of the moon illuminating the tops of the pine trees, coupled with the warm glow of light from the nearby homes was breathtaking. The snow had begun to fall again, gentle flurries that kept his new world blanketed in peaceful shades of white.

“Hey you, I thought maybe you’d ditched me and accepted one of many dinner invitations you’ve gotten.”

Royal still hid his smile behind his hand when anyone made hm laugh, unsure how he looked when he showed his teeth.

“Maybe one day I will, but for now, I like eating here.” Royal removed the folded napkin from the table and slid it into his lap. “So, what’s on the menu tonight?”

Myra shook her head, her bright hazel eyes gleaming with amusement. “I’m not telling…it’s a surprise.”

Her pale, ivory skin was flushed with red splotches like always, probably from the heat of standing over a stove for hours. She had a round frame and big arms she loved to wrap around his waist and bear hug him to near suffocation.

Royal rolled his eyes. “It better not be anything with caviar on it.”

Her laugh was loud and infectious, and Royal found his hand back up to his lips again.

“You want a glass of merlot, and water, yeah?”

Royal nodded.

When Myra disappeared back through the kitchen’s double doors, Royal turned to stare out of the window, feeling as if he’d never get bored of the view.

He had his new romance thriller he’d purchased from the bookstore beside him and figured he’d delve in while he ate.

Myra came back with his glass of wine, a basket of freshly baked bread, and a dish of her homemade butter that made Royal want to praise her every time he slathered a generous amount on the warm bread and took a bite.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” she hollered. “Oh, Stone. Hey sweetness. I have your order all ready.”

Royal whipped his head around, and sure enough, there he was, standing at the entrance of the dining room, shaking the snow off his black beanie.

He hadn’t seen Stone in a couple of days, but that was because Royal had been on a binge-bender, and he’d needed a little break from the constant flow of invites and offers from the people in town.

When he’d come down to read in the warm lobby or eat his lunch, he’d hear Jojo fending people off who’d wanted to find him and chat about everything from New York’s main attractions to the wonders of cold-water lobsters that were only found in southern Maine.

Big Hank swore to him that he could catch the ones that were as big as his head.

“You should stay and eat, Stone, instead of taking it all the way up the mountain to your cabin. The sandwich will be cold.” Myra fussed in front of Stone with her hands on her hips.

“I have a microwave,” he retorted.

Myra scoffed and slapped him on the chest with the dish towel that stayed on her shoulder like a loyal parrot.

“I wouldn’t mind the company,” Royal piped up before he could think better of it.

Stone found Royal in the corner, and though the reaction was subtle, he was almost positive he saw interest flash across Stone’s face.

“That’s a lovely idea, thank you Royal.” Myra beamed, not giving Stone a chance to object. “I’ll bring your dinners out together.”

Stone’s eyes were fixed on his as he closed the distance between them, his heavy boots making the floor creak under his bulk. He stopped at the table, silhouetted against the amber light of the fireplace.

Royal watched Stone as he seemed to battle with what he should do. When their eyes met, Royal felt that something stir inside of him again. It became a constant any time he stared into Stone’s pale blue eyes.

“Evening,” Stone grumbled.

He looked so tired and worn, Royal had an urge to help ease his weariness.

“Hi,” he answered quietly.

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