Page 31 of Christmas Home

When someone in the lobby caught her attention, she said she’d be right back, then dashed off.

“This was fun,” Ruther said and leaned against me. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe I just really liked him, but I leaned into him and then looked up at his handsome face.

“It was, and I never would’ve thought tasting wine would be fun.”

“Maybe we need to get you out more,” he said in a whisper, and when he leaned down, I took his mouth with my own. I pulled back when Catherine came back, and I knew the blush on my cheeks was as much about the kiss as it was the alcohol.

“Shall we dive into another bottle?” she asked, and I immediately put my hands up. “No, absolutely no more for me. I’m already buzzing from what we’ve tasted.”

“Then another time,” she said and began putting the bottles away.

I nodded but doubted there’d be another time. “Which wine did you prefer?” Ruther asked, and I pointed toward the pinot. Not because I could tell much of a difference but because that’s the one he’d said he preferred.

“Good, we’ll take two bottles,” he said to Catherine, then turned to me. “Corey is making lasagna, but before you get excited, it’s just Stouffer’s. I think this would pair well with the wine. Will you join us for dinner?”

“I…sure,” I said and glanced over at Catherine, who was smiling ruefully. I didn’t take her for a gossip, like most of the town, but she was clearly enjoying how all this looked. I almost said no to Ruther because I was not supposed to be developing relationships, but my brain short-circuited and I accepted his invitation.

Our kiss, brief as it was, had blown my mind and opened the way for more, which I wasn’t ready for. Luckily, I think Ruther figured that out because that evening at dinner, we enjoyedlistening to music, talking about the project, and eating. Just as friends would.

My mom used to make frozen lasagna as a special treat. Certainly not something we had often because even though it was cheap, we could seldom afford it. The fact that it was something special, though, set the evening apart for me.

As the sun set behind us, I yawned before I could stop myself. “Sorry, I’m used to going to bed early these days. It’s been a really nice day. Thank you both,” I said and stood to go.

Ruther stood with me and waited while Corey said his goodbyes. We walked out into the hallway, and I was just about to say goodbye when Ruther stepped up to me. I didn’t resist. I wanted another kiss as much as he did.

Waves of pleasure rolled through my system as his lips collided with mine. I could’ve dived in deeper, taken more from him, but even my slightly inebriated brain remembered why I couldn’t. I pulled back and placed my hand on his chest. The same chest I’d wanted to explore earlier that day, but instead of indulging in those notions, I shook my head.

“I’m sorry, Ruther, I’m really sorry,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I like you and all that, but I’m not…I don’t need…sorry.” I stopped to catch my breath. Ruther didn’t move but kept his strong hands on my sides as I struggled to find the right words. “Things were bad before I moved here, really bad, and they involved a nasty boyfriend. I can’t let myself get into another relationship, even if it’s just a fling. I can’t—”

I bit off the last statement, knowing I’d start bawling like a baby if I went any further.

Ruther leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Clyde, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I like you, and if we need to keep things platonic, so be it. But there’s no use denying I want you too. The more I get to know you, the more I want you.”

I nodded, and the tears fell then. “Give me some time, okay?” I asked, and his warm smile sent shivers all over my body.

“You take all the time you need, Clyde. I’m not going anywhere. I might have to go back to New York at some point, but I won’t be gone forever. Crawford City seems to need me, and I think there’s something between us that deserves further study as well, wouldn’t you agree?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Then let’s see what happens,” he said, but before he could pull away, I drew him into a tight hug and held on, letting myself feel what it would be like to have someone like Ruther hold me.

I didn’t really believe there was much to explore or study, as he’d said, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy imagining it. Sweet afternoons tasting wine and laughing with friends. Quiet walks home after work, even simple pleasures like an early morning donut. Those were pipe dreams for someone like me.

The reality finally caused me to step back. “See you at the café,” I said and walked away before I did something foolish like kiss him again.

“Oh, you weak, weak man,” I said to myself as I rushed toward the motel. I’d learned my lesson, though, and despite the happiness I felt from the fantastic day, I knew not to go unaware of my surroundings again.

No one was around except a group of what looked like a bunch of teenagers. There was loud music pumping out of the bar across the street, which made me hopeful that I could get to my room unnoticed.

I locked my door behind me and fell onto the bed. Today had been beyond amazing. I jumped up, brushed my teeth, and got ready for bed.

I touched my fingers to my lips, remembering what it felt like when Ruther kissed me. The scratch of his well-maintained beard, the taste of the wine we’d shared.

Ruther was my fairy tale, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy dreaming of a handsome prince for once. Even if they were pipe dreams.

The wine lulled me into a deep sleep, a sedative that worked like no other. I was so content, dreaming of a sexy Ruther, more wine tastings, and sweet walks together.

At first, when the hand came across my mouth, I didn’t react. Having been asleep, I’d thought it the caress of a lover. Then I woke up and registered the pressure of someone straddling me.

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