Page 25 of A Man for the Holidays

“Yes, I did. That pain that you were feeling, was called sadness. You were feeling sad and alone because of all the things I said to you. And the water in your eyes, those are called tears, when someone is sad or unhappy about something, sometimes they cry.”

“I was crying?”

I nod but say nothing.

“I’ve heard of that, I think. Olivia keeps talking about how sad she gets whenever she and her boyfriend get into a fight, or when he doesn’t come home at night. Is that what sadness is?”

“Yeah, something like that, and I’m sorry I made you feel that way.”

“It’s okay. It was, oh, what did Paige call it, an accident?” he offers.

“Yes, that’s right, it was an accident, Quinn and I’m sorry.”

My pulse pounds, and I stay focused on the man now sitting only a few inches in front of me as the CD switches to the next track. This isn’t exactly how I planned on spending this evening. I wanted to tell Quinn that I was sorry. Sorry for doubting him and telling him that he was hopeless and foolish, I want to take the words back, all of them. Most of all, I want to lean forward, take this man and wrap my arms around him.

“And the other night when we decorated the tree, you and Paige were standing in the kitchen, and she did something to your cheek.”

My mind wanders back to that night as I try and recall the moment in question, and when I realize what particular moment he’s referring to, I give him another smile.

“That’s called a kiss.”

“A kiss? But isn’t that what people do when they love each other?”

“Yes, but not only that, Quinn; it’s a form of affection. You don’t have to love someone to kiss them. You can offer a kiss to someone’s cheek in greeting and to show gratitude or thanks. Paige and I have been friends for a long time, so we show a different type of affection toward each other, but it’s not the same affection that you would show someone who you love. That’s a different type of affection.”

“So, you love Paige?”

“Yes, but I’m notinlove with her. Paige is very much straight, while I’m one hundred percent gay.”

“Oh, I know that. I’m just trying to work out the difference between a kiss with your best friend and a kiss with someone you love.”

I feel his breath all over me, and my entire body quivers. The longer I spend with this man, the more I find myself understanding him, wanting him, fallingin lovewith him. As I inch toward him, I feel my cock throb beneath the material of my pants, and I haven’t even touched the guy. His lips are so delicious and inviting, and the only thing keeping us apart right now, is the awkward silence. I anchor myself so that I’m resting on my knees, then crawl an inch or so toward him and place a hand on his arm. I then angle my head up at him, and keep our eyes connected, “This is how you kiss someone you love,” I say as I lean forward and press a kiss to his lips.

The song switches to Olivia Newton-John’s ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You,’ as I continue to kiss the man. My eyes are closed, so I can’t see his face, but not wanting to scare the guy, I slowly pull away.

“That was… confusing.”

“Yes, it is confusing, Quinn. But it’s also the simplest and most beautiful thing in the world.

“Nothing about this is simple Spencer, not for me.”

“Quinn, you don’t understand. I haven’t felt like this about anybody my whole life. Every day, I’d walk into the clothing store and come to your window just so I can spend time with you. You’re the only thing I’ve been obsessing over since the day I saw you. Even though you were just a statue in a store, I knew that you weren’t just different, you were also unique. And now that I finally have you here as a real person, I just can’t bear the thought of ever letting you go.”

I feel my own eyes well up with tears as I stare at the quiet man in front of me. His expression is a combination of sadness and confusion, but I see the sparkle in his eyes, and I know that there’s a reason why he’s here, this is the way it was meant to be all along, just me and Quinn.

“It’s been a lifetime since I’ve felt this way,” he says.

I smile at his sincere and honest reply, then lean in again and press another kiss to his lips. This time, he doesn’t resist the urge, and I feel him pushing his lips against mine. It’s a soft, sweet, meaningful kiss, filled with love and passion. He slowly pulls away, then stares at me, and I can see the questioning look in his eye.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Nothing, it’s just… we’re kissing now, right?”

“Yes, we are,” I answer with a smile.

“And this song, it talks about being hopelessly devoted to someone. And I remember in the movie, Sandy had a fight with Danny because of the way he treated her, but she still loved him, and that’s why she sang the song, right?”

I smile again.

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