Page 70 of The History Between Us

“Yeah? You willing to risk that?”

Shaking his head at me, grin plastered on his face, William snakes an arm around my waist, hauling me into him as he presses his lips ever-so gently to mine. It’s a kiss that’s over before it even really begins, but my insides light up from it anyway.

“Merry Christmas, Doc,” I murmur against his lips before we pull apart.

Passing by me, William leans and whispers into my ear, “Merry Christmas, baby.”

32

William Andino

New Year’s has always been something I enjoy. It’s not everyone’s favorite, but it’s one of mine. Getting to look back and reflect on the last 365 days and make little goals or wishes for the upcoming year just resonates with me and calms something inside of myself. This past year has had more changes, both big and small, than I’ve experienced in several years. Making the decision to move back to Copper Lake when my dad retired, I truly didn’t know what to expect. Being gone so long, I got used to living one way. I was… comfortable, for lack of a better word, with the way my life was, but knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do to move back and take over my family’s practice.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t nervous, or I wasn’t worried that it would be something I’d grow to regret. After all, I left Copper Lake for a reason. However, as I stand around this bonfire with members of this community, my family, and my closest friends, I can’t help but think everything may have worked out just the way it was supposed to. A beer in hand, I glance over theroaring flames, gaze locking right on a pair of shimmering green eyes that are already watching me. Even looking at him has my heart skipping a beat.

If I had never made the decision to come back, I never would’ve gotten this chance with Colt. Sure, that first night we hooked up in Seattle, I woke up feeling like it was a huge mistake. I berated myself for going there with him, but the reality is, Colt is so much more than just my best friend’s son. For the first time in almost twenty years, I feel alive. I feel relaxed and carefree. He brings out a side of me I thought I’d lost. Something I thought maybe died from all the years of being by myself.

It's New Year’s Eve, and it’s nearly midnight. We’re all at Conrad’s ranch for a huge barbecue, and all I want is to the end the year with my lips on Colt’s and my arms wrapped around him, but that’s nearly impossible with all of these people around, Max and Trish especially. Eyes scanning the area, I find them sitting off to the side, chatting with the Grahams. With one last look at Colt, my face hopefully saying what I want it to say, I step away from the fire, walking with long strides toward the side of the barn. A quick look at my watch tells me we only have a few minutes until midnight.

Luckily, Colt seems to have caught my drift because a moment later, he’s rounding the corner, a boyish grin plastered on his face like he’s the cat that got the canary. Stalking closer to me, he backs me up against the side of the barn, his hands planting beside my head. The scent of his cologne and the beer on his breath washes over me, settling in my bones.

“Sneaking away to make out with me, Doc?” he drawls, voice raspy and rough. “What a naughty man you are.”

“You love it.”

He huffs out a chuckle. “Damn right, I do.”

I place my hands on his hips, pulling his body closer to mine. “Having fun tonight?”

“Yeah.” He nods. “Shooter’s pretty drunk, and it’s funny. He keeps talking about how he and Sterling should start having babies. Actually, what he said is…” He clears his throat. ‘We should have a couple tiny little rugrats with your precious honey eyes and my good looks.’”

I can’t help but laugh because I can absolutely picture Shooter saying something like that. Colt’s friendships remind me a lot of mine with Max and Conrad. Most of them he’s known since he was little, and I think relationships like that are so special, and honestly, a little rare these days. While I can’t say I’ve ever been all that interested in the rodeo and that lifestyle, I also can’t deny how much it’s brought people in this town together. It’s one big family, through the good and the bad.

“What about you?” I ask.

“What about me?” His brows raise.

“Do you want little rugrats running around?”

“No way.” He chuckles. “I’ll be the fun uncle, but that’s about it.”

Something like relief washes through me hearing him say that. I love kids, but I’ve never wanted any of my own. The topic has never come up with us, and I didn’t even think to bring it up until he mentioned them, but I would feel guilty if Coltdidwant kids because, especially at my age, that’s not something I’m willing to be flexible about. So, I’m glad we’re on the same page.

“Being the fun uncle is where it’s at,” I murmur, just as I hear everybody start to count down from ten in the distance. We both turn our head in that direction before glancing back andlooking at each other. In unison, we softly join the countdown.

Five.

A smile spreads on his handsome face.

Four.

His gaze drops down to my mouth, a zing of arousal zipping down my spine at the sight.

Three.

I’m so completely gone for Colt Bishop.

Two.

---