Page 33 of Cross Checks

“Agreed. You know, dating in a small town like Cold Pines is always challenging. It’s even harder if you’re gay. Everybody knows everybody else’s business, and people can be a little judgy.”

“Tell me about it,” I replied. “I’ve been there, done that when I was dating women. It can be complicated.” I paused. “So, what about you? Is anybody keeping you warm these days?”

Lyle smirked. “Does my Irish setter count? He takes up half the bed.”

I laughed. “Damn, you’re too nice of a guy to be single.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but since my last relationship ended, I’ve been striking out left and right,” he confessed, looking defeated. “It seems like every guy who turns my head is either straight or already coupled.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

We both smiled as our lobster rolls with fries arrived. The roll was so full that creamy lobster was tumbling onto the plate.

“Good stuff here,” Lyle stated. “I think they make some of the best lobster rolls in the state.”

“I’ve only been here a couple of times and always opted for the fried shrimp.”

“Then you’re in for a treat, my man.”

When Lyle took a break from gobbling down his sandwich, he continued the conversation. “I’m gonna take your relationship with Chase as a good omen. It sounds like you guys are great together; that means it can happen in Cold Pines.”

I smiled, thinking about how grateful I was to have Chase in my life. “He is incredible. I never imagined I’d end up with somebody like him, and I’m not just meaning because he’s a guy. Every moment we’re together puts this big, dopey smile on my face.”

“Damn,” Lyle laughed. He lifted his beer for a toast. “Now, that’s what I call love. Just promise me one thing, my friend. Promise you’ll do everything to keep that spark alive. Life’s too short to do anything less.”

After dinner, I returned to my empty house, eager for Chase’s return. I stood by the living room window and watched as the snow started to fall harder.

I thought about Chase arriving at the door, snowflakes clinging to his dark brown hair. My heart fluttered at the thought of seeing him again and sharing a kiss in greeting.

His team bus was due to roll back into town sometime during the evening, but I didn’t expect to see him until the next day. He’d be exhausted, and I wanted to give him the opportunity to wind down after so much time with his teammates if he needed that.

As the evening wore on, I busied myself tidying up the house again. I had to burn off nervous energy. I didn't see any new dirt as I ran the dry mop under the edges of the furniture. It would take longer than half a day to collect more.

Just when I’d relaxed enough to head to bed, my phone buzzed. Snatching it up, I saw an incoming text from Chase.

“Hey, we’re back in town. Can I stop by?”

Like he had to ask permission. I chuckled as I typed a response.

“Of course. Can’t wait to see you.”

Less than a minute later, I heard a knock on the door. As I crossed the room to answer it, I frowned. I didn’t want anything to disrupt my upcoming reunion with Chase.

As I pulled the door open, I was shocked to find Chase standing on my doorstep, looking a little sheepish. Snowflakes clung to his hair and the shoulders of his puffy jacket. He looked like he’d been dusted with powdered sugar.

“Hey, I hope you don’t mind me coming over so late. I was sitting out there in my car, trying to decide whether it was too late to ask.”

I sighed. “Like you have to worry about that with me. I’d be happy to see you if you dragged me out of bed at 3 a.m.” While I wrapped him up in a hug, I whispered, “I’m not encouraging you to do that, by the way.”

He chuckled and stomped the snow off his sneakers on the rug at the door. Kicking off the shoes, he followed me to the couch.

“So, tell me everything,” I insisted. “I want to hear all about your trip.”

I settled Chase on the couch and spread a blanket over him. “Get comfy there, and I’ll be right back.”

I put together two mugs of hot cocoa with big fluffy marshmallows in the kitchen. The dying embers in the fireplace cast a soft light over the room as I handed Chase a steaming mug.

“Thanks, Hank. This is perfect. That bus was cold. I don’t feel like I’ve been warm since I left Cold Pines three days ago.”

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