Christmas in Cedarwood Read online

  “Kinky.” And hot as hell. “You mean to tell me, you want me even though I’m hot, sweaty and emotional?”

  “Uh…yeah. I want you no matter what.”

  “And I’m supposed to just drop my pants so you can have your way with me?” He held in a shiver. Doing those very things—dropping trou and giving himself over to Colt—sounded like heaven.

  “I’m an asshole and pushy as hell, but yes.” Colt shrugged. “I can’t lie.”

  “I believe what you want to do makes me the asshole and you the dick.” Ashley opened his pants. “But I don’t care. I also don’t have supplies.”

  “I might have brought something.” This time, Colt blushed. “I wasn’t a scout, but I’m prepared.”

  “You’re bad.” He hooked his fingers into the waistband of his underwear and pushed both the boxer briefs and jeans down to his thighs.

  “I’ve been planning this surprise and the next three for more than a month. I factored in that you’d agree to sex in the bathroom.” Colt patted his pocket. “And seeing your cock… Fuck, I want you.”

  “I’m all yours.” Ashley mashed his mouth down on Colt’s. He pushed forward and sucked on Colt’s tongue.

  Colt moaned. He caressed Ashley’s bare ass and pulled his lips away. “Yes. Fucking hell.” He turned Ashley around. “I can’t wait.”

  “Then do it.” He wasn’t about to argue. Okay, so he’d rather a little more romance, but after an argument he loved for Colt to get rough.

  Colt wrapped one arm around Ashley and held him. He slid his palm over Ashley’s throat. He pinched Ashley’s nipple with his free hand.

  Ashley groaned. He splayed his hands on the wall and caught the reflection of him and Colt in the mirror. Christ, they made a sexy pair. He wasn’t one for exhibitionism, but if he was, he and Colt could make a lot of money showing themselves off.

  “Don’t want you to now.” Colt sucked on Ashley’s neck. His teeth dug into Ashley’s skin. He rubbed his denim-clad erection between Ashley’s ass cheeks. “Want this to be romantic.”

  “Yeah?” The blush on his face spread down his chest. Ashley admired Colt’s reflection. He’d never share his lover, but he loved watching him. He parted his lips and bucked against Colt.

  “Do that.” Colt latched onto Ashley’s shoulder. “Mine.” He sucked hard on Ashley, leaving another mark.

  “Good thing I don’t have to go to school and can get away with turtlenecks,” Ashley managed. Having Colt’s marks on him pleased Ashley. Being owned wasn’t his idea of fun, but when Colt was involved, he’d be owned.

  Colt let go, then popped the cap on the lube. Ashley shivered as the chilly liquid dribbled between his cheeks. He flexed his asshole. “Feels good,” Ashley murmured.

  “Does it?” Colt smoothed his palm across Ashley’s neck, forcing him to look at Colt. “Can’t get enough of you.” He eased two fingers into Ashley’s asshole. “Mine?”

  He nodded. Like he could tell Colt no? Ashley moaned into Colt’s kiss and ground his ass on Colt’s fingers. Being full sent a shudder through his body. He pumped his hips. When Colt curled his digits and massaged Ashley’s prostate, a groan ripped from Ashley’s throat.

  “Fucking balls.” Ashley writhed. “I need more.” His nerve endings tingled and his nipples ached. He braced himself on one hand and stroked his cock. Pleasuring himself just a little added to his enjoyment.

  “Damn, babe.” Colt nipped Ashley’s earlobe. “What do you want?”

  “You. In. Me.” He wasn’t going to be able to hold out for much longer, and he doubted Colt could either.

  “Yes, sir.” Colt let go of Ashley. “Whatever you want.”

  Ashley panted. Anticipation slid through his veins. He wanted Colt more than his next breath.

  “Ready?”

  “Not yet.” Ashley kicked out of his shoe, then managed to free himself of one leg of his jeans and underwear. He propped his foot on the other sink. “Now I am.”

  “Damn. Horny bastard.” Colt grasped Ashley’s hips. He caught Ashley’s gaze in their reflection. “Christ, you’re a sexy man.” He pressed his face to the back of Ashley’s neck. “I want to capture this moment and save it forever.”

  “Me too.” But he couldn’t, other than as a memory, because he’d left his phone in the kitchen. Besides, he wasn’t ready for a selfie.

  Colt slid one arm around Ashley and grabbed Ashley’s ass cheek with the other hand. He spread Ashley open, then lined his cock up with Ashley’s asshole. He bit Ashley’s shoulder as he pushed into his body.

  Ashley moaned. Good thing no one could hear them. They could be as loud as they wanted. “Fuck,” he said, drawing the word out. “Need you.” Love coiled around his heart. Colt was the one who held on to his soul. Passion flowed within him, and he backed into his lover.

  “Damn. When you’re greedy, you make it hard to hold back.” Colt tipped Ashley’s head and kissed him.

  He’d never felt this used and cherished in his life. Ashley gasped for breaths between kisses and bucked against Colt. The sound of skin on skin echoed in the tiled room. Colt swatted Ashley’s hip. Then his movements turned feral.

  “Stroke yourself. Want to see you come apart.” Colt fixed his gaze on Ashley’s via their reflection. “Come with me.”

  Ashley tried to answer, but the words were gone. He nodded. The heat in his belly spread through his limbs. His knees wobbled. Each stroke pushed him closer to climax. He noticed the wildness in Colt’s eyes, and Ashley’s restraint collapsed.

  “Ashley.” Colt pistoned into Ashley. He scratched Ashley’s hips. “Oh, fuck.”

  Ashley groaned. He stroked his dick in time with Colt’s thrusts. He couldn’t hold back if he tried. He and Colt moved as one body. One heart and one soul coming together in a brilliant explosion. He jerked forward, and cum splattered in the sink. He sagged against Colt.

  “Yes,” Colt said. He shuddered and stuffed his cock to the hilt in Ashley. Colt added a couple more thrusts, then mashed Ashley against the sink and panted. He held on tightly. His breath warmed the back of Ashley’s neck. “I am wrung out. Fuck, I don’t know if my legs will hold me.”

  Ashley laughed. And he’d thought Colt had him used up. “That’s what good sex does.”

  “Uh-huh,” Colt said. “I apologize now. I got a little too excited and left three hickies on you. That last one might not fade by the end of winter break.”

  “I’ll manage.” Ashley let go of his cock and splayed both hands on the wall on either side of the mirror. “I really hope you didn’t tell Mom about this part of your plan.” Ashley chuckled and fought for air. Everything within him relaxed. “She’d probably die.”

  Colt snorted. “I didn’t mention every detail.” He nibbled on Ashley’s earlobe. “But since you and I live together, I’m guessing she has a good idea of what’s going on.” He pulled out, then allowed Ashley to face him. “If we weren’t sleeping together yet still living in the same house, then she’d have a reason to worry—because we aren’t good as roommates. We’re better as soul mates.”

  “You’re probably right.” Ashley straightened his shirt and leaned into the tile wall. He needed another minute to gather his wits.

  “She’s quicker on the uptake than she seems sometimes.” Colt removed the condom, then tucked his junk back into his pants. “She’s the one who made it clear that I needed to marry you sooner rather than later. She told me she wanted her grandson to have two parents.”

  “Oh?” Ashley gathered up his pants and underwear. Somehow he managed to step back into his clothes without tripping. He hiked his pants up, then adjusted his dick and balls before he zipped. Two parents. Weren’t they already two parents? The question bothered him because he wasn’t sure he could count on Colt. The conversation didn’t really clear up where he fit in Colt’s life. Was he just the guy who sucked his dick and helped pay the mortgage? Or was he on par with the diner? He had no idea. If Colt decided one day to propose, Ashley wasn’t sure how he
’d answer. He’d thought he wasn’t the marrying kind, but he was and he wanted a partner who could give one hundred percent, not phone it in.

  Instead of worrying about things he couldn’t change because they hadn’t happened yet, he focused on what he could handle. “Now that the fireworks are over, our food is probably cold. We should box it up and take it home.”

  “I’m guessing Ma and Wyatt would like the manicotti and we’ve got plenty.” Colt tugged Ashley into his arms. “Honestly, if I’m with you, I’m happy. You’re the best surprise I could ever have.” He kissed him. “Let’s go home and have some family time before Wyatt has to go to bed.”

  Ashley nodded. He fell into step beside Colt and left the bathroom. “Hey, Colt?”

  “Right here.”

  “This was the best surprise yet.” And he meant every word.

  Colt reached the table. He rubbed his hands together. “We’ve got three more days until Christmas. I’m just getting started.”

  “Then I can’t wait.” Ashley helped box up the food. Colt hadn’t proposed, and things were getting better between them. He could do this. He could enjoy Christmas with his family and worry about the future later.

  Chapter Seven

  Three days until Christmas…

  Colt sat in his car in one of the parking spots right off the town square and tapped his foot. He’d spent the better part of the day at the diner and most of that in the separate room working on private Christmas parties. He’d expected to be busy but not this dog tired. At least the business was steady and the money was good. He’d spent his break creating the envelopes for his employees which contained their yearly bonus. Shelby’s also contained a job offer—the manager—freeing him up to be home more often.

  He watched the traffic but didn’t see Ashley. According to his text, Ashley wouldn’t be up to the square until five. So it was ten to five. That didn’t mean Colton wasn’t antsy to see his lover. The dusting of snow sparkled on the ground. He’d wanted a crisp Ohio winter and a thick snowfall… Too bad the everchanging weather hadn’t cooperated. Still, the square looked festive with garlands around each lamppost, bows on the landscaping and more twinkle lights than he’d thought could be strung across the space. Each tree had been wrapped with lights and festooned with baubles.

  Ashley pulled in beside him and parked. Wyatt bounced out of the car first. He darted around the hood to Colt’s vehicle. “I can’t wait.” Wyatt yanked Colt’s door open. “Come on, Dad.”

  His heart swelled. He’d never get tired of hearing Wyatt call him Dad, especially since he hadn’t thought he’d be parent material. Wyatt and Ashley kept proving he was more than he’d imagined.

  Ashley left his car. “I’ve been replaced.”

  “Nah.” Colt hugged Wyatt, then climbed out of his vehicle. He locked the car. “You’re always number one.” He grasped Wyatt’s hand and strode up to Ashley. “Ready for surprise number three?”

  “I’ve heard about it a few times.” Ashley fell into step beside Colt. “Wyatt’s been bursting at the seams all day.” He slipped his hand into Colt’s free one. “He didn’t tell, though.”

  “Good.” Colt winked at Ashley.

  “I was trying so hard, Dad.” Wyatt swung Colt’s arm. “But I can’t wait. Let’s tell him.”

  “All right.” Colt led the way through the square. “Since last night was for your dad and me, I thought tonight would be for the family.” He nodded to the middle of the grassy area and the carriage. The horse whinnied, then snorted. “A ride through the square, then around the school yard to look at the lights.”

  “Colt.” Ashley squeezed his hand. “This is so…wow.”

  “Like it?” Colt asked.

  “I do,” Ashley whispered. “It’s magical.”

  “I’m ready to be on the ride.” Wyatt tugged on Colt’s arm. He let go, then bounded up to the carriage. “Hi, Mr. Haymer.” He climbed onto the seat. “You brought Winnie. She looks great.”

  The driver waved. “Thanks, Wyatt.”

  Ashley held back a step. “How does my child know the driver and the horse? I don’t mind, but I’ve never met them.”

  “Mr. Haymer is a regular at the diner. He had Winnie at the Cedarwood Days festival. You were at that teacher retreat, so Wyatt and I went for the day. Wyatt took to the horse. He thinks she’s great.”

  “Oh.” Ashley shrugged. “Sometimes I feel out of the loop.”

  “Mr. Haymer is good people. I can vouch for him.” He stepped out of the way and waved his hand to Ashley. “After you.”

  Ashley boarded the carriage first. Wyatt sat next to him and tossed the blanket over their laps. Colt joined them and draped his arm around both Wyatt and Ashley. The carriage pulled away from the platform.

  “You’re not out of the loop,” Colt said. “Wyatt and I had man time. I’m guessing you did today.”

  “We did.” Ashley leaned into Colt. “I’ve needed this. I spent most of today shopping for ornaments. Wyatt wanted to get ones for the naked tree. The more we looked, the more neither of us saw any that worked. Then I had an idea for it that was a little more personal. Besides the crowds and their collective grumpy attitude, the traffic was off the charts. I needed to get out of there.”

  “Dad about got hit,” Wyatt said. “Lady pulled out in front of us. Sucked.”

  “Wyatt,” Ashley said. “Language.”

  “Sorry, Dad.” Wyatt huddled closer to Colt.

  “Damn.” Colt toyed with the hair at the back of Ashley’s head. “I’m sorry.” Now he was the one who felt like he’d missed out—not on the almost accident, but on life with his family.

  “Me too.” Ashley sighed. “I like my car.”

  “It’s a good one,” Colt said. He breathed in the scent of Ashley’s cologne. Between the magic of the evening and the way Ashley smelled, he wanted to wrap himself up in his boyfriend.

  “This is great. It’s quiet and peaceful,” Ashley said. “We should do this every year.”

  “Our tradition?” He liked the sound of that and wanted to make a hundred more traditions together.

  “Yes.” Ashley turned to him. He leaned over Wyatt and pressed a kiss to Colt’s neck. “But maybe one time we rent the carriage alone—no horses or driver. Just a heated barn and us…we can…you know.”

  His blood warmed. He loved how Ash thought. “Yes.”

  The carriage rounded a bend and headed along the fence row behind the school.

  “It’s so pretty with the lights and trees decorated.” Ashley patted Colt’s hand. “This is where I got the idea for our tree.”

  “Oh?” He hadn’t paid attention to the scenery. Just Ashley. “How so?”

  “I’m going to put some of Wyatt’s art and a few other memories—like the dice from the time we went to the casino and the ribbon from our first pride festival—into these clear glass and plastic ornaments. We’ll have our memories on the tree.”

  Colt nodded. He mused over what Ashley had said. He’d used the words our and memories. He’d also said we and mentioned making more traditions. Maybe the freak-out the day before wasn’t that big of a deal and his own worry was overblown. He and Ashley were in a good place, and the future wasn’t so scary. He kissed the side of Ashley’s head. “I love it.”

  “Good.” Ashley snuggled against him.

  Colt rode in silence. He admired the beauty of the early evening, the bite in the air and the perfection of the moment. The night reminded him of a postcard. “We should do this again and photograph it.” He whipped out his phone. “Hold still, Wyatt.” He switched the phone to selfie and leaned in close to Ashley. “Smile.” He couldn’t use the image for their Christmas card this year, but he’d file it away for next year. He snapped the picture, then checked it. “This turned out nice. I bet it’d be great on cards.”

  “I would love to see all families represented on Christmas cards.” Ashley nodded. “We should.”

  Before Colt could answer, the carriage stopped at the platfo
rm. Other families stood in the short line waiting for their turn. Colt bit back a groan. “Damn. I wanted this to last longer.” He moved the blanket, then helped Ash and Wyatt out of the carriage. “Next time.” He waved to Mr. Haymer. “See you after Christmas. Merry Christmas!”

  Ashley stepped over the pile of melting snow. “What next?”

  “Yeah,” Wyatt said. “What is next?”

  “You don’t know?” Ashley ruffled Wyatt’s hair. “I thought you knew everything and were in cahoots.”

  “We are.” Wyatt shrugged.

  “I see.” Ashley met Colt’s gaze. “So?”

  Colt switched screens on his phone. “Well, let’s get one more picture but in front of the Christmas tree.” He herded Ashley and Wyatt over to the biggest pine. “Ready?”

  Ashley nudged Wyatt in between them. “Now we are.”

  Colt pressed the button to capture the image. When he swiped to check the picture, an alert popped up on the screen. “Shit.” He gritted his teeth and dismissed the message. “One more.” He tapped three times. “Good.” One of the pictures had to work. Another notification showed up, and he ignored that one too.

  “You’d better answer that,” Ashley said. “What if it’s the diner?” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Colt?”

  “I put Shelby in charge. It’s a test run.” He gripped the phone, not wanting to look at the second text. “She probably just wanted to check in.”

  “With two messages?” Ashley crooked his eyebrows. “Just look. You won’t be happy until you do.”

  “This is our time,” he snapped. “Sorry.” Colt relented and looked at the screen. Not texts, but voicemails. Even better… He swiped and connected to his voicemail box.

  “Hi, boss. It’s Shel. I’ve got a problem and didn’t want to call. I’m sorry. The kitchen has been slammed, and the fryer is down. It’s chicken night. Russ doesn’t know how to fix the fryer. Tell me what I need to do to fix it and I’ll do it. No sweat.”