Past Release Not Available at this Time
Lovell Johnston was home for the holidays when he met Avery Lockhart. He had made up his mind a long time ago that when he got into another relationship it was going to last. Avery was perfect for him everything he could ask for in a man. He was handsome, educated, sexy, available and totally interested in him. The only thing was Lovell lived in the city and Avery lived in his home town. Would the distance and fear of being a holiday booty call be enough to keep them apart when all they wanted to do was be together?
Excerpt
At first Lovell stood there staring at him, but as his shock eased away he finally found his voice as he tried to avoid the man’s steady gaze.
“I, I don’t know. My sister was supposed to pick this stuff up. The list belongs to her. How much do people usually buy?”
“Well, I guess that would depend on how much smooching you plan on doing,” the man answered with a mischievous grin. “With lips as full and sensual as yours I bet you do a lot of that. Perhaps you should return after you’re spoken to your significant other and see how much kissing is in your future,” he added with a knowing chuckle.
Lovell let out an embarrassed laughed and put his carrier on top of the basket. “I don’t have one of those.”
“Really? A handsome man like yourself, single? What a tragedy. What’s your name?”
“Lovell.”
“Lovell? Hmm, Lovely Lovell. I’m sure I’ll have no trouble remembering that.”
Lovell’s eyes widened and a soft gasp escaped him. Okay, now he knew he was out of practice, but now he was sure this man was making a pass at him.
He looked at him again and found the man’s gaze was mesmerizing. Now he knew what people meant when they said it felt like someone was looking right through them into their soul. His gaze made Lovell feel warm from the inside out. It made his breathing quicken and his hard on returned. The man grabbed a handful of mistletoe and held it over Lovell’s head. He moved so close that Lovell could smell his minty breath as his lips brushed his nose.
“Well, Lovell, I would hang about this much over every doorway in my house if I knew you were coming over. I don’t like to miss out on a once in a life time opportunity.”
Lovell stuttered, unable to make a complete word let alone a sentence. Then suddenly the front door swung open and a blast of cold air rushed through the store.
“Avery, I’m here! I came to pick up that box of decorations for my window,” a woman cried cheerfully as she walked across the floor toward the front of the store.
“That’s Mrs. David from the bakery. I’ve got some stuff on hold for her. She’s a sweet old lady, but her timing sucks,” he said with a soft laugh. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Lovell still couldn’t form any words. He could hardly breathe because of Avery’s closeness.
Finally Avery took a step back taking the carrier from Lovell. He dropped a small amount of mistletoe into it along with the rest of the things on his list. “It would seem I have some other work to do. I’ll see you at the register,” he added and caressed his face before walking away. Lovell swallowed and was finally able to breathe again. His eyes followed Avery as he walked to the counter to help the woman who waited for him. He was friendly and pleasant to her as they spoke and then he helped her carry the box outside. Alone in the store Lovell walked to the register with his brows knitted in confusion.
Who was this guy? What happened to Mr. Lockhart?
Lovell hadn’t been home since last Christmas when Mr. Lockhart was still there.
The woman called him Avery. Avery who? Well, one thing he did know. Avery knew he was gay and was interested in him. How the hell did he know that?
No one had actually ever made a pass at him before. In college he met his so called boyfriend during a drive for members for the council of campus gay rights. They went to a few meetings together, had a few beers together and since they were both single they decided to do the friends with benefits thing. His college years were spent doing just that. He was over that. He wanted more than a no commitment sexual relationship. He was more than just a booty call. He wanted something real.
An interaction like what just happened between him and Avery had never happened to him before. He replayed the scene over in his mind again, his cock jumped from the memory. He should feel offended about Avery jumping to conclusions and coming on so boldly to him, but the fact was he didn’t. He felt horny and surprised that such a handsome man was interested in him. Most of the really handsome guys he had come in contact with fell into two categories: taken or jerks. Avery didn’t seem to fall into either.
It was a shame that he was only going to be home until after the New Year. His apartment building was damaged during a recent storm and his unit was on the top floor and one of the ones badly damaged. The company that owned the building had let him out of his lease, but wouldn’t have another place available until just after the first of the year. He usually came home for Christmas anyway so it didn’t bother him. Knowing his stay would be temporary it would be reckless to start something he couldn’t finish.
Suddenly the door swung open and Avery ran inside rubbing his arms. “Woo! I should have grabbed my coat. It’s starting to get cold out there. The snow is really starting to come down now.” He stopped in front of Lovell and leaned on the counter. “I was about to take lunch. Want to join me? I have a fireplace that will keep us warm.” When Lovell’s eyes widened again and he didn’t answer, Avery laughed and went around the counter. “Okay, okay, too soon. I understand. Let’s ring this stuff up and get you on your way.”
When Lovell handed Avery the money he held Lovell’s hand longer than needed. Avery pushed the bag to him and Lovell rushed out of the store with it. Once out in the cold air of the street Lovell was able to control his breathing again.
“What the hell was all that about?” He mumbled out loud as he started his return trek back home.