Page 18 of A Winter Awakening

The past few days, Orteo had come early in the morning, often with the dawn. Sometimes he’d even arrived before Gael had properly woken up. Maybe Orteo was coming later today because he didn’t want to disturb Gael’s sleep.

Orteo was thoughtful like that.

A knock sounded on the door. Gael sat up. “Come in,” he called.

The door opened, and sure enough, there stood Orteo, like a ray of sunshine on a cold winter’s day.

“Morning, Orteo.” Gael couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face. Just the sight of Orteo made Gael’s chest swell with happiness.

“Good morning. I have food.” Orteo held up a package wrapped in brown paper.

“Wonderful,” Gael said.

“And I see you kept the fire going. No troubles?” Orteo’s silver hair fell loosely around his shoulders.

“No. You did a good job teaching me.”

Orteo came over and placed the package on the table. Orteo untied the string, and the brown paper crinkled. Gael watched Orteo’s graceful movements, his hands and wrists so slender and lovely.

“I’ve got some bread, pickled fish, jam, and dried berries.”

The sound of Orteo’s voice was a calming balm to Gael’s soul.

Gael felt safe in Orteo’s presence. He didn’t think he’d ever met anyone as generous and giving as Orteo. Orteo cared for him and asked for nothing in return. He’d take no coin. And Gael had tried to pay him several times now. Orteo just wanted to ensure Gael’s well-being.

“Thank you,” Gael said. It felt like he said the words a million times every day to Orteo. But he didn’t have any other way to express his gratitude.

“I’ll go and get plates.” Orteo went over to the cupboard in the kitchen off the main room.

Gael watched the handsome oread, eyes tracing the lines of his toned back.

How did Orteo have so much time for him? Surely he must have a partner or lover waiting for him. Or friends who couldn’t bear to be without him and his radiant presence.

Someone as wonderful as Orteo shouldn’t be alone.

Orteo returned with two plates and some cutlery. “Here you are.”

They put food onto their plates. Gael kept glancing at him. Orteo’s eyes shone a bright silver. They matched his luminous hair. Gael’s eyes traced Orteo’s high cheekbones, straight nose, and strong jaw. His plump dark-grey lips looked soft.

He envied the man, so put together, so generous, and so ridiculously handsome. He’d never admired anyone like he’d admired Orteo. He just wanted to be around him all the time.

Even when Orteo wasn’t with him, just the thought of Orteo made Gael smile. And Gael thought of him constantly.

“Do you have a partner or wife?” Gael blurted.

Orteo paused. He held the jar of pickled fish in his hand.

“Why do you ask?” Orteo set the jar down on the table.

“Well, you’re always here. I just wondered if you had someone waiting for you at home.”

Orteo’s intense eyes studied Gael. “No. I have no partner. No lover. No spouse.”

“I’m glad.” Gael laughed. “I’d hate to be keeping you from them.”

Orteo still studied him. “And that’s why you’re glad?”

“Of course,” Gael said. “I’d feel terrible if you were stuck here looking after me when you had someone missing you.” And what a lucky person that someone would be.