Page 20 of A Winter Courtship
Worry stirred in Ulrich’s belly.
He’d hoped Lutoth courting him meant he wanted something more from Ulrich. But if Lutoth was part-sylph, maybe Lutoth wasn’t capable of wanting something like that from him. Perhaps this really was some temporary thing before Lutoth…flew with the wind?
But of course, he’d expected that. Why would Lutoth want to stay with him? No doubt Ulrich was just a passing infatuation for Lutoth. A fuck or two with the big mountain blacksmith before moving on.
At least Lutoth had been kind.
“But there is no reason to think Lutoth would do the same,” Sero said, side-eyeing his mother. “He has stayed in the valley for almost a year.”
“Oh no! I didn’t mean…” Mila’s eyes widened. “Lutoth isn’t like that!” She reached out and gripped Ulrich’s hands in hers, small hands squeezing hard. “He cares for you very deeply. He wouldn’t leave like his mother did.” She stared up at him as if pleading for him to believe her.
He nodded.
“He likes anything sweet.” Aryn broke the tension. “This is the first batch of Solstice cookies we’ve made.” He held up a small parcel. “They are filled with Solstice berry jam and dipped in chocolate.”
“Aryn made them,” Sero said, pride in his voice.
“I had help,” Aryn said, smiling at Sero.
Sero stepped forward, leaned over the counter, and kissed Aryn on the cheek. Then he picked up the parcels. “I’ll walk you out, Ulrich.”
Ulrich said his goodbyes to the others before following Sero out the door. Unsurprisingly, Ethel waited patiently outside and trotted towards Ulrich when she spotted him.
“Sorry about that,” Sero said. “Mother still remembers Lutoth’s mother leaving and how horrible it was for my uncle.”
“Do you think Lutoth’s not capable of—”
“No,” Sero said. “He’s lived in the valley for a year. Many thought he wouldn’t be able to, but he did. But if you are worried, talk to him.” He clapped Ulrich on the arm. “Anyway, I should go back in and help.” He looked at the door and let out a heavy sigh.
“Everything all right?” Ulrich asked.
“Jarne, Aryn’s brother from Bordertown, is visiting. He’s staying with my parents.” Sero crossed his arms. “They don’t get along.”
“Oh,” Ulrich said, not sure what else to say. “Ah… Sorry.”
Sero sighed. “Anyway, give Lutoth my greetings,” Sero said and entered the store.
Ulrich set off back towards his home. Questions swirled inside Ulrich’s head. He should probably talk to Lutoth. But he worried he would make their tentative relationship, or whatever this was, uncomfortable if he asked Lutoth his questions.
It would be easier to remain silent and just let it be. But Ulrich needed to know. He needed to know what Lutoth wanted from him. He just hoped he had the courage to ask.
ChapterThirteen
The bed dipped beside Lutoth.
“Mm.” Whilst still keeping his eyes closed, Lutoth managed to roll towards Ulrich, wrap his arms around the man, and pull him down beside him. He tugged the blanket over them, creating a perfect warm cocoon. “I was wondering where you went.”
It was only a few days into the Solstice season, and already he woke in Ulrich’s bed. It was more than he’d planned. More than he’d hoped to achieve so soon.
“I needed to take Ethel out for a walk and go to the store to get some food for you. I didn’t want to wake you.” Ulrich’s breath tickled Lutoth’s cheek.
Lutoth kissed Ulrich, hands stroking naked, furry, delicious flesh. Lutoth could get used to waking up to a big, warm, sexy man who brought him food.
“I didn’t know what you wanted to eat, so I bought a few different things. If you tell me what food you like, I can buy it for you next time.”
Lutoth smiled, nuzzling Ulrich’s beard.
Next time.