Page 34 of A Winter Crush

Wareth smiled and pulled the blanket over the two of them. He stroked Ori’s hair, smooth like silk, feeling the bumps of leaves and berries woven into it.

Ori practically purred. “Feels nice,” Ori murmured against his chest. Then he sighed. “I should go if I’m going to spend the night in the valley. I’ve barely been there recently.” His fingers traced patterns through Wareth’s chest hair. “And I should tell you, my aunties want to meet you on the Solstice. I hope that’s all right.”

Wareth’s hand froze in Ori’s hair. “Do they?”

“Of course. They want to meet the man who’s taking up so much of my time.”

Wareth nodded, his heart pounding. “That makes sense. Do you think they’ll like me?” It was hard to imagine they’d think Wareth was good enough for Ori. Despite what Ori said, he knew Ori could do better. Just because Ori didn’t see it didn’t mean his aunties wouldn’t.

“Don’t worry.” Ori kissed his bare shoulder. “I’m sure they’ll like you. They just want to meet the man who makes me happy and make sure you’re taking care of me.” He laughed. “To be honest, I’m nervous they’ll scare you off. They can be intense, and they will ask a lot of questions. Actually, they’ve been wanting to meet you for days now, but I managed to get them to wait until Solstice.”

“I think I’d like to meet them too,” Wareth said, voice soft.

“Really?”

“They’re your family. Of course I want to meet them.”

Ori’s smile blinded him, and he snuggled closer to Wareth.

Meeting Ori’s aunties, it thrilled and frightened him. He knew they were important to Ori, and he did want to meet the people who raised him, but what would happen if they told Ori that Wareth wasn’t good enough for him? What if they hated him? Even if Ori made light of it, he knew their opinion mattered to him.

Still, it was a good sign that Ori wanted him to meet his family. It showed that Ori meant what he had said. Because despite their conversation, Wareth couldn’t quite shake the notion that it would all just slip away. He was happier than he’d been in years, and he was terrified it couldn’t last.

But Ori had asked him to give them a chance, and he would. Ori wasn’t Rin. He tightened his arms around Ori as if trying to hold on to him. He kissed Ori’s forehead and forced his body to relax. He had to trust Ori.

“Argh,” Ori said, pulling away and sitting up. “I really don’t want to, but I have to go.” He crawled over Wareth and out of bed. “What are we doing tomorrow?”

“The pottery should be cool around midday. We’ll unpack, clean, and deliver them to everyone, ready for the Solstice the following day.” He reached out and held Ori’s hand, stroking the back with his thumb. “Come by sometime around midday. We’ll have a busy afternoon, but I’m looking forward to spending the Solstice with you. It’s the first time in years I’ve looked forward to it.”

Ori kissed Wareth. “I’m looking forward to it too.” He kissed Wareth again. Ori moaned but then pulled away. “I really should go before I decide to crawl back in there and stay the night.” He stood. “I’ll see you at midday.” He smiled.

“I’ll miss you,” Wareth said. It was a completely ridiculous thing to say. He was a grown man, and he would see Ori tomorrow, but still, it was true.

“I’ll miss you too.” Then Ori disappeared out the door.

A few moments later, the sound of the studio door closing reached him. Wareth flopped back onto his bed, his room now cold and empty. He wondered how he’d ever thought he wasn’t lonely before. He could barely stand to be away from Ori for one night. But at least it was just one night.

Still, every time Ori left, he couldn’t help but fear that Ori would disappear and he’d be left utterly alone again.

Ori will come back tomorrow. You have nothing to worry about. He said he would, and you have to trust him.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Ori smiled on his way back to the valley. He hated being apart from Wareth, but Wareth had said that he’d miss him, and he’d looked so sad as Ori had left. It gave Ori hope for their future. They’d been together only a few weeks, and Ori knew Wareth had his fears, but Ori thought they had a chance.

The forest lay dark around him, the moon hidden behind the clouds. The snow felt cold and soft beneath his bare feet. He spotted movement through the trees. He paused. A shadow, small, moving like the wind.

“Hello,” Ori called out.

The shadow paused.

“Ori?” a girl called out.

“Yes?”

She ran towards him. As she approached, her features became clearer.

“Neda? Is that you?” She was one of Liney’s friends. Dread slid down his spine. “What is it? Is Liney all right?”