Page 103 of Mr. Frosty Pants

“Hey,” Joel said, stepping into the room. He’d removed his coat and shoes, standing there in just his jeans and T-shirt, muscles showing and tattoos on display.

“Hey.” Casey rose to plant a kiss on his mouth. “How did it go?”

“It was okay. Wish I still smoked. A cigarette would have taken the edge off. But I don’t, so…” Joel sank down on the new sofa he’d purchased with six months of increased royalties. He hadn’t smoked in over six months, either, which did Casey’s heart good, but even he missed the scent of cigarette smoke sometimes. Joel didn’t smile, but he relaxed, reaching out for Casey. “I said my goodbyes. My relationship with my dad will never be what I wanted or needed. That’s the hard part. But that was true whether he was alive or dead.”

“But while he was alive, there was still hope.”

Joel shook his head. “No. And that’s why I had to walk away in the end. There was never any hope.” He tugged Casey down to the couch beside him, and Casey was grateful that Joel huddled against him, seeking the reassurance and affection he needed. The old Joel—the one Angel had called Mr. Frosty Pants—would never have done such a thing.

Casey kissed the top of Joel’s head while Joel played with the silver ring Casey always wore on his finger.

“My folks will be expecting us around five for the Christmas party,” Casey reminded him.

“My second Stevens family Christmas party,” Joel said softly. “I’d say I was looking forward to it, but that’d be a lie.”

“Walker will be there. He likes you.”

“He doesn’t suck.”

“And you and my mom get along great these days.”

“Yeah, but at some point between tonight and tomorrow at Christmas dinner I’ll have to apologize to your dad for underestimating you.” Joel squirmed a little. “Even though that was a lie, too.”

“True. And then later you owe me an apology for ever doubting me at all.”

Joel went still. “On my knees.”

“Yeah.”

“And then a blow job.”

“Hell, yeah.”

Joel laughed. “Good thing I’ve gotten better at those.”

“You’re the best I’ve ever had. Always have been. Always will be.”

Joel snorted softly, obviously doubting it, but he didn’t argue. “I’m tired. It was cold out there. Will you hold me for awhile?”

Casey tugged Joel down until they were lying on the sofa together, staring at the tree. Satisfied, Bruno flopped down on top of the wrapping paper still spread out for the last gift and started to snore.

“I love you,” Joel whispered.

“I love you too.”

Joel rolled on top of him, nuzzling his neck. “Show me.”

“You want me to fuck you?”

“Yes.”

Casey grinned. “All right. Where?”

“Here. On the sofa.” Joel’s lower lip tucked into his mouth and he looked almost bashful. “By the way, I have a gift for you. Something just for us.”

“What’s that?”

“I got a physical for that insurance I purchased recently—the insurance for the store.”