GENRE: Gay BDSM Erotic Romance
LENGTH: 20,068 words
RATING:

Garrett Corrigan loves the holiday season. All the trappings, the lights, the festive spirit. But as the holiday cards start to arrive, it’s hard to see all the happy families and smiling faces. At thirty-eight, he thought he’d be sending those out himself, but instead, he’s alone. Again.

To make matters worse, his family has the tradition of taking photos in Christmas pajamas. The group photo isn’t bad, but when he has to stand by himself in pajamas that match no one else’s, he can’t help the sadness. Garret is made to be a partner, but he hasn’t yet found the person who will want to stay.

But then there’s Mason Mills. Garrett would have never asked his friend to pose as his boyfriend, but Mason has a different proposal. The attraction between them has always simmered in the background, and Mason take the opportunity to make his move. They agree to date for the holiday and see where things go. Garrett is shocked to learn that Mason long ago figured out that Garrett is submissive in the bedroom, and Mason pushes every one of his buttons. The move from friends to lovers, and Dom and sub, works so well, Garrett wishes they’d pursued something sooner.

The only sticking point is Garrett’s mother’s attitude, and Garrett’s anxiety keeps him from sharing all his thoughts. Mason is determined to show Garrett that nothing will come between them. With Mason’s unwavering support, this just might be Garrett’s best Christmas yet.

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

Of course. I’d misunderstood. My hopes had my mouth running away with me and he hadn’t meant that at all. I tried to keep any and all disappointment out of my tone. “Oh. Right. You meant as a friend.”

“Oh, no.” His chuckle was wicked, all heat, and it went straight to my core. “I did not mean friends. I meant dating. Actual dating. We’ve always been attracted to each other, yeah?”

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

“Yeah.” His gaze heated. “But our timing has always been off. One of us was always with someone or not in a headspace to date. Right?”

Another nod. No way was I opening my mouth right now. Not until I knew exactly what he was saying. It was as though he’d delved into my secret dreams and was offering me what I’d always wanted. Until he made himself explicitly clear, I wasn’t speaking a single word.

“But we’ve both been unattached for a while now. I was getting ready to make a move anyway. This opportunity just presented itself. So what do you say?”

I’d say it was a dream come true. It had always been there, in the back of my brain, even when I’d realized we’d be nothing more than friends. And now he was offering it to me exactly when I needed it most. The timing was suspect, but I trusted him and he said he’d been ready to make a move anyway.

But there was only one thing holding me back no matter how badly I wanted to say yes. And it was a pretty big thing.

“I, uh, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

His face fell, but he sat back and kept his gaze fixed on me. “Oh yeah? Why’s that? Because from where I’m sitting, it’s a great idea.”

My smile was sad. “There are things that I want ... um, in bed ... and I don’t -- eep!”

He stood fast, looming over me. I gulped, and when he took hold of my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his, I was surprised by the intensity there.

“You think I don’t know?” Mason’s voice was low and dark, an edge to it that made me shiver. That wicked grin bloomed across his lips. “Yeah. I know. I figured it out a long time ago, G. I know you like to be controlled in bed. I know you like to submit to your partners. I also know it’s been quite a while since you’ve gotten what you needed.”

I whimpered. He was not wrong.

“Yes, Garrett. I’m well aware of what you need in the bedroom, and we’re going to have to talk about all of that. And how we can meet both of our needs. But first, I need your answer.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“Okay ... sir?”

Mason chuckled, and it was still wicked, but also laced with a bit of his usual levity. “Not what I meant, though I do like hearing that from you. State it plainly, please.”