Epilogue
OPERATION: CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Twelve months later…
CHAPTER ONE
Steve propped himself up on one elbow to get a better look at the man sleeping beside him. Warmth filled his chest at the sight of Corey’s peaceful features. He was relaxed in sleep, eyelashes fanning his smooth cheeks and his lips curved in a small smile.I wonder what he’s dreaming about?He assumed it was something good, given the smile playing at his lips. Unable to resist temptation, he reached out and touched Corey’s cheekbone, the skin silky beneath his fingertips. The muscle twitched slightly, and he drew his hand back, not wanting to wake his sleeping boyfriend.
Boyfriend.
Steve loved the sound of that word. He could hardly believe he’d been lucky enough to find someone like Corey to share his life. If he’d been asked twelve months ago how he’d seen his future, he wouldn’t have imagined the level of happiness that now filled each and every day. A year ago he’d had been sure he was destined to be alone after two failed relationships—two relationships where he’d been cheated on. But now… now was a totally different story. Like a dream come true. He had found someone who wanted the same things in life and shared the same hopes for the future.
With a last lingering glance at the still sleeping Corey, Steve slipped from the bed and padded to the kitchen. He moved carefully to keep down the noise, turning on the coffee machine and gathering the makings for breakfast. He was taking his first sip of the freshly brewed coffee when Corey came into the room.
“Hey, babe,” Corey said, planting a kiss on Steve’s cheek before stealing the mug from his hands and taking a long sip. He sighed with satisfaction. “You’re up early for a day off.”
Steve filled another mug with steaming coffee. “So are you. I wanted you to sleep in. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.” Corey had been working every hour under the sun in recent weeks, as the company he worked for was launching a new product and needed all hands on deck, even through the holiday period.
Corey nodded over the rim of his mug. “You know me. I can never sleep in.”
And Steve did know that, although he had no idea where Corey managed to get all his energy from. “At least let me make breakfast for you.”
“Now that’s an offer I’m never going to turn down.”
Corey pulled up a bar stool and sat at the kitchen counter, watching while Steve beat a couple of eggs in a bowl. He tossed some finely diced onion into a frying pan, along with a chopped tomato. The pan sizzled, sending a delicious aroma into in the kitchen.
He glanced up from the cooktop at the sound of Corey’s laugh. “What? What’s so funny?”
Corey grinned. “You. Standing there cooking with a goofy grin on your face. You used to be such a grouch in the morning.”
Steve gave him the finger but couldn’t stop smiling. A lot of thingshadchanged in the last twelve months—he now looked forward to every day. He poured in the egg mixture and added grated cheddar to the pan; a simple dish but tasty. Within moments they were digging into bowls of scrambled eggs accompanied by golden toast.
“’S good,” Corey said, forking up another mouthful.
Steve warmed at the compliment. Who’d have thought he’d become somewhat of an okay cook and that he’d actually enjoy it? But cooking for Corey, albeit simple meals, was something that gave him so much pleasure. Corey was always looking after other people and deserved someone to take care of him.
“What’s on the agenda today? You’re still helping out your parents?”
Corey swallowed and put his fork into the now empty bowl. “Yeah. I promised Mum a couple of hours before hitting the shops. Then I’m all yours.”
Happiness filled him at Corey’s words, but nerves bubbled up too.All yours.God, he had so much riding on today. He picked up the dishes in an effort to distract himself.
“You won’t forget the tree, will you? And it can’t be too big or there’ll be no space in the living room for our guests tomorrow. Leave it in the garage when you get home, and I’ll give you a hand bringing it up.”
Steve rinsed their bowls, stacking them in the dishwasher. His hands shook, and he dropped a fork into the sink, flinching at the sudden noise, loud in the small room.
Corey pushed up from the stool. “You’re stressing. Are you nervous about our parents meeting tomorrow? I know I said it’s an important milestone and my folks will take it as a serious step, but I don’t want it to stress you out.”
Steve took a deep breath. “It’s not that. I just want things to go smoothly.”Do I ever!
“I’ve got everything on my list under control, so you need to relax. We don’t need to go to any fuss. It’s meant to be a casual Christmas.” Corey stepped up close behind him and slipped his arms around Steve’s waist, resting his head against Steve’s back.
Little does he know this is anythingbuta casual Christmas.Steve put his hands over Corey’s, holding him tightly, enjoying the closeness.
He took another deep breath and focused on Corey’s hug, at peace for the moment. He turned in Corey’s hold, wrapping his arms around him. “I just want everything to be perfect,” he whispered against Corey’s hair.
“And it will be perfect. Remember this Christmas is about us, not worrying about what anyone else wants.”
