Page 9 of Back Where He Belongs

“And we thought we’d rule the world when we were bairn’s” Kier added.

“We did. Ahh, there’s still time Freckle, we’re still young. Let’s drink to that!”

“Aye, to being young, ruling the world, and to Christmas Eve.”

“That too!” Douglas snickered. They raised their glasses, touched them to one another, and tossed back the red wine. As soon as the glasses hit the table, Douglas was refilling them both to the brim.

The excellent red wine, food, and company made all of the aches, pains, and chills that Kier had suffered melt away. The abandoned hire car filled with Christmas gifts could have been in another universe for all he cared. This Christmas Eve was turning out to be the most heartwarming he’d spent in a good while.

“Why? Why did you never settle down with anyone in Australia? I’m sure the country is full of fine-lookin' men.”

That was the million dollar question. “There are many fine, fine men in Australia, but my lifestyle—out on a sheep station in the middle of nowhere, really doesn’t make dating easy. I don’t get many hits on Grindr… mainly sheep.” He said with an easy laugh, but the truth was that when he’d left Scotland, something switched off in Kier’s heart. Sowing his wild oats had never been the intention; in fact, he’d decided never to allow himself to become so deeply entwined with another man.

Extricating himself from the sensual pull of Douglas McLelland and all that they had been together was the most painful thing that Kier had ever experienced in his life. He gave a self-depreciating laugh. “And of course, no one got me—not like you did.”

Douglas stared at Kier but appeared to be tongue-tied. The unreciprocated honesty made Kier feel naked and awkward. He’d said too much.

They ate the rest of their meal in silence with Mac glaring at them, his tongue lolling, and his huge dark eyes pleading for a morsel.

After second helpings for Douglas and Kier, Mac’s daddy rewarded him with the scrapings and gravy from the pot that he’d waited so patiently to receive.

Good Dog.

****