Page 77 of Trapped for Christmas

“You’re always cooking and baking for me.”

“I love feeding you.”

Zeb snorted. “That sounded dirty.”

Mason chuckled.

“I just don’t think anyone ever cooks for you. Even if it’s at the restaurant, they’re following your recipes. I wanted to do something that was just for you.”

Mason felt his eyes water. This sweet man was going to be the death of him. He was right in that nobody ever cooked for Mason, except for his dad. Whenever he went home, Mason always cooked for his parents, and they invited some friends over to show off their Michelin-starred son. His dad always made a home-cooked meal, though, which Mason loved. He hadn’t gone home this Christmas, wanting to be with Zeb. It would be a lot for Zeb so early in their relationship, and he was being selfish about keeping the man to himself. His parents knew about Zeb and were supportive, as they had been his whole life. He and Leo had really lucked out on the parents compared to some of his friends.

“Let’s get this cleaned up, and I can sort lunch out.”

“Oh, I already did lunch,” said Zeb, rushing over to the fridge.

Should Mason be nervous after the cookies? Zeb pulled out a plate of sandwiches, which were beautifully cut and arranged.

“What’s all this?”

“It’s all leftovers, so it’s safe to eat.”

Mason chuckled. “Where did you learn this arrangement?”

It resembled an afternoon tea you got in the UK, although it was all sandwiches. Mason suspected the cookies were supposed to be part of it.

“I watched a few videos,” said Zeb, looking away.

Mason took hold of his chin and moved Zeb’s head so their eyes met. He kissed him gently.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

He kissed him again, deepening it this time. They enjoyed the kiss for a minute. Mason was already hard. He looked at the sandwiches and put his hand over them.

“You know, sandwiches like these are best served at room temperature.”

“Oh?”

“So, what do we do for half an hour?"

“Oh,” said Zeb, his tone different this time.

Mason picked Zeb up and put him over his shoulder. Zeb pretended to be embarrassed about it, but the hard-on pressing into Mason’s shoulder showed there was no real objection. He’d loved Zeb for two years, and never thought he could have this, even as he’d watched all his friends fall in love around him. Now, with Zeb as his partner, Mason would end this year the happiest he’d ever been in his entire life.

EPILOGUE

ZEB

Thanksgiving, one year later

Zeb looked at himself in the mirror. He’d come a long way in the last year. Most of it was on the inside, but he’d been working hard on his body too. His physique was more defined and his waist more tapered. His chest was bigger, and that made the phoenix tattoo more prominent. Zeb had been reborn in Cherry Falls last year, which was why the phoenix had a string of cherries below it. The idea had just popped into his head, and then Dante had brought it to life. He had never been one to be proud of himself before, but he was now.

His body looked amazing. He was two semesters into his degree and was top of his class. Zeb felt familiar warm arms wrap around him before a gentle kiss was pressed against his neck. That was another big change of last year. Zeb Carter had become Zeb Reid. They’d not wanted a big ceremony. Neither of them liked the spotlight. Ryder and Felix’s wedding earlier in the year had been a big event. Max and Paolo’s wedding was a few weeks away, and although not as grand, it would be an emotional event. Their friends had been pushy, given that they’d all been waiting for Mason and Zeb to get together for two years, so they’d had a simple service at the courthouse, with Mason’s family and their immediate friends, followed by a party, which was not at Epicure.

“Are you checking yourself out in the mirror again?” asked Mason, his husband.

Zeb still had to pinch himself. Mason Reid was his husband. No shoes had been dropped, and everything had been perfect. They had bickered a few times, like all couples do, but there had been no screaming arguments. Mason never raised his voice to Zeb. They were always honest and open with each other too. If Zeb was having one of his self-doubt moments, Mason would be there, or give him space if he needed it. The spare room he had stayed in a year ago had been redecorated as an office to Zeb’s taste. It had a sofa bed in there, and a desk for him to study. It was his sanctuary. If the door was closed, Mason would always knock or leave him be. He had never slept in there, though. Even when he’d been studying late, he would climb into bed next to Mason, and within seconds he’d be spooned, even if his husband had been fast asleep.