Kimberly Gardner

Now available from MLR Press, my holiday story, Drag And Drop!

 

http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KGDRGDRP

 

 

Blurb

 

Shimmering satins, lipstick and lace

Champagne countdowns and a midnight embrace

One man has a secret he’s too scared to speak

The other has dreams for the future to seek

Will  they lay bare their hearts for one chance at bliss

And ring in the new year sealed with a kiss?

 

Excerpt

 

Copyright 2011 by Kimberly Gardner, all rights reserved.

 

“Okay, close your eyes.”

 

“Close my eyes? Why?”

 

“It’s a surprise.” Peter stuck the key in the lock and turned it.

Given the last surprise Peter had sprung on him, CJ wasn’t at all sure he wanted another, but he closed his eyes as requested. He heard the door open then Peter’s arm slid around his waist.

 

“Keep them closed until I tell you.”

 

“How can I walk with my eyes closed?”

 

“I’ll guide you, and it’s just a few steps. C’mon. You can trust me.”

 

CJ leaned into Peter’s side and let himself be guided. The warmth of Peter’s body, the heat of his hand at CJ’s waist and the arm protectively around him; it was all very nice. He sighed with pleasure and snuggled closer.

 

They entered the apartment and Peter closed the door.

“Okay, wait right here.”

 

“Can I open my eyes now?”

 

“Not yet. Just give me a minute.”

 

CJ heard the scrape of a match being struck and Peter’s footsteps on the bare wood floor as he moved around the room. “What are you doing?”

 

“Just wait.”

 

With his eyes closed CJ could tell very little. As the minutes ticked by and Peter continued to move around, those flying saucers in CJ’s belly took flight once more.

 

“Peter, can I open my eyes yet? I feel like a weirdo standing here like this.”

 

“Just a couple more seconds. There. Okay, now you can open your eyes.”

 

CJ opened his eyes and his jaw dropped.

 

Candlelight filled the room. Tall tapers in holders, small tea lights and a multi-branch thing that reminded CJ of some funky modern art rendition of a menorah—candles were everywhere.

 

“Wow.” CJ sighed and turned to Peter. “Wow, babe.”

 

“What do you think? Do you like it?” Peter was searching CJ’s face, an anxious smile playing around his lips, his hands clasped in front of him like a nervous schoolboy.

 

“It’s beautiful.” CJ reached for those nervous hands. After soothing them apart he took them in his. “You did all this for me?”

 

“Who else? I wanted it to be special the first time we…you know.” 

 

He did know, and his stomach fluttered though whether from desire or anxiety CJ couldn’t have said. The romance of the gesture was overwhelming, so much so he simply nodded.

 

“I know.” Pulling Peter to him, CJ kissed him, a soft sweet brush of lips. “Thank you. It’s great. I feel really special.”

 

And like the liar he was.