The sun peeked through the blinds and slapped Austin in the eyeballs. He winced against the sight. Everything was sore and tight. He gasped as his limbs stretched from their awkward positions. The bed was empty. For a moment he wondered if it had all been a dream, but overused muscles told the real story. Austin shouldn’t have been surprised Will was gone. When he’d asked to stay until Wednesday, it hadn’t felt real. Depression tried creeping in. Now it felt like Christmas. He refused to regret a single thing. Life gave him very little.

He padded to the bathroom, feeling every place Will had been. A smile pulled at his lips. After a hot shower, he felt halfway human again. As he went through his usual morning routine, his gaze kept sliding toward the mirror. Austin realized he didn’t really look at himself that often. With his lips still swollen from Will’s abuse, Austin looked like a different person. He honestly didn’t regret a moment of Will. After massaging some moisturizer into his face, Austin froze and stared at his reflection. There were teeth marks on his shoulder. A wave of lust washed over him. His dick twitched. He’d never suspected he’d enjoy pain. In fact, he’d never thought about it all. But when the time had come, he’d begged. Heat filled Austin’s cheeks. He fanned his face. A soft chuckle escaped him. There was no one here to judge him and he was still embarrassed. Damn. He wished Will had stayed.

Since it was Christmas, he had no place to be and no way to get there anyhow. Austin pulled some clean pajama pants out and a soft t-shirt. Today, he planned to do nothing except eat, watch Christmas movies, and relive every second of Will. He stepped out of his bedroom and into a holiday explosion. A beautiful tree decorated all in white and gold sat in front of his bay window. There were several tasteful decorations scattered throughout the room. Austin moved from spot to spot, taking it all in. There were even presents under the tree. Austin’s throat swelled. He could barely breathe past the emotions crushing him. No one had ever done anything like this for him. He stared at the gold-wrapped boxes transfixed. Warm lips brushed his shoulder making him jump. A mug of hot chocolate appeared in front of him.

“Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

Austin fought the urge to cry. He was speechless and moved. It took clearing his throat twice to push words from his lips. “How did you do all this?”

Will took Austin’s hand and wrapped it around the mug, reminding him he hadn’t accepted the cup. “After you fell asleep, I ran over to Masters, and picked up a few things. If we’re spending the holiday together, I want you to have the full experience.”

Austin stared at Will. There was a hint of reservation in Will’s gorgeous blue eyes. It was obvious he expected Austin would be disappointed. Austin turned in a slow circle before facing Will once more. “This is gorgeous and the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.” Austin’s voice shook with emotion. He bit his lip to stop it from happening again.

A slow, wicked looking smile stretched Will’s lips. “Sit down. Drink your cocoa and open your presents.”

Austin dutifully sat and took a sip. Warm deliciousness coated his tongue. “Yum,” Austin hummed. Will watched his every move as if soaking up his every reaction. Austin made sure he showed his delight in everything since he loved pleasing Will. Will handed him a box from beneath the tree. Austin set his cup aside and accepted. Embarrassment washed over him as he tore into the paper. Austin always felt uncomfortable opening presents while anyone watched. He questioned his every move. Did he seem too eager? Should he open it slower? It was a makeup palette. Austin recognized it was one of the most expensive ones Masters sold. He flipped open the lid. A rainbow of colors stared up at him. He smiled. It was out of his control. Colors made him happy. When he lifted his chin, Austin found Will staring at him with hunger in his eyes. Will made him feel special and wanted. Emotion choked him. He’d never felt so much so quickly. In that moment, Austin would have given up anything, even his soul if he could keep Will. He needed the man to feel some modicum of what he made Austin feel. Austin wanted him to know he was special, but he didn’t have as much to offer.

“I don’t have anything to give you. It’s not like I can open a store,” Austin added with a laugh that sounded strained even to him.

“I didn’t do this,” Will said motioning around the room, “expecting anything in return. You give me more than you realize, Austin.”

There was so much honesty and emotion in Will’s voice that Austin’s throat swelled again. An idea struck. “Wait. Just don’t move.” He set his present aside, rushed to the bedroom, and dug his tiny fire safe out from underneath the bed. After finding the key, he grabbed the only thing of value he owned. He re-locked the safe and held his hands behind his back as he headed for the living room. It never once entered his mind he was making a mistake. Will had taken over his spot on the couch. Austin crossed the room. The way Will watched him, with heat and passion, had Austin’s heart swelling with pride. Even if Will never spoke to him again after Wednesday, Austin knew he wouldn’t regret a thing. The moment he was within striking distance, Will snagged his waist and tugged Austin into his lap. Austin quickly slipped the watch onto Will’s wrist. “Here. I want you to have this.” While Will stared at the expensive and rare piece, Austin watched his every reaction as he explained. “My great uncle, David, he was my dad’s uncle. David was the only person in the family like me. He was also treated every bit as badly. We used to sit together at every family function. Then, he died, and it was just me. Anyhow, he left me this house and that watch. It used to belong to a famous member of the mafia. David said they had a grand love affair. I don’t go anywhere fancy enough to justify wearing it. Well, I don’t go anywhere, really. Anyway, I think he’d get a kick out of knowing someone was wearing it some place nice.”

Will’s gaze moved from the watch to Austin. His closed expression had Austin chewing his bottom lip in his nervousness. “You shouldn’t give this to me. I’m not a nice person.”

A smile snapped to Austin’s lips that was out of his control. “Maybe that’s true. I don’t know. But you’ve been nice to me. That’s all that matters. After all, David’s mobster wasn’t nice, but he was good to my uncle. It almost seems kismet that I should give it to you. Seriously, I want you to have it.” It mattered not at all that the watch was the only thing of value Austin owned. After all, it wasn’t like he’d ever sell it. He’d never have kids to leave it to. Austin probably would never have anyone at all. This felt right.

Will’s gaze moved to the watch and back again. His serious expression didn’t falter. When he didn’t speak, Austin’s nerves set in again. The deed was done, and he had no regrets. There was no sense in overthinking things. Austin looked away. He tried crawling from Will’s lap. “Anyhow, it’s all I have to give. I’ll make us breakfast.”

The arm around his waist tightened, stopping him from making a run for it. Will drew him in for a kiss. Austin barely caught a glimpse of Will’s face before he found himself overwhelmed. That small peek had been enough. Austin’s heart skipped a beat. For just a split second, he’d seen past Will’s hard mask to the soul underneath. He’d never be the same. His pajama pants loosened. Will’s hand found their way inside. Everything else fell away.

For the next two days, Will wove a spell over Austin. Time passed in a blur of laughs and moans. Will peppered him with nonstop questions until he was certain the man knew his every secret. He’d done things to Austin’s body that made him consider going to confession and he wasn’t Catholic. Austin lost a piece of himself. He wasn’t sure anyone else would be good enough after Will. Not that Austin planned to go looking. In truth, he hoped they weren’t over. For the first time in his life, Austin wished for a miracle. He prayed God would let him keep his Christmas-time alpha. It was the first time he’d bothered hoping for anything at all.

On Wednesday, a quiet overtook them. They moved and ate beside each other, stealing touches and glances, but very few words passed between them. Even the air felt heavy with the loss of something beautiful. Will parked in the same spot he had Christmas Eve. After tossing one last longing glance Will’s way, Austin slid from the truck. He flashed Will a small smile when Will met him on the passenger’s side. Even Austin didn’t understand why he felt shy now that they were standing outside in the light of day. Maybe it was the hungry way Will watched him. Austin always felt like he was a hairbreadth away from Will pouncing. He clasped his hands in front of him unsure of what to say.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye.”

“You’ll see me again.”

Austin smiled even though he wasn’t so sure Will spoke the truth. They weren’t in the same league. Austin wasn’t bitter. He was a little sad, but mostly he felt blessed. For a moment, he’d caught a glimpse of something astounding. He’d never forget. “Thank you.”

A line appeared between Will’s eyebrows. “Why are you thanking me?”

Austin’s shoulders lifted in a quick shrug. “For existing.”

While holding Austin’s stare, Will filled the gap between them. Austin didn’t back down. As their lips met and clung, Austin held Will’s waist and dreamed. The sweetest brushing of lips on lips melted his heart. He fantasized this wasn’t the end but a beginning even though he knew better. His throat swelled as Will pulled away. “Have a good day at work, gorgeous. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you,” Austin dutifully repeated back. He didn’t watch as Will headed back toward the driver’s side. Instead, he made his way inside. Warmth enveloped him as he cleared the door. The familiar scent of expensive perfume overcame him. It was as familiar as the smell of his home, considering how long he’d worked there. His hands shook like he’d never be warm again. It seemed his body understood the loss his brain hadn’t accepted yet. Before he made it to the time clock, his manager, Steve stuck his head out his office door.

“Austin. Can you come in here for a moment?”

With a nod, Austin changed directions. He was no stranger to getting called to the office, especially right after a major holiday. Changes to the displays and decorations had to be made to fit the changing seasons. No doubt, Steve would go over the latest layout.

“Close the door, please?”

That was new. Austin closed them inside the office. “How can I help you, Mr. Raney?”

Steve didn’t meet his gaze. “Have a seat, Austin.”

Austin sat. “Is everything okay?”

After shuffling some papers and making a show of straightening them, Steve sighed heavily and met his stare. “No, Austin. I’m afraid things aren’t okay. As you’re most likely aware, when you were hired you signed a no fraternization clause. Unfortunately, that includes the owner’s grandson since he’s partial owner.”

“I’m sorry. What?” Austin was fully aware he sounded like an idiot, but he didn’t understand what was happening in his life.

Steve’s chest expanded. “I’m sorry, Austin, but I’ll have to let you go.”

“Let me go.” He had no idea why he couldn’t say anything intelligent.

“You have no idea how much this pains me, but I can’t pretend I didn’t just see you in the parking lot. Not to mention, the entire incident was caught on the security cameras. There’s a clear policy in place here to prevent lawsuits and fears of biased treatment. I have to let you go.”

Austin blinked. Like that, everything was gone. “I understand.” He didn’t. Austin didn’t understand a goddamn thing, but then again, he also wasn’t surprised. This was how life went for him. For every beautiful moment he experienced, there was always a horrible consequence waiting around the corner. Considering he lived paycheck to paycheck, Austin couldn’t afford to miss a single day of work much less not have a job at all. He stood. “Thank you for allowing me to work for you for the past six years.” In a small town like Hollow, where everyone knew everyone, and gossip was rampant, Austin’s gratitude was earnest. Steve said something. Austin didn’t hear a word, nor did he stop to listen. He headed for the parking lot out back, carefully keeping his mind blank. There would be plenty of time to fall apart later. For now, all Austin could do was keep putting one foot in front of the other. Despite being poor, he’d never gone hungry or without lights. This was probably the last day he could say that.