Getting out his phone, Kyle scrolled aimlessly. Filled with a restless energy, he wasn’t in the mood to sit on a sofa and watch TV—especially not The Sound of Music, which he loathed. With no signal there was nothing to distract him. No messages, no emails, no Christmas greetings from friends or family. He supposed he could ask Mrs Wilcox whether she could let him have her Wi-Fi code, but she was intent on the bloody film.

Not wanting to be rude, Kyle put his phone away—turning it off first because the battery was low—and stared at the TV screen while he let his mind roam. It was impossible to concentrate on anything with Patrick next to him. Long legs sprawled wide, knee almost touching Kyle’s, it was almost unbearable to be so close to him.

How had Kyle ever doubted his attraction to Patrick? The chemistry between them was tangible. Kyle was surprised he couldn’t see it, white hot threads of desire binding them together, buzzing and throbbing with energy. Surely he couldn’t be the only one feeling it. He glanced surreptitiously at Patrick, focusing on his hand where it lay on his thigh. The tendons moved as he tapped his long fingers rhythmically, but silently, on the fabric of his jeans.

Those fingers have been inside me.

The thought made Kyle weak with longing.

He replayed everything that had happened between them on this trip, every interaction, every argument, every conversation, every touch, every smile shared, every kiss.

He was craving more, and he wasn’t sure that two more nights together would be enough for him. That realisation sent his heart into overdrive. What had started as a fun distraction, and making the most of a frustrating situation, had become something so much more. This wasn’t just about sex anymore. Last night, with Patrick’s arms around him Kyle had felt bone-deep contentment as he’d drifted off to sleep. And when he’d woken that morning his first instinct had been to snuggle close and enjoy the intimacy of being in bed together.

Their interactions had changed dramatically with the addition of sex. The bickering was playful now rather than driven by mutual dislike. And if the bickering turned into anything more heated, knowing it might end up with him being spanked and fucked definitely made it easier to take. For the first time, Kyle found himself wondering whether Patrick might want to carry on with this when they got home.

Risking another sidelong glance at Patrick, Kyle caught Patrick looking at him too.

“Okay?” Patrick mouthed.

Kyle nodded, earning a soft smile from Patrick. He smiled back, and then tore his gaze away before he made a fool of himself staring at Patrick like a love-struck idiot.

Dex got up from lying by the fire just as the movie was drawing to a close. He went over to Mrs Wilcox and nudged her hand with his nose until she patted him. Then he wagged his tail and made a grumbling noise.

“I think he wants to go out,” she said. “Do either of you fancy stretching your legs? Or shall I let him out in the garden?”

Kyle stood immediately, glad of the excuse to do something, and have a break from obsessing over Patrick. Plus he wanted to call his mum and would be able to get a signal out on the street. “I’ll take him.”

“I’ll come too,” Patrick said.

“You don’t have to.” Kyle had been hoping for a bit of solitude to give his thoughts time to settle.

“I want to. I need some exercise. Plus you need someone to help you stay upright on the ice.” He stood, giving Kyle a gentle nudge in the ribs.

“Very funny. That was before I got some decent boots. I’m fine now.”

“Still. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“I think I’ll phone my family while you’re out,” Mrs Wilcox said. “I promised John I’d call on Christmas Day.”

“Good idea,” Patrick said. “I hope they’re not missing you too much.”

“I’m sure they’ll manage.” She smiled.

Kyle and Patrick wrapped up in their outdoor layers and put their boots on in the hallway. The activity got Dex excited as he realised he was about to go outdoors. He ran around them in circles, wagging his tail, and nudging them as though trying to get them to hurry.

“You’re really not helping, Dex.” Kyle clutched Patrick for support as he lost his balance stepping into a boot when Dex pushed past him.

“See. Falling over already.” Patrick chuckled.

Kyle slapped Patrick on the arse, pretty ineffectually through layers of coat and jeans, but he still got a surprised, “Hey!” in response. Kyle tied his bootlace. “I’m bored of that joke now. You try walking in the snow in my other boots and you’ll see it was a bloody miracle of balance and poise that I didn’t fall over more often.”

They let themselves out, closing the door quickly to keep the heat in. The contrast was shocking, freezing air harsh in Kyle’s lungs as he breathed in. “Wow. I think this is the coldest it’s been yet.”

The light was dying, the sky mostly grey from a bank of cloud that had drawn across like a shutter. But as they got to the end of the lane a strip of clear sky in the west gave them a stunning sunset. The sun was a ball of red fire, lighting the clouds from below in streaks of pink and orange.

“It’s so beautiful.” Patrick stopped, staring.

“It really is,” Kyle agreed.

They stood, enjoying the spectacular sight until Dex gave a sharp bark.

“Sorry, boy. I know you’re impatient to walk,” Kyle said.

They went on the same route as yesterday, up past the shop—shutters down and no sign of life today—and the pub, which was lit up and open for business. At the crest of the hill where the footpath went off by the church, Dex had already left the road and was sniffing happily among the trees. Kyle stopped, knowing Dex wouldn’t stray far. “I want to watch the sun go down.” The bottom half of it was already hidden by the hills.

They leant against the stone wall, shoulder to shoulder, and watched the sun edge its way down. The lower it got the more spectacular the colours in the clouds became. Pink and orange deepening to blood red and purple. Kyle shivered, cold now they’d stopped but not wanting to miss the moment the sun disappeared.

Patrick put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close. “Is that better?” he asked.

“Yes. Much.” Kyle snuggled close, wrapping his arm around Patrick’s waist. With the height difference they fitted perfectly like this.

“This is lovely,” Patrick said quietly.

Kyle wasn’t sure whether he was talking about the sunset, or having his arm around Kyle. Maybe both. “Yeah,” he murmured. Because whichever Patrick meant, Kyle agreed with the sentiment.

The last sliver of brightness slipped below the crest of the hill and it was as though the world let out a breath. Patrick tightened his arm around Kyle. “Ready to walk back? It’s going to be dark soon.”

“Yes.”

Patrick let his arm drop, but took Kyle’s hand instead. “Is this okay?”

“Is this only because you’re worried I’m going to fall over?”

A soft chuckle. “No.”

“In that case, it’s definitely okay.” Kyle squeezed Patrick’s hand, and then called, “Dex, come on. Home time.”

As they walked back past the shop, Kyle suddenly stopped. “Oh. I just remembered that I want to give my mum a quick call to say happy Christmas. You can go on if you like. I’ll catch you up.”

“I don’t mind waiting,” Patrick said. “Unless you want some privacy?”

“No, it’s fine. Hang around and keep an eye on Dex. I won’t be long.”

Patrick released Kyle’s hand and moved to read the posters in the shop window. Dex trotted beside him and sniffed around the steps. Kyle got his phone out and powered it up. As the signal kicked in it started to buzz with notifications for messages. Smiling, Kyle read through texts from his mum, his sisters, and a couple of his mates from uni. He replied to his sisters and friends, and then called his mum.

“Hello, love. Merry Christmas!” There was upbeat Christmas music in the background and he heard a shriek and a giggle. “Shh! It’s Kyle,” his mum said.

“Happy Christmas!” His sisters yelled in unison.

Kyle grinned. “Say happy Christmas back from me. Are you having a nice day?”

“Lovely, thanks. But we miss you.”

“I miss you too.” Kyle glanced at Patrick’s back. With his shoulders hunched, and his hands in his pockets, he made a lonely figure standing by the deserted shop. It was telling that Patrick wasn’t bothering to even text his family. They really must not be very close. Kyle felt a rush of affection for him, glad that they were together for Christmas even though it meant Kyle didn’t get to see his own family.

“Are you managing to have a nice time?”

“Yeah. It’s been really great actually. Patrick—that’s the guy from work—and I spent the day with Mrs Wilcox, the old lady who rented us somewhere to stay. She’s on her own because of the snow, so we’re keeping her company and helping her out a bit.”

“Oh, how lovely. I’m glad that’s worked out. So he’s nice after all then, is he? This Patrick?”

“Yes. He is.”

Patrick glanced over his shoulder at Kyle, as though sensing he was the topic of discussion. When he caught Kyle’s eye, he turned away quickly.

Kyle wondered what his family would make of Patrick. They’d probably love him. When Patrick turned on the charm he was pretty irresistible. He had a fleeting image of Patrick joining in with Kyle’s usual family Christmas: Sitting at the dining table wearing a paper hat, playing Pictionary or Twister, vegging on the sofa in front of the Doctor Who Christmas special. The thought made something swell inside him, a desire he didn’t want to articulate.

“Kyle?” His mum was trying to get his attention. “Are you still there?”

“Yes, sorry. The signal’s a bit dodgy.” It was his thoughts that had been miles away, travelling down dangerous paths.

“I was asking if you were going to come to us for New Year’s Day. Gran and Granddad will be coming over. I’m doing roast beef. I know you’re usually hungover from partying but we’d love to see you, especially as you’re missing Christmas.”

“Yes, sure.” Kyle probably would have gone out clubbing for New Year’s, but he hadn’t made any official plans. The idea of spending the day with his family was more appealing than feeling like shite from getting wasted the night before. Did that mean he was finally growing up? He shivered, the cold getting to him again now he was standing still. “Okay. I’d better go. It’s freezing out here, and getting dark now. Enjoy the rest of the day and I’ll see you next week.”

“Okay, love. Bye for now. Let me know when you’re home safe.”

“Will do.”

Kyle ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket. “Okay. I’m done,” he called over to Patrick, who turned, and strolled back towards him.

They fell into step next to each other and this time Kyle reached for Patrick’s hand. “Is this okay?” He echoed Patrick’s words from earlier.

“Yes,” Patrick said, the squeeze of his hand making a small glow of happiness warm Kyle from the inside.

Just then, his phone chimed with the familiar sound of a Grindr alert. Kyle faltered, pausing for a second before deciding to ignore it. Grindr could wait. Patrick was here right now and that was more important.

But Patrick let go of Kyle’s hand, putting a little space between them as he said casually, “Aren’t you going to look?”

“I wasn’t going to bother, no.” His phone chimed again.

“You can if you want.” Patrick shrugged.

The tone sounded for the third time.

“Okay.” Stung by Patrick’s apparent indifference, Kyle got his phone out to look. Three messages. He unlocked his phone so he could read them. It was Hung top 80 again.

When do you want to meet?

I can’t wait to fuck that sexy little ass.

I’m free on the 27th, my partner’s away so I can host.

Kyle frowned. This was the first mention of a partner. Sure enough, a quick check on Hung top’s profile showed that he was claiming to be single. Having been on the other side of being cheated on, Kyle didn’t want to be the guy who inadvertently caused that kind of hurt if he could help it. Disappointment wiped out the warmth of before. It might have been nice to have rebounded onto Hung top 80 when he and Patrick went their separate ways after Boxing Day.

Not interested, thanks.

He pressed send, aware of Patrick watching him in the way that someone does when they’re trying to be subtle about it but failing. Maybe Patrick cared more than he was letting on. Kyle couldn’t resist the urge to try to make him jealous.

“Sorry about that. Just an admirer trying to arrange a hook up. Sounds like he might be fun to play with.” Patrick didn’t answer, head down, he walked a little faster. Wanting a reaction, Kyle carried on. “He’s not single though. Why do I always seem to get the married or partnered guys hitting on me on there?” Kyle wanted Patrick to see that he was in demand; it might make him seem more desirable.

“I wouldn’t know. I have no interest in those apps, they’re a cesspit,” Patrick snapped, rounding on Kyle who flinched back from the sudden fury on Patrick’s features. “And I’m not interested in hearing about your conquests, especially if you’re the sort of arsehole who hooks up with guys in relationships.”

“Whoa! Hang on a min—” Kyle raised his voice, trying to defend himself and explain but Patrick interrupted, not letting him speak.

“I should have known. I can’t believe I was starting to form a better opinion of you. I’m such a fucking idiot.”

He stormed away, muttering to himself, and leaving a shocked Kyle standing in the snow trying to process what had just happened.

After running over the conversation in his head a couple of times, Kyle’s shock morphed into anger and indignation as he realised the incorrect assumptions Patrick had made. How fucking dare Patrick assume that Kyle was the sort of guy who’d deliberately hook up with married men. Did he really think that badly of him, after everything?

A whine made him look down to see Dex sitting beside him, head cocked. Kyle held out his hand and Dex licked his glove. “Sorry, boy.” Kyle patted him. “Did you not like the argument? Me neither. But it’s okay. Patrick was just being a judgemental wanker and jumping to conclusions. Well, fuck him.”

With that, Kyle stomped off towards Mrs Wilcox’s house, not trying to catch up with Patrick who was already a couple of hundred yards ahead and walking fast without looking back.