Christmas Clock — Saloni Quinby

Encounter: Christmas Clock (Love in the Wild)Saloni QuinbyAll rights reserved.Copyright ©2016 Saloni QuinbyWarning: This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.Christmas Clock (Love in the Wild)It was strange to think of butterflies in the middle of winter, but John Smith couldn't help it because of the metaphorical butterflies in his stomach. His future husband, Earl Eli Rossi, had picked him up at the airport a few hours ago and they had just arrived at Earl Eli's ranch style house in rural Maine.Earl Eli eased his black pickup truck into the driveway to park. The men hopped out, John with his travel bag slung over his shoulder. I still can't believe you're here for Christmas, Earl Eli said as he unlocked the front door.I'd hoped you'd be happy about it. I know we hadn't planned for me to come here until closer to the wedding.The sooner the better. You know that.They stepped into the foyer and John had no sooner closed the door than Earl Eli pulled him into another powerful hug. He covered John's mouth in a possessive kiss that made John lose coherent thought. All he could do was take in the wonderful overload of senses. He breathed in Earl Eli's scent, felt the warmth and hardness of his body and rediscovered the delicious, unique flavor of his lips and tongue.When the kiss broke, they stared into each other's eyes.Man, did I miss you, Earl Eli said.Likewise.John placed his travel bag on the floor and glanced around while he and Earl Eli shrugged off their coats and hung them on the simple wooden rack near the door.John peered into the living room where a fat tree stood in front of the window. The aroma of pine wafted through the house. Several gifts were arranged under the tree. John turned toward the kitchen. There were a few dishes left to dry on a towel near the sink. The front of the refrigerator was covered with various magnets from local businesses as well as moose, bear and other animals native to New England.Strange as this sounds, I feel like I'm home, John said.You are home.John smiled and kissed Earl Eli again. It was true. From now on, this was John's house as well. He and Earl Eli planned to marry in early summer. John had intended to spend Christmas in England and join his lover in the States in the spring. Then his mother had decided to spend Christmas in the Caribbean with her latest boyfriend and his dad was working on an important project and wouldn't take the holiday off. Though John had been invited to spend Christmas with his friend Martin, he'd instead asked Earl Eli if he could move in ahead of schedule. John's book about legendary creatures had recently been accepted by a major publisher, and with the advance he'd received, he felt comfortable leaving his librarian job sooner than expected. He'd already applied for several positions at libraries in New England and hoped to hear back from potential employers soon.I know. It just feel... I don't know, John said.I put all your stuff in here.Earl Eli led the way to where the boxes John had sent from England were piled neatly in the middle of Earl Eli's music room. Earl Eli's violins were displayed on the walls. A wooden chair and a sheet music stand stood in a corner. One wall had a built in bookcase. In front of it stood a keyboard on a stand and a black leather stool.You didn't open anything, John said, a bit surprised.It's not mine.We're getting married. What's mine is yours and vice versa, at least that's what you've told me.It didn't feel right, opening your stuff without you being here.