Page 38 of Dragged Home for Christmas

Stephan was older than Elliott, maybe ten years or so, but that wasn’t an issue for Elliott. He’d always had a thing for older guys anyway. He liked Stephan’s dirty blond hair, his blue eyes that seemed to catch the light every goddamn time Elliott looked into them, his smooth jaw and cute nose, the graceful neck…

He also liked the way Stephan focused on him during a conversation. Not that he had many of those to remember: the interest had been a one-way street.

He didn’t even know I was alive.

Jim had nailed it. From the first time Stephan had run past him on the street, Elliott was hooked. Once he had an idea of Stephan’s exercise regime, he’d engineered it so he’d be in the vicinity, watching Stephan move, graceful and swift, poetry in motion.

Jim had nailed something else. That bulge was pretty impressive too.

Once they’d all started coming up with suggestions for how to raise money, Elliott had been determined to do his bit. The excuse of asking Stephan about the classes had been too great to ignore. And taking his clothes off was a small price to pay.

When Elliott emerged from behind the screen, the theater space was empty, and Stephan was folding up the easels he’d brought along with him. He smiled.

“You were fantastic. In fact, I’d like it if you could pose for the class next week.”

Elliott beamed. “Sure, I can do that.” Stephan stared at him so intently that Elliott felt self-conscious. “Did someone flick paint on my nose or something?”

“It’s just that… I have the strangest feeling I’ve seenyou before someplace. I had the same feeling when you walked into my gallery to ask me if I’d consider teaching the classes.”

“Did you ever come here to one of the shows? Maybe in the last seven years?”

Stephan chuckled. “Sure, but I don’t remember meeting an Elliott.” His eyes sparkled. “I’m certain I’d remember you.”

Elliott bit his lip. “Do you remember seeing a drag queen called Cherry Popp?”

He laughed. “She was one of my favorites. I haven’t seen her perform in a long time, though. Actually, I haven’t been to a show in over a year.” Stephan’s cheeks reddened. “I used to wonder what she looked like under the makeup.”

“Well, now you know.” Elliott gestured to his body. “You got to see everything.”

Stephan’s eyes widened. “You?”

Elliott smiled. “In the flesh.”

Stephan bit his lip. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but—”

“Oh, I hate it when anyone uses that line.”

“No, it’s all good, I promise. I think you look awesome on that stage. But you look equally amazing without the makeup.” He reached across and traced the line of Elliott’s cheek with his finger. “Such glorious bone structure.”

It wasn’t exactly what Elliott had hoped for, but hey, he’d take it as a positive sign.

“I don’t suppose you’d consider… I mean, you don’t have to say yes, but—”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “Stephan, whatever you want to ask me, for God’s sake, justask.”

Stephan swallowed. “Would you pose for me? I’d love to paint your portrait. As long as you’d be okay with mehanging it in the gallery when it’s done, and selling it.”

Elliott blinked. “You really think someone would pay to have me on their wall?”

His eyes sparkled. “Why not? I’d pay to have you…”

The lack of an ending for that sentence sent heat flooding through him. It was only then it occurred to Elliott to ask the all-important question.

“Er, Stephan? Are we talking nude?”

Stephan smiled. “Yes, we are. Got a problem with that?”

His heartbeat quickened. “Uh-uh. Would you want to paint me here?”

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