Page 24 of Highway To Destiny

I laughed and teased back with my response. “No one but the bartender. He looked mighty fine, though.”

I heard an exaggerated gasp on his end. "First of all, who even says 'mighty fine' anymore? And secondly, the bartender? Seriously?" A muffled laugh came through the line, making me smile. I knew my approach had worked.

“He was a so-so handsome guy, I guess, but when I told him I was straight, he backed off. It felt weird to be sized up and outwardly propositioned by another guy. It shocked me, to be honest." I paused. "And Connor, he wasn't nearly as handsome as you.” With that, I think I heard him blush on the other end.

“Didn’t I proposition you at the bonfire?” Connor asked.

“Your surprise kiss was bold but not a blatant proposition. You also have a lot more going for you than that bartender,” I replied. I wanted to make sure he was the only one that held my interest.

“I did end up having my way with you,” he said.

I thought back to that night. “Yes, you did. And I’m glad.” I paused, then added, “I wish you were here with me right now. I miss your touch and that mouth of yours.” My cock swelled as I continued my walk.

“I miss you too, Daddy. There are a few more things I need to introduce you to, and my cock and ass are twitching with anticipation.”

That really made my jeans uncomfortably tight. “I like it when you call me that. I hope I can live up to the standards of your anticipation.”

Connor cleared his throat. “I’m going to change the subject now before this gets out of hand. I’m heading back to the dorm from the library, and I’m just about there. Promise me you’ll still think about Christmas dinner with my family?”

His question brought me back to reality, and my boner subsided. “I promise. Once we get closer to the holiday, I’ll know more about my schedule,” I replied, taking a deep breath.

“Sleep well, Mason. Dream in color.”

Shit, this man. How come he pulls me over the edge with his sweetness? I need to make Christmas work come hell or high water.

“You too, Connor,” I said wistfully.

Once we disconnected, I called a rideshare to take me back to my rig. As I waited, I checked the email on my phone and saw a message from the freight broker with an attachment—no time to waste. I needed to head over to the western part of the state first thing in the morning, with a stop that would eventually take me to Seattle.

I think it was time I visited Claudia’s parents.

20

CONNOR

Thanksgiving break came and went—I had gotten most of my research paper written, and all I needed to do was summarize it. On Thanksgiving Day, Mom decided she wasn’t going to cook since I wouldn’t be headed home, so my aunt, who lived just outside Portland, took pity on her and Kyle and invited them over.

I’d chatted with Mom on Thanksgiving morning, but I needed to call her and let her know Spencer had agreed to stay for Christmas break. Having him stay would be easy. Our house had a guest room, thanks to Kyle getting his own place. I took the phone from my pocket and called her.

“Hi, sweetheart,” she answered after the first ring

I was surprised at how quickly she’d answered. “Were you holding your phone when I called?” I asked, laughing.

“It was sitting right next to me, and I saw your caller ID. You know I love hearing from you.”

“I know.” A guilty pang hit my chest. “But we did just chat on turkey day,” I said, reminding her.

There was a brief silence. “It’s funny you call it turkey day. Your father used to refer to it like that too.” Her silence was warranted as she recalled the memory,

I huffed a pleasant hum into the phone and changed the subject.

“Well, the reason I’m calling is to let you know my friend Spencer will be coming with me for Christmas break. With his family on a holiday cruise, I know he’ll miss not being with some sense of family on Christmas. Plus, the two of us can terrorize Portland,” I said, finishing that last comment with a semi-evil laugh.

“Oh, it’ll be fun having all you boys here Christmas Day,” she beamed.

It felt like the best time to warn her about inviting Mason. She’d need to know for food and adding a setting to the table.

“Mom, there’s one other thing regarding Christmas,” I said sheepishly, wincing with one eye closed. “I have a special friend who might be coming to Portland, and I sorta invited him to join us for Christmas dinner.”

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