Page 33 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish
The snow batted against the window. Would he have days like this with Uzoth after the snowstorm?
No. He wouldn’t.
But they could go back to nights together. He could try to find time to be with Uzoth in the cracks of all the pressures that always bore down on him. Just the thought of all those pressures caused the contentment to drain from his body. But surely they could findsometime together.
Because Grady was certain he cared for Uzoth and not just as a friend but as something far more.
Grady’s chest tightened.
Could this be love?
Grady wasn’t certain. He’d never had time for a love life before. But the idea of Uzoth permanently in his bed, in his life, sent a buzzing sensation through his veins. They could have many more nights sitting by the fire, drinking tea and talking before stumbling into bed together.
Grady smiled as he snugged closer to Uzoth and pictured a future with the gargoyle.
Vaguely, he was aware of voices in the main room coming and going. The light in the room shifted. The snow keptfalling outside. But for now, he was warm in Uzoth’s protective embrace, and he had time to rest.
Finally, Grady opened his eyes. He blinked up at Uzoth.
“Bored watching me sleep yet?” Grady asked.
“Never.” Uzoth stroked his hair.
Grady pressed a kiss to Uzoth’s chest. “As much as I want to stay in bed all day with you, I think I need to eat.” Grady began to sit up.
But Uzoth put a hand on his chest and pressed him back into the mattress. “Allow me to get something for you. Then you can continue to rest.”
Uzoth rose, and Grady admired his firm round arse. Fuck, Grady wanted to sink his teeth into those cheeks.
“I am capable of getting myself food,” Grady said, eyes still fixed on Uzoth’s arse.
“I am well aware.” Uzoth put on his loincloth. “But it gives me pleasure to care for you.”
Grady grinned. “Well, if it gives you pleasure, then who am I to stop you?”
Uzoth smiled and left. Grady heard Uzoth speaking to the others in the main room.
When have I ever been looked after before?
Probably not since before his parents had died. His stomach tightened at the thought.
His sister cared for him. But Grady had never really let her look after him.
A few moments later, Uzoth came back into the room, and Grady’s heart beat faster at the mere sight of him.
Uzoth shut the door behind him with his tail. He carried a plate of food, a bowl of stew, and two cups of tea. “Which do you want first?”
Grady sat up. “That fruit bread roll looks good.”
Uzoth handed him the roll and placed the rest on the side table before climbing into bed beside him. The bed creaked. Uzoth grabbed his cup of tea.
“You’re good at looking after me.” Grady took a bite of the soft buttery roll. He chewed, savouring the taste of the dried fig, apricot, and cherries with a hint of cinnamon.
“That is good. Because I enjoy looking after you, Grady.” Uzoth reached out a hand and slid his fingers along Grady’s shoulder.
Grady hummed with contentment. He wished the snowstorm would never end, that his siblings would never need his help, and that the bakery would always run smoothly.
But that would never happen, so he’d just enjoy this brief respite from his life in his room with Uzoth.
