Stay Awhile

SKU: MSCRBK0000117
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Escape from the Holidays

Release Date: November 28, 2018

Word Count: 5,500

Editor: Jaymi E

Cover Artist: Catherine Dair


The holidays are usually a whirlwind of busy activity for Anson—decorating, baking for friends—but this year, his heart isn't in it. He'd hoped coming out to Daly as asexual would be the right thing to do. Since then, he hasn't heard a word from the handsome photographer.


Now Daly's suddenly shown up at his front door, asking Anson to trust him, to come with him. He doesn't dare hope in case this is just another build up to a bigger heartbreak.


Part of the 2018 "Escape from the Holidays" Series

Stay Awhile by Kassandra Lea

Burning Down the House by Gregory Norris

The Holiday Spirit by Carole Cummings

Slow Thaw by J. Scott Coatsworth

Celebrations in the Season of Long Nights by Mere Rain

The Holiday Home Hotel by Lou Sylvre

Something to Celebrate by Evelyn Benvie

Holiday Hijinks by Toni Griffin

Yule Planet by Angel Martinez

Waiting on the Rain by Freddy Mackay

Excerpt

Sitting on the porch steps of his house, Anson Michaels cradled a mug of hot cocoa, watching as the heavy clouds finally parted with their gift. Fat fluffy snowflakes, like confetti in a ticker-tape parade, swirled toward the leaf-strewn ground. It was late November, Christmas lights only just starting to grace the rooflines and bare limbs of trees. He huddled in the soft warmth of his hoodie and watched as autumn gave way to winter, the world falling quiet. Though the beauty of the moment captivated him there was no denying the whisper of sadness that lingered.

His gaze strayed to the street, his house at the end of the cul-de-sac. No one traversed the slickening blacktop, no headlights shone as they headed in his direction. A crack spread slowly across his heart, tears burning the backs of his eyes.

Anson sipped his cocoa.

The hour sat somewhere between noon and dusk, the day growing older with each ticking second. The rate of the snowflakes increased, a gentle breeze rustling leaves far too stubborn to admit their time had come, still holding fast to branches in the hopes of sunny spring days. The tip of his nose began to grow numb, his cheeks stung by the caress of winter's touch. With a reluctant sigh, Anson stood, turning his back on the street and wandering into the familiar embrace of his house.

Almost instantly he was assaulted by his purring four-legged companion. Noodles rubbed against his ankle, tail twitching, amber eyes staring up at him.

"Hey cutie," he said, softly smiling. Anson bent to give the cat a quick scratch between the ears.

She pursued him to the kitchen where he rinsed out the remnants of his cocoa before leaving the mug in the sink. Perhaps it was time to start thinking of dinner, but even as the thought crossed his mind Anson knew he would most likely retire without a single morsel passing his lips. He'd been struggling with his appetite for a number of days now, chalking it up to feeling heartsick.

The holidays were supposed to be a cheery time, weren't they?