December 25th

“It’s time for you to make a choice, Milo.”

I turned over in bed to stare at Nelson, one of my many friends with benefits. “What are you talking about?”

He was messing with my afterglow. The sex had been spectacular. Always was. In fact, I called him the most often of my liaisons. It was that good between us.

“I want a relationship.” He poked my chest. “With you.”

Yup, definitely harshing my mellow. “I’m not boyfriend material. I like to keep things simple and string-free. This isn’t news, is it?” I sat up and leaned against the headboard, scratching some dried cum from the hairs on my chest. “Why can’t we continue like this? It’s worked so far. To our mutual pleasure, I might add.”

“Because it’s time to grow up and be mature adults.” He leaned over me, messy blond curls falling into his golden brown eyes. “I know for a fact that I’m not the only guy you call in your little black book when you want to fuck a hole. Hell, I have a black book, too. But I want to settle down, and I’d like to be the only one you call from now on.” His gaze on mine was dangerously soft and tender. My heart jumped a little in fear. Fuck that.

I forced a smirk. “Give up my booty calls? Are you serious? Life’s too short to stick it to one guy.”

Though, I’ll admit to Nelson being my favorite. His ass was so tight. He knew all my hotspots, and we fit together perfectly in bed. Other ways, too, if I were being honest, but that way lay maturity and responsible decisions. I didn’t want that. At least, not yet. Maybe never.

Nelson’s face registered disappointment. “I figured you’d say that.” He set the sheets aside and stood. “Well, I’m officially off-limits, as of right now.” Nelson dressed quickly and checked to make sure he had his cell phone and wallet. “I want this, Milo. Something meaningful with you beyond burning up the sheets. You have until New Year’s Day to give me your final answer. Deep down, I know there’s more to you than this superficial, sex-starved version you portray to the world. And I’m not buying it. You want more, but you’re afraid. I don’t know why.”

“Wait, what?” My post-coital bliss evaporated. “Nelson, you can’t be serious.” I studied his face, not too handsome and ruggedly masculine. A face with character that I lov…liked a lot. Nope, he wasn’t joking.

“We’re in our late thirties, Milo, and I’m tired of one-night stands. I want a fresh start to the new year, with a boyfriend on my arm. I’d like it to be you because I think we’d be good together. But if not, I’m willing to look elsewhere.” He walked toward the door.

I scrambled after him, naked and surprisingly desperate. “Where’s all this coming from? You’ve never mentioned anything like this before. It’s kind of sudden, isn’t it?”

“Actually, it’s not.” He opened the door then turned to give me a kiss, full of tongue. My cock tried to rise again, but it was worn out. We’d fucked twice. “Merry Christmas, Milo Slowiak. I wish you the best.”

He closed the door behind him as he left. I stared at it and wondered what the hell had just happened.

* * * *

December 26th

Driving a bus route that began at five in the morning was usually not a problem for me. I had always been an early riser, and the bus depot was a mere ten miles from my apartment.

All the same, my body was like lead when the alarm went off at a quarter to four. I slammed my hand on the clock, completely missing the button and sending the damn thing to the floor. The constant beep, beep, beep drove me to reach over and unplug the cord from the wall before slumping back against the warm sheets.

I had Nelson to blame for being off-kilter. He’d never said anything about a relationship before. He’d seemed happy to fool around and had never indicated anything to the contrary. We’d met at a grocery store years ago and had bonded over a deep love of feta cheese.

One thing had led to another, and I’d had him in my bed within a day. After that, I’d call, and he’d come running. I’d assumed that was fine with him, but apparently I’d been miles off the mark.

I covered my face with my hands. I had a wicked hangover, and my head was pounding. After Nelson had left last night, I’d stumbled into the kitchen, grabbed a six-pack of beer, and holed up in bed with the TV on late-night whatevers. I’d made it through four beers before I passed out, still not sure why I was on a drinking binge.