Carol Lynne Seasons of Love 4 Winter

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An older man beside Sidney chuckled, obviously overhearing their exchange. Nash met
the man s gaze and smiled. Oops, guess I shouldn t have said that so loudly.
Naw, we re smashed together like sardines. The distinguished man stuck out his
hand. Jim Kloiber.
Grady Nash, but everyone calls me Nash. Nash rested his hands on Sidney s
shoulders. My partner, Sidney Wilks.
Nice to meet you both. Jim shook hands with Nash before reaching out to shake
Sidney s hand.
When Jim didn t acknowledge anyone else around him, Nash got the feeling he was
alone. You taking a vacation by yourself?
Jim nodded. Yeah. Just needed to get away for a while.
Nash wanted to invite Jim to join him and Sidney, but didn t want to offer until he d
spoken to Sidney. As soon as the drill was over, Nash pulled Sidney to the side. Would you
mind if Jim sat with us at dinner? Sucks that he s here alone.
It was obviously his choice, but go ahead, Sidney said.
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WINTER Carol Lynne
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Stay right here. Nash wove his way through the crowd until he caught up with Jim.
Wait up.
Jim glanced over his shoulder. Hey.
We wanted to invite you to sit with us tonight at dinner.
Oh. Jim seemed surprised by the offer. I figured I d eat in my room, but that sounds
nice. I m in room sixty-two-sixty.
Great. We re a floor below you in fifty-one-ninety-eight. How about meeting us at the
Skyline Lounge for a drink around six?
I ll be there.
Nash clapped Jim on the shoulder. See ya then. He returned to the spot where Sidney
should have been only to find it empty. Damn.
After checking their cabin, the pool deck, two of the bars and the casino, Nash was
quickly becoming out of sorts. He returned to the room and found Sidney going through his
suitcase and hanging up clothes. I ve been looking everywhere for you. Why didn t you stay
where I told you to?
Sidney hung a shirt in the closet before turning towards Nash. People started pushing
to get by me, so I went with the flow. After I reached the top of the stairs, I decided to get
some nachos. He took another shirt off the pile. I m not five. I know how to navigate my
way around a ship.
Nash sat on the made bed. Miguel may be annoying, but he was good. I m sorry.
Nash hated to admit it, but he had been afraid of Sidney getting lost on the expansive ship.
When I couldn t find you, I started to worry.
Why? Did you think I d jumped overboard? Come on, give me some credit. I promise
not to lean too far over the rails or go with men promising candy into a dark room, okay?
Fine, I won t worry about you. Satisfied? Nash asked.
Perfectly satisfied thanks to you, Sidney said, a wicked grin on his face.
The tension between them eased. Jim ll meet us at the Skyline at six for drinks before
dinner, Nash announced.
Sidney opened a drawer and dropped a load of socks and underwear into its depths.
What s his story, did you find out?
Nope. Just said he was here alone. Nash knew he should probably unpack, but he
was itching to get to the casino now that they d left port.
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WINTER Carol Lynne
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Maybe we should introduce him to Miguel, Sidney joked.
I don t think he s gay, so I doubt Miguel would be his type. Nash stood and snatched
his room key off the top of the TV. Do you mind if I hit the blackjack table for a while until
we have to get ready for dinner?
Sidney zipped his suitcase before stowing it in the closet. He gave an indulgent smile,
reaching for Nash s luggage. Go ahead. I know that money s burning a hole in your
pocket.
Nash stepped over and gave Sidney a deep kiss. Thanks. He started to leave but
stopped in the doorway. You know you don t have to unpack for me, right?
Yeah, but if I don t do it neither will you, and I ll be stuck with a man in wrinkled
clothes all week.
Too true. Nash chuckled as he shut the door. He loved that Sidney couldn t help but
take care of him even on vacation.
* * * *
Sidney was sipping a very nice Merlot when Jim joined them at their small table. He
stood and held out his hand, greeting the handsome older man. Although Nash thought Jim
was straight, Sidney hadn t talked to him enough to come to a conclusion.
Thanks for inviting me, Jim said, taking a seat across from Sidney.
Soon after, the server came over to take Jim s order, Sidney also ordered another glass
of wine while Nash requested a Long Island Iced Tea. Sidney was surprised. Nash rarely
drank anything harder than beer. He wondered how much money he d lost in the casino.
Did you have a chance to taste the food at the buffet today? Sidney asked, hoping to start a
conversation.
No, I ate just before boarding. Is it good? Jim settled into his chair.
Not really. If I were you, I d stick with the Snack Shack on the pool deck if you re
hungry between meals. They sat in silence for several moments. Sidney hoped Nash would
finally pipe in with a comment or question; it had been his idea to invite Jim after all.
So, where re you from? Jim eventually asked.
Chicago, Sidney answered immediately.
Kansas, Nash said at the same time.
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WINTER Carol Lynne
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Sidney glanced at Nash. We live in Chicago.
Yes, but we re from Kansas, Nash countered.
Jim started to laugh. The two of you remind me of me and my wife. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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