AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He continued holding and rocking, sharing the peace with Fillion.
“I’m sorry.” Despite the words, Fillion stayed right where he was.
“No apologies. You’re lonely and sad and that needed out so you can overcome it.” He slid his hand up and down along Fillion’s back.
Fillion nodded, wiping his eyes. “It’s been a long few months.”
“I imagine it has.” He slid his finger along Fillion’s right cheek, just beneath his eye to take away the liquid from Fillion’s tears.
“I’m trying so hard…” Fillion whispered.
“You shouldn’t have to do it alone.” Not when Fillion had someone caring and willing right here to be there for him.
“No, but no one wants me. I’m… just a bookstore guy.”
“I’m sitting right here, boy, holding you in my arms.”
Fillion nodded, cheek sliding on his chest. “Why?”
“Because you need me.” It really was as simple as that.
The tears started flowing again, just pouring down the exhausted boy’s cheeks.
“It’s okay, boy. Let it all out; let me take it for you.”
He would hold this boy until all his tears were dried. Then he would put Fillion to bed. Anything more than that would have to wait; he was not going to take advantage of Fillion’s need. He would be back.
This boy had caught him, and he would not let him spend his holiday lonely and alone.
CHAPTERTHREE
CHAPTER 2
Fillion closed the door and locked it, turning the closed sign on.
Christmas sales had been amazing, but he’d never been so tired, especially not after Mr. Rome had come over and he’d been a fool.
A melted, sobbing, stupid fool. The man had been so very kind to him, which only made him feel worse about it.
There was a knock on the door—there was always at least one thoughtless shopper who had waited for Christmas Eve to pick up their gifts and were desperate enough to try to get into a closed shop.
He went to look—because if it was a child or an elderly person, he’d probably let them in.
Maybe.
He blinked when he saw who it was though.
Rome.
Oh, dear.
He unlocked the door. “Mr. Rome?”
“Good evening, boy. Happy Christmas Eve. I hope you’re hungry.” Rome raised his hands, one of which held a large basket, the other carrying several bags.
“I—I hadn’t…” He had leftover pizza in the break room. “Please, come in.”
“Thank you.” Rome stepped in, bringing a delightful scent with him. “I know from experience that it’s not easy to do anything special for the holiday when you’re on your own. I thought we could share.”
