eventually going home alone. He lay there staring up at his slowly rotating ceiling fan contemplating how he really felt. His truth. That it wasn’t just about Christmas. It was about New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, and the next day after that, and the other three hundred sixty-one days of the year. Spencer was always alone.
He closed his eyes and touched his fingertips to his lips and thought of Cole. He had to say, there was something so very different about him. Maybe he could give a man like Cole a try. He didn’t act like money—all-knowing and pretentious—because he’d been around it all of his life. It didn’t seem as if it ruled his world, and Spencer liked that. I should’ve let him come over last night. But then he would’ve been gone before I even woke up. But at least you would’ve had a good time. Spencer let out a long exhale and reached for another sleep aid tablet. Maybe he should take a double dose.
His eyes were getting heavy as he responded to a few of the funny memes posted in his Facebook Grinch group. Some of the people were sad, some members were trying to console others, hell, some were even trying to find company. Spencer created his own post and attached the links of a few songs that did make it onto his holiday playlist. “Christmas Will Break Your Heart,” “Cold December Nights,” and of course, Miley Cyrus’s “My Sad Christmas Song.” He added a few sad face emojis, then hit Post. It wasn’t long before he began to see replies. He was almost asleep when one particular comment caught his eye.
BurbankVI: Someone as beautiful as you should never be alone.
Spencer’s eyes widened as he read the new member’s name again, then again. It was him—had to be. He tried to clear the grogginess from his vision as he sat straight up in bed. Even though he and Cole had connected in an amazing way and their kiss had curled his toes, he still didn’t want to believe that he could be anything more to the billionaire than a passing-through-town fling.
A few people liked BurbankVI’s comment as Spencer’s heart tried to beat out of his rib cage. Once he calmed himself, he reacted with a hugging heart emoji and a simple “thank you.” He’d never posted a picture of himself on social media, so it wasn’t often he was complimented in such a way. Spencer practically held his breath as he waited for another response, but when nothing came after a couple of minutes, he flopped backward on the bed. Since he could still hear his neighbors’ festive celebrations, he was about to shove his earplugs inside his ears when his messenger app pinged with a notification.
BurbankVI: You’re welcome. I was hoping you’d post today… I’ve been waiting patiently.
Spencer’s sour mood began to take a bit of a turn as he felt himself smiling and thinking of something cool and blasé to say in return.
SpencersWUT: Shouldn’t your phone be on airplane mode.
BurbankVI: And didn’t I say I’m accessible to you no matter what.
Spencer inhaled a shaky breath and released it thoughtfully. If only. God, if only he could find someone who would put him first, make him a priority. However, each time he’d taken that gamble, he’d lost in a horrible way.
SpencerWUT: How is it I miss your sweet talk already and Ive only known you for one day?
BurbankVI: You miss me?
Spencer rolled his eyes. Ordinarily he’d think, Rich men and their egos. Always seeking validation. But that thought never came to mind when he pictured Cole’s shy smile and hopeful brown eyes. Spencer had a feeling that Cole really wanted to be missed, wanted to be important to someone for other reasons besides his bank account. Did he miss him already? Yes. Did he want him there with him right now, in his bed, holding him close and taking away all of his heartache. Fuck yes!
SpencerWUT: Since you’re over thirty thousand feet in the air I guess I can be brave behind this keyboard. Yeah, Cole. I miss you.
BurbankVI: How much?
Spencer laughed loudly; Cole was such a kid at heart, and he liked that about him.
SpencerWUT: If you were here right now Id show you exactly what I miss and how much.
BurbankVI: I miss you too, Spence. I miss your voice… I miss your mouth.
The use of his nickname felt intimate, and Spencer was just short of begging Cole to come back and make