Free Stranded by Andrew Grey

What a way to sweep a guy off his feet. The snow seemed to be letting up, and the car-horn blares and engine revs faded into the distance as they traveled the park road, leaving most of the world behind and entering a world of snow-covered lampposts and lawns turned to blankets of white. In the morning it would be trampled and messy, but right now, from a slow-moving carriage, everything was pristine and unspoiled.
    The ride lasted almost an hour and then the driver pulled up where they’d started. Kendall blinked a few times as he stepped out of the carriage. They’d been in a cocoon for the past sixty minutes, and the harsh world had suddenly invaded once again.
    “Our restaurant is within walking distance,” Johnny said, and they walked with the holiday shoppers and New Yorkers rushing home for the evening. Johnny led him down Fifth and then up one of the side streets to a small bistro. They stepped inside from the cold into a room filled with warm scents that seemed to surround Kendall. A server led them to a table, and Kendall took off his coat and draped it over the back of the chair.
    “This is perfect,” Kendall said as Johnny sat down, and they shared a smile. “Did you plan this whole thing?”
    “Of course. I put in my order for fresh snow as soon as you said yes,” Johnny quipped, and Kendall grinned. “I did know about the carriage rides and I made the reservation, but the rest just sort of happened.” The weather had conspired to provide a romantic evening. At least it felt that way to Kendall. Everything was perfect. And of course perfection never lasted. The waiter brought menus, and they ordered hot chocolate and then placed their food orders. The hot chocolate tasted like it came from a can, just like the whipped cream and later the soup. Kendall’s chicken was overcooked, and Johnny’s beef nearly raw. The only things that were right were the salads, which probably came out of a bag, but at least they weren’t mushy or brown. The manager apologized when Johnny complained, and their plates were taken away.
    “I’m sorry,” Johnny said, and Kendall leaned over the table while they waited.
    “I barely noticed,” Kendall said as their gazes met again. He would have eaten chicken-flavored shoe leather if it meant he got to spend time with Johnny. This sweet, gentle man was quickly stealing his heart. Their replacement food arrived, and they ate. Kendall hardly tasted anything.
    At the end of the meal, Johnny paid the bill. They bundled back up and left the restaurant. “I should get a cab to take us home,” Johnny said, walking toward the Fifth. Kendall caught up.
    “It’s okay,” Kendall said. “We can walk. They’ll be skating at Rockefeller Center, and the tree will be lit. The buildings will be decorated.”
    “If you’re sure,” Johnny said, and they began walking down the avenue. They watched the skaters for a bit and then continued on, cutting across town and continuing away from the commercial areas. Kendall was shivering a little when they finally reached his building, and he knew Johnny had to be cold as well.
    “Come up and I’ll make you something to get warm,” Kendall offered. He opened the door, let them both inside the building, and then led the way up to his apartment. Once in the apartment, Kendall hung up their coats and went right into the kitchen, where he heated some milk to make proper hot chocolate, which he brought to where Johnny sat on the sofa. “This should do it,” Kendall said with a grin.
    “Little marshmallows,” Johnny said happily and sipped from his mug. Kendall did the same, the smooth sweetness warming him all the way down.
    “Are you warmer now?” Kendall asked, and Johnny set his mug on a coaster. He took Kendall’s mug, placed it next to his, and then leaned close.
    “I’m getting there,” Johnny said and kissed him softly at first.
    Their kisses had been chaste up till now, but Johnny deepened it, and Kendall moaned softly,