Peach Tree Christmas (Gay Romance)

By Trina Solet

After a difficult breakup, Gabe moves to the small town of Peach Tree with his shy little girl, Mazey. Gabe is looking for a fresh start and a quiet place to raise his daughter, but he didn't count on his brash new neighbor, Stan.
Stan is a little bit crude and not into relationships. He's absolutely sure he could never fall head over heels for any guy, much less his uptight neighbor with a kid. But then Stan gets a dog, and who can keep a dog a little kid apart?
As Stan and Gabe spend time together, things get physical between them. Still, Stan is not Gabe's type, and the feeling is mutual. But their hearts don't care about types, and spending the holidays together only brings them closer.
Will Stan realize that Peach Tree is where he belongs and let himself finally fall in love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trina Solet
• Release date: Mar 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463336748

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Peach Tree Christmas (Gay Romance) By Trina Solet

Copyright © 2020 by Trina Solet

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales or actual events is entirely coincidental.

All sexual activity takes place between persons eighteen years of age or older.

This novel contains material intended for mature readers.

Cover image is only for illustrative purposes. Any person depicted is a model.

Peach Tree Christmas

Gay Romance

Trina Solet

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 1

Driving down Peach Tree's Main Street, Gabe parked in front of a smallish grocery store called Monty's Grocery. He wanted to buy a few things on the way back and also let Mazey, his little daughter, have a look at the town. Peach Tree was going to be their new home after all.

Gabe needed a change after his breakup with Pearce. All that time waiting for him to be ready to come out, to commit, and all Gabe was left with was disappointment. Good thing he didn't wait for Pearce before he adopted Mazey. She was his joy.

As they walked toward the Peach Tree Café, Gabe was staring at his phone while Mazey pointed at things saying, lookie, lookie and otherwise chattering to herself in a whisper. She had turned three over the summer, and she was painfully shy and never raised her voice around strangers.

If Gabe wanted to hear what she was saying, he would have to lift her up. As they stopped in front of Peach Tree Café, that's exactly what he did.

Now we go in there to see the lady who has the key to our new house, he told Mazey.

Mazey nodded her blond head as she peered inside the café and blinked uncertainly behind her glasses. Then she looked at Gabe. House with the flowers? she said.

He had showed Mazey pictures of the house that were taken in the summer. Now it was mid November and the house was going to look very different. There won't be any flowers right now, Gabe told her. But we're going to decorate for Christmas soon.

Mazey said a very soft yay to that.

OK, let's go see Mrs. Del Rio. She was the owner of the Peach Tree Café and their new landlady.

Gabe set Mazey down and they went inside the café where it was warm and delicious smelling. Maybe we'll get something to eat, he said to Mazey. She wasn't a good eater when they ate anywhere but at home, so it would have to be takeout.

They went toward the back where a slim young guy behind the counter was talking to a bearded guy wearing a tight t-shirt that showed off some thick muscles. Gabe tried not to stare at those muscles. That guy wasn't his type at all. It was just that the bearded guy was underdressed for the weather. There was a beat up leather jacket on the stool next to him. Just as Gabe noticed it, it fell off.

Oh no, it fell down, Mazey whispered. Gabe didn't expect anyone but him to hear her but the bearded guy turned.

He was really handsome with chestnut brown hair and blue eyes. He looked at Gabe first then down at Mazey. Thanks for the heads up, pipsqueak, he said and picked up his jacket off the floor.

Mazey was mouthing some version of pipsqueak, but at least the guy didn't seem to have scared her. Gabe went up to the counter and told the young guy, whose name tag said Sam, that he was there to see Mrs. Del Rio. She's expecting us.

Sam smiled in a warm, welcoming way and went to get her. Now the bearded guy turned to face them again and spoke to Mazey. That's her on the wall, you know, Mrs. Del Rio. He pointed to the pictures on the walls of the café. They were all posters and photos featuring Vegas showgirls.

Mazey looked and then nodded. Princesses, she said.

The guy let out a booming laugh then called out, Hey, Mrs. Del Rio. This pipsqueak thinks you're a princess.

Once upon a time, but I'm a queen these days, sweetheart, Mrs. Del Rio said as she came over and greeted Gabe. Mr. Larsen. Wonderful to see you. And who's this little darling?

Now Mazey clammed up so Gabe introduced her. This is Mazey. It's nice to finally meet you in person, Mrs. Del Rio.

It's lovely to meet you both and see your sweet faces. Will you be eating with us? Mrs. Del Rio asked.

Looking around, Gabe knew that the place was way too busy for Mazey to relax and eat there. We'll get some takeout.

Alrighty then. And here is your key, Mrs. Del Rio said.

Key? the bearded guy said, butting in.

Don't mind him, the guy behind the counter said. I'm Sam Hayes. This is Stan Wexler. He's just visiting and minding his own business. After a glare at Stan, Sam took their order. But it looked like that Stan guy continued pestering Mrs. Del Rio.

She told him that she was renting Gabe a house and Stan griped, You renting out houses. Where's mine?

You're staying with us, Sam told him.

I'm sick of couch surfing, Stan said. Not that I don't appreciate the hospitality.

Gabe moved off to let Mazey have a closer look at the pictures of Mrs. Del Rio as a showgirl, so he didn't hear any more. Then their takeout was ready. Before they left with it, Stan called out, I'll be seeing you around.

Gabe didn't know how he felt about that, so he just gave the guy a tentative smile.

On the drive over to their new house, Mazey kept looking out the window eagerly. Whenever they passed a house, she asked, That one, Daddy?

Gabe just hoped she wouldn't be disappointed when they reached their house. No, but it's coming up soon, he told her then turned onto a road lined with trees. The trees hardly had any leaves hanging on their branches and the surrounding fields were yellow and brown.

The tree lined road was basically their driveway though there was a small cottage off to one side. The cottage was on the same property, but Gabe didn't have a use for it so it was excluded from the rental. Their house was just past the cottage. It was a pretty country house with a big stone chimney and a wide front porch.

The little house, Daddy? Mazey said as they passed the cottage.

No, ours is the big one, Gabe told her but being little she gravitated to the littler house. Parking in front, Gabe pointed out the chimney to her. See the chimney, that big thing sticking up. That's the way Santa is going to come down to bring you presents and eat the cookies.

Do we have Santa cookies, Daddy? She sounded worried, like she expected Santa might show up any minute and they wouldn't be ready.

Not yet, but we'll get some, Gabe assured her.

They went in to find their own furniture in a completely new setting. Their furniture had been delivered and placed more or less as Gabe wanted it.

Eventually he would need to shift a few things, but it wasn't his first priority. He wanted Mazey to see her bedroom with all her furniture in it so she would feel at home. He wished the rest of their things were there, but that shipment got delayed.

On the way to the bedrooms, they passed a den with big windows that he would use as his office and art studio. The smaller bedroom was Mazey's, but it didn't have any of her bedding or toys in it yet, or the ballerina lamp.

When our other stuff gets here, we'll make it nice for you, Gabe promised her but she already seemed pretty happy just to look around their new house. She was such a little sweetheart.

Gabe was pretty happy with it too. Overall the place was as advertised. Everything was a little older than he liked but in really good shape.

Old wood floors went throughout the house. In the kitchen, there were marble countertops that had seen decades of use but somehow only looked better for it. Other than that, there were attractive but older fixtures and appliances and old solid wood cabinets.

Gabe hardly had time to walk around and turn the heat on before there was a knock on the door. Going over, he answered the door while Mazey hid behind him. On his doorstep, he found the bearded man from the cafe.

Umm, hello. Stan, wasn't it? Gabe said as he wondered why that guy was here.

Stan gave him the answer with a big grin. Right. I'm your neighbor. He pointed at the cottage.

The little house, Mazey whispered.

That's right, pipsqueak. It's little. He then asked, What's your name again, pipsqueak?

Mazey whispered her name too low for him to hear but Gabe was surprised she said it at all.

It's Mazey, Gabe repeated.

Nice one, Stan told her with a wink then he eyed Gabe. I have you guys to thank for my new digs. Mrs. Del Rio was eyeballing me like she thought I was gonna chicken out. But I wasn't bluffing. I was like, 'You're on, lady.' I wasn't planning on renting, but a change of scenery isn't so bad.

Right, Gabe said noncommittally.

My new place won't be fit to live in till after New Year's. I never even got a chance to move in before it got flooded. Now they're ripping out floors and pipes. My dad tried to get me to move in with him so I escaped down here, Stan told him though Gabe didn't ask.

Mazey was listening very attentively while Stan recounted his rental saga and Gabe tried to figure out how to get rid of him without being rude. They were neighbors now whether he liked it or not. He couldn't just shut the door in his face.

I'm sure you're busy moving in and all... he tried but Stan waved him off.

Nah. Don't have much with me. It's mostly in storage. But I will be grabbing my stuff from Wyatt's. That's Sam's hubby. You're cool with that, right. Stan asked, but Gabe didn't understand what he meant.

Am I cool with you moving into the cottage?

Stan chuckled. I'm asking if you're cool with two guys being married to each other, Stan said and gave him a look that made it clear to Gabe that his new neighbor was gay.

I'm cool with two guys being married, Gabe told him archly.

Now Stan wanted to know, How cool? He wiggled his thick eyebrows and Mazey giggled.

Gabe sighed.

Alright, alright, Stan said letting him off the hook. I'll leave you to it. He winked at Mazey then left with a wave.

He was going to be a terrible neighbor, but Gabe couldn't help admiring how his ass filled out his jeans or the swagger in his step as he walked away.

Chapter 2

When Stan got back to Wyatt and Sam's house, Wyatt had just brought the boys back from school. He was serving DJ and Ry their afternoon snack in the kitchen, but Stan caught him when he went into his office.

I can't believe you rented a house here, Wyatt said as Stan leaned in the doorway. Sam must have given him the news.

Why not? It's nice here except for the lack of gay fun times, Stan said.

Of course Wyatt got plenty of action from his hottie of a husband so he didn't get his point. I don't know what you're talking about. You just want someplace with gay guys stacked on top of each other, Wyatt accused him then noticed that Stan was lost in thought. What are you picturing? That all the guys are naked?

And not all married to each other, Stan added. But I'll put up with your marital bliss and enjoy the scenery. I didn't have plans for after you kicked me out anyway. My dad issued an open invitation. But I just got in shape. I can't let that man feed me.

You're not eating healthy now, Wyatt said.

I do what I need to, but that man is out of control, Stan said.

Either way, we weren't kicking you out, Wyatt said. He was a good guy.

Then I guess I kicked myself out, Stan said.

They went into the kitchen where the boys were still eating their snack, and Stan grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. He would rather be drinking a soda, but the boys weren't allowed to have soda just any ol' time, so he couldn't either. Just as well, but one of the dangers, or maybe a perk of moving out, was eating and drink all the bad stuff.

Tilting the bottle of water back, Stan noticed the kids looking from him to their dad. Did you guys hear the news? I got myself a little house. You guys want to help me move?

Both boys jumped up from the kitchen table and ran over eagerly.

Stan eyed the boys then he told them, OK, you guys look strong. Help me load this fridge in my car.

That's our fridge, Stan, DJ told him reasonably.

That didn't stop his younger brother. I can lift it, Ry claimed and tried to do it.

Wyatt grabbed the back of his sweater and pulled him back to the table. Eat your snack. I'm sure Stan's new place has a fridge, right?

Yeah, it's all set up. And the neighbor isn't bad looking either, Stan said, and he flashed back to those sky blue eyes, light brown, wavy hair and a very promising body even if he couldn't see much of it the way Gabe was all covered up by his stuffy, dad clothes. Mega uptight though. Has a little girl.

A kid? DJ said. What's her name?

Mazey.

We don't know her, Ry said while looking at his older brother.

Sounds like Stan found you a new kid, Wyatt told them.

You can meet her when you come over to visit me, Stan said and then he went to pack up his stuff.

That didn't take long and then the boys were waving to him as he drove away.

Going inside the cottage, Stan found it was kind of nice to have a place of his own again. It was pretty small with just one bedroom, a narrow kitchen with everything super old but not used much by the look of it.

The living room wasn't bad and it had a desk where he could set up a workstation for himself. He brought two bags total with him, but he only unpacked his laptops and set them up where he wanted them.

Out the window that was right by the desk, he saw a delivery van pull up. It was one of those big ones, and there were plenty of boxes getting carried out and inside Gabe's house.

Stan didn't have anything better to do, so he went over when he saw the delivery van pulling away. The front door was still open, so he leaned in the doorway and knocked lightly on the open door. Gabe was right there in the living room with Mazey, both of them still wearing their coats and checking over the boxes stacked all over the place.

You guys look busy, Stan said. I saw a van bring a bunch of your stuff. You need any help putting anything where it goes?

No, but thank you for offering, Gabe said. He was not a friendly guy, but Mazey seemed to disagree as she pointed at a big box.

That's just bedding, Gabe said then explained to Mazey. It's stuff for sleeping like pillows and comforters.

Froggy Princess? Mazey said in her small voice that Stan could barely make out.

Yes, your Froggy Princess comforter is in there, Gabe assured her. Then his phone chimed. I just have to get that. He eyed Stan like he meant that he should leave. But as Gabe looked at him expectantly, Stan just kept leaning in the doorway.

Don't mind me, he said and crossed his arms. He wasn't that easy to kick out.

Now Gabe couldn't shut the door in his face and he had to deal with his phone. He grabbed it from the charger, and Mazey whispered to Stan, Daddy's working.

Gabe looked over at her like he couldn't believe that she was talking to Stan. She did seem really shy, but now she was stalking that big box, circling it like she was looking for a way inside.

When Gabe was done with his call, Stan told him, You are gonna have to turn that box into a playhouse for her. Stan had stepped inside and Gabe shut the door behind him.

Playhouse! Mazey said, getting excited about the idea.

A door, some windows, pow! Stan said and Mazey stared at the box like she was picturing it.

You have her imagination going, Gabe said as he took off his coat and Stan checked him out real quick. Not bad, but too stuffy to be eye candy. I feel kind of bad that I didn't think of that idea myself.

Everyone can't be the creative type, Stan said.

Well, I should be. I do freelance work in art and design, Gabe told him.

Looking him over one more time, Stan couldn't help being skeptical. You, an artist. I don't know, man. You're too neat and tidy. Stan pointed out the dark blue sweater and khakis he was wearing. The pants weren't even a little bit creased and the sweater didn't have so much as a speck of lint on it.

Sorry I'm not all paint spattered. I do a lot of my work digitally, Gabe said.

Ah, so you're an art nerd, not a scruffy art dude, Stan said.

What about you? What do you do? Gabe asked.

I do maintenance and security for a corporate website, boring crap.

Gabe jumped on that. Then you're a nerd too.

Stan did not like the sound of that. "Hey, hey, we were talking about remodeling