Frosted Feelings

By Emy Calirel

Tamati knew he could regret this. That this one night with Jeff would lead nowhere but to hearbreak. But he didn't care.

 

Recently divorced, 38 years old Tamati is ready to finally explore his bisexuality. Doing so with Jeff, the baker from down the street, would be ideal if he wasn't a known bachelor while Tamati dreams of settling down again.

Jeff worked hard to rebuild his life after a traumatic event. He has his own business, his best-friend, and plenty of one-night stands keeping him content. Too bad Tamati, the tattoo artist he has a crush on, wants a relationship Jeff can't offer.

 

When a snowstorm forces Tamati to shelter at Jeff's bakery for the night, their attraction is too strong to resist, but can they make it once the sky clears?

 

Content Warnings can be found in the copyright page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emy Calirel
• Release date: Jul 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9782957406524

Emy Calirel

Emy Calirel grew up in France, but also spent some time in Africa as a child. When she finally reached adulthood, she jumped on opportunities and moved to California, then Ireland, before coming back to her roots. San Francisco still holds her heart, though, and always will. After trying a couple different jobs, she settled down and now works in a funeral home/monumental masonry, which she loves. To handle life’s daily stress, she laughs with her coworkers a lot and spends any free time she gets reading or daydreaming about queer folks finding their happily ever after. She’s a cat owner, a plant killer, and a San Francisco Giants fan. Wanderlust flows in her veins, and her goal is to visit every capital in Europe—if she can ever stop herself from going back to London over and over again. Emy’s muse is a sassy being who expertly farms plot bunnies in Emy’s overgrown imagination. As a consequence, Emy has more stories and characters living in her head than she’ll ever be able to write in her lifetime. She’s fine with it, though, as, like a child, she loves playing in her sandbox. A documentary enthusiast and curious to a fault, Emy often loses herself in research and will happily share her discoveries with everyone. Did you know most mammals empty their bladders in twenty-one seconds?

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Tamati focused on the small details he was drawing on Kora’s thigh. Sometimes he would tattoo directly, but his sister had chosen an intricate Maori pattern and he didn’t want to risk messing up. She was scrolling on her phone, chuckling and showing him memes when she found one particularly funny, but otherwise they were quiet, listening to the radio as they relaxed. 

Tamati looked up when someone knocked on the front door. His tattoo parlor, Sorry Mom, was closed but with night falling so early that time of year, there was no way whoever was out there couldn’t see that the light was on.

Be right back, he told Kora, handing his pen to her on the way to the front room. 

His heart sped up when he recognized Jeff standing behind the glass door. Shorter than Tamati, with a well trimmed goatee and dark blond hair always perfectly styled, Jeff had caught Tamati’s eye the first week he and Kora had moved to Dunstead. Not that Tamati had done anything about it in the months since, except for going by Jeff’s bakery more often than he should. The two pounds he’d gained had been worth it.

Jeff? You’re here for an appointment? Tamati asked, secretly hoping Jeff was. Tattooing that man would be a dream. 

Jeff laughed. No tattoos in my future; no.

Too bad. Tamati stepped aside so Jeff could enter and get out of the slowly drifting snow. Anything I can help you with?

Depends. I have leftover cupcakes, you want to take some off me?

Yes, we do! Kora called from the next room.

Jeff put the pink cardboard box he held on the counter. On it was a drawing of his store’s logo, a stylised outline of frosting with a cherry on top. Hi, Kora. I didn’t know you would be here, but there’s one pistachio cupcake in there if you can beat your brother to it. I know you like that one.

You’re an angel. No way Mati gets hold of it without fighting me first.

I’m gonna let her have it, Tamati whispered. But don’t tell her.

Jeff crossed his heart, his blue eyes never leaving Tamati’s. His gaze alone made Tamati feel electrified. 

He cleared his throat, trying to disperse the heat he could feel rising up his cheeks. Anything else I can help you with? he asked.

Actually, yes. Jeff glanced toward the room Kora was in. He stepped closer to Tamati and lowered his voice. Have you gone to the Winter Wonderland Festival yet?

Not yet, no.

"You should. It ends on Sunday and Manuel’s dance students are having a show on Saturday. There’s a small craft market, food, and they even make bobsled tracks for the kids. Suzanna brings her ponies for rides, and Nellie is there with her snowglobes. She makes a special one for each festival. A lot of people collect them around here. And the lake looks great too, with the fairy lights and torches. It’s a real sight. 

You seem very excited.

Jeff shrugged. The Winter Wonderland is my favorite of the Dunstead festivals.

It must be pretty amazing then. Since we moved here, I think there’s been a festival every month.

Jeff chuckled. Yes, the committee is really, well, committed. Maybe I can show you around? I want to go to the dance recital, and it’s more fun with company.

Tamati felt himself blushing, hating the too-familiar feeling of heat in his cheeks. He knew from experience that his tanned skin didn’t hide his redness, which just made it worse. He hadn’t dated in so long, he didn’t remember how to do it. He felt stupid and already out of his depth. But excitement also made his insides tingle, making it impossible to resist the offer.

That would be nice.

Jeff’s face lit up, small laugh lines appearing at the corners of his eyes. Awesome. I’ll come by and pick you up around six, then? That way we can walk around the place before the show, and get some food as well. You need to try Baba’s churros, they are to die for. I’m lucky the guy doesn’t want to run a business or mine would be out in a matter of months.

I don’t believe that. Your pastries are the talk of the town.

We’ll see on Saturday if you change your tune. Jeff took a step back, almost hitting the counter. He caught himself and awkwardly reached for the door behind him before he finally tore his gaze away from Tamati.

Enjoy the cupcakes. I’ll see you soon!

Tamati was in a daze when he joined Kora with the box. He didn’t even try to pretend-fight her for the green frosted one he knew was her favorite.

Did I hear right? she asked, giving the pen back. He asked you on a date?

Tamati shook his head to clear his mind. Maybe? I don’t know. He might just be friendly because this is our first winter here.

Mati, Kora huffed, her prized treat already in hand. It’s a date. I wasn’t invited, and he brings you leftovers all the time. The guy clearly likes you.

He brings leftovers to everyone. Tamati took the box from Kora’s lap and put it aside so he could get back to his drawing.

No, he doesn’t. As far as I know, only you and the guy working at the antique shop get some. I never get any at the winery.

That’s because you’re not being a good girl, Tamati muttered. Kora punched his shoulder, derailing one of his lines. Careful! he yelped, taking the pen away. You’re lucky this isn’t the tattoo gun yet. Stay still and let me focus.

Kora took a bite of the cupcake, crumbs falling on Tamati’s art.