Thirty-four-year-old thrift store owner Avery Gauge isn’t looking for love. So imagine his surprise when he’s attracted to Judd Maxx, who enters his thrift store searching for a special gift to give to his Aunt Sophie. And Judd is just as interested in Avery.
Adorable, fun, and sexually frisky, the two men enjoy a string of winter dates together. As the small town of Templeton is taken over by a blizzard, Avery has never been more happy in his life, feeling as if he has fallen under what Judd calls a snowspell.
But things with Judd aren't perfect, and what they hoped would be a happy ever after begins to fall apart when Avery learns of a few wintry tempests in Judd's life. Can the two men battle the cold and chilly storms of everyday life and end up together? Or will a snowspell keep them apart forever?
On the careful drive through the icy tundra that suffocated Colsen, back to The Maxx Inn, Judd said, “What do you think about being my boyfriend?”
Avery laughed, staring over at the man he had so suddenly gained a crush on, and said, “Maybe in a week or two, or even three, we can talk about this. For now, let’s just enjoy the day off, enjoy each other’s company, and worry about that label later.”
“Sounds like a plan. Not that I wouldn’t mind having you as a boyfriend. We seem to hit it off together quite well. Plus, I really like you.”
“Admit it, you like the paperweight you bought from me more than you like me.”
A chuckle escaped Judd as he swerved left and right through the piles of dense snow, steering them back to the inn. In doing so, he said, “I think my aunt’s right. The snowstorm has a spell over us. A snowspell. One word. We can’t help but fall in love.”
“What happens after the snow melts? Do we go our separate ways and fall in love with other men? Do you melt like Frosty the Snowman?”
“We stay in love, become boyfriends, and I treat you like the Prince Charming you deserve to be treated, every day and night.”
Avery thought about the scenario and realized it wasn’t half bad. “It sounds like a win-win for both of us.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“So you really like me, Mr. Judd Maxx?”
“Probably more than we both realize.”
“Suit yourself,” Avery whispered. He undid his seatbelt, leaned across and over the console that separated them in the cab of the truck, and kissed Judd on his cheek. “I probably like you more than I realize, too.”
“Figured as much.”
“That’s some good figuring,” Avery whispered, resting his head on Judd’s shoulder and enjoying the remaining minutes in truck with his believed boyfriend. He was having the time of his life, falling harder for the man, and yet still considered him a stranger.
