Marshmallows and the Snow [Sweet Snacks: 1] Read Online Free PDF Page A

didn’t mean Aleks would lose the battle against his libido and... Ah shit. Who was he trying to fool? If Ruben gave him permission again, he’d probably fuck him on the next flat surface.
    Which was wrong on so many levels. Aleks had to respect Ruben’s decision to wait till he was in love before he made love. It was cute, actually. Also romantic. He didn’t want to ruin the younger man’s naïve view of the world by seducing him. Ruben would probably regret it when he was back home and searching for a new boyfriend to—
    Aleks punched the steering wheel as pictures of Ruben with other guys invaded his mind. Shit! He realized he was always moving too fast when he met a new guy. And Ruben was no different. Aleks had to stop this. He’d been hurt so much in the past and he wasn’t fond of feeling lonely again as soon as Ruben said goodbye to him.
    So, he concentrated on shopping for the groceries before he drove over to the hotel. Fortunately, the receptionist was an old friend.
    “ Halla Maike, everything okay?” A bright smile spread over his face as he greeted the pretty, blonde woman.
    “Aleks! It’s been a while since I last saw you. I’m fine, and you? Still living in that little cabin of yours?” she shot back and gave him a flirty smile.
    Aleks laughed and shook his head. “Quit it, girl. You know you have the wrong equipment. And I’m fine. But... I have a favor to ask.”
    Maike rolled her eyes and huffed. “Of course you do. I should so give you the cold shoulder after your equipment comment.” When Aleks leaned over the counter, batting his lashes, she threw her hands in the air with a deep sigh. “Oh, fine! What do you need?”
    “A friend of mine is a guest at the hotel. The thing is, he’s staying with his friend but they had an ugly fight. I offered the guy to stay with me for the last five days of his vacation, but his clothes are still upstairs in his room.” Maike’s blonde eyebrows had climbed higher and higher during his speech and now she pursed her lips.
    “So, you want me to let you into the room, so you can pack up your friend’s stuff, right? You know it’s against the hotel’s policy.”
    “I have Ruben’s key.” He pumped his hand in the air and twirled the key around his index finger. “I’m merely asking you to come up with me in case the other guy is upstairs. If I go up into his room alone, chances are I’ll break the bastard’s nose. And an injured guest bleeding all over the floor wouldn’t be good for the hotel, right?”
    His friend huffed again, but then snatched the key from Aleks’ fingers. “Fine! I’ll help you because you’re my friend and I don’t want you arrested for punching someone. What’s wrong with you?” She walked around the counter, with Aleks hurrying after her. “You’re always a bit grumpy and rough, but never in danger of hurting somebody.”
    They walked over to the elevators and after a pointed look from Maike, Aleks sighed deeply. “The guy cheated on my friend, okay? Ruben is devastated and...”
    “Oh God! Aleks, not again!” Maike groaned. “Didn’t you learn anything the last time? What was his name? That glacier guy from Canada who had you all hot and bothered and head over heels while he was busy with his oh-so important research?”
    “Kenneth,” Aleks muttered under his breath. “It happened three years ago, by the way. I’m not going to make the same mistake.”
    Maike snorted as they made their way up. “Right. You’ve got little hearts in your eyes, my friend. And you’re blushing. Please, just be careful, okay? Kenneth stayed for half a year and you couldn’t convince him to stay with you. How will you convince someone to fall in love with you in five days?”
    Aleks glowered and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’m not trying to make him fall in love with me. Ruben is only a friend.” If he acted defiant enough, maybe he could convince her—and himself—that it was the truth.
    “Oh