RR-CDA by Christine D'Abo

then, I will go to the hospital. But not before. You’ve had too many things happen to you this year. Too many people putting their needs before yours. I’m not going to be another one on that list.” Owen reached out and secured the tag on the tree. “Now let’s bring this baby home.”
    Cole wasn’t one to cry. It wasn’t in his DNA, or something. But at some point in Owen’s speech the tears filled his eyes and threatened to fall. No one had done something like this before. His parents relied on him now that they were older. His sister was always after him to help her fix things around her apartment. Hell, even Steven had wanted him to make things better. Cole was the fixer.
    For the first time in his life, it was nice to have someone else willing to step into that role.
    “Okay.” He turned away so Owen wouldn’t see the unshed tears. “We’ll get the tree and bring it back. But we’ll take your car. I can always get mine later.”
    “Deal.” Owen winked at him. “We don’t want to scratch up the Lexus.”
    “Always the gentleman. Come on, dumbass, let’s find the lot owner before you pass out from blood loss.”
    As they walked toward the office, and despite the bitter wind, warmth bloomed in Cole’s chest. If this was what a rebound romance could do for a person, no wonder people fell hard and fast. Typically they never ended well for either party, so he’d have to be extra careful to keep his emotions in check.
    If he knew anything, it was that he’d never survive another broken heart.

It had taken Cole almost the entire trip back to Toronto to convince Owen to stop at the emergency room. Owen didn’t want to admit it, but he probably wouldn’t have gone if left to his own devices. He was stupid and stubborn and hated waiting at the hospital, especially this time of year. Too many flus, colds, and sick kids.
    Thankfully, there wasn’t a long wait and they got in quickly. He didn’t appear to have a concussion, but he’d ended up with three stitches that finally stemmed the bleeding. Thank God for that because he didn’t have the stomach for blood. The headache sucked though, and it was only made worse as they wrangled the tree into the elevator of Cole’s building and dragged it down the hallway to his condo.
    Still, he felt as though he’d won the day. He’d gotten a sexy scar out of the deal. A dating war wound that he could proudly show off.
    Why yes, I did jump in front of a charming family to get a Christmas tree for a brokenhearted man. And I’d do it again! Of course you can totally take me out to dinner.
    The thought of getting back out on the dating circuit was less than appealing these days. It was fun with Cole because he knew that the other man wasn’t looking for anything serious. It was a bit of joy to help brighten his holiday and hopefully have some great sex in the meantime. Not that sex was on that afternoon’s agenda, given the throbbing headache, the nasty head wound, and the unsightly bloodstains.
    Too bad he’d cockblocked himself because of a fucking tree.
    He sighed and looked around Cole’s place as he guarded the tree. Cole had disappeared into a spare room and was rummaging around looking for the tree stand and his decorations.
    “I found the box. One second.”
    He bit his tongue to stop from making any inappropriate box jokes. “All good. I’m just protecting the tree and gawking at your books.”
    “Dude, you don’t have to stand there. Sit down and rest. Safe to say you’ve earned the break.”
    “I’m fine.” He really wasn’t, but Cole didn’t need any more guilt added on. The ride back had consisted of them making sure the tree didn’t blow off and Cole asking if he was okay. The pain in his head pulsed again. “But I’ll sit if it makes you feel better.”
    “It will.”
    Well then, if it made Cole feel better.
    The couch held a number of big cushions that hugged his body as he got comfortable. The backrest was soft and inviting,