“We’re too remote and no taxi will make it in this weather.”
“Obviously, we’ll share the room,” Tal said.
Oh my God.This could not be happening. The man of his dreams was going to share a room with him? Was it too greedy to hope that Tal was inallways what Corey was looking for? Of course it was, but Corey still hoped for a Christmas miracle. Well, another one. Surviving the crash was the first, then finding this place was the next. Greedy to hope for more, but he did.
“If that’s okay?” Tal asked him.
What? Oh, the room.Corey pulled his voice from somewhere. “We’ll split the cost.”
“Fine.”
He’d half-hoped Tal would say no, he’d pay, and then Corey would have argued and eventually let Tal win.Oh well.
“Perfect,” Jefferson said. “The room is ready. I’ll have your things taken up. Housekeeping will take care of your wet clothes and shoes. Just leave them here by the door.”
“I’m sorry about the mess.” Corey stepped out of the puddle he was making, though he suspected he’d soon make another.
“No problem. We have excellent housekeeping.”
Almost as though housekeeping had heard the manager, a middle-aged woman in a pale blue uniform appeared and picked up Corey’s discarded jacket, sweater, glove, socks and trainersalong with Tal’s overcoat, hat and other glove. Tal took off his sock-covered shoes together with his socks and sighed.
“The heated floor is good, right?” Corey smiled.
Tal nodded.
“Thank you, Maggie,” Jefferson said. “Our receptionist, Claire, will help you at the desk. Once we have your names and details, I’ll give the police a call.”
Jefferson disappeared into an office at the back of reception. Tal filled in a form and handed over his credit card to the young woman. Was he not even bothered about the room rate?
“Do you need anything to eat or drink?” Claire asked.
Corey shook his head. “No, thanks.” To be honest, he’d wanted to sayYes please, but the less he spent, the better.
“No, thank you,” Tal said.
“There are tea and coffee making facilities in your room, along with a minibar.”
Which Corey wouldnotbe touching. Not even if it had chocolate in it. It probably cost five pounds for a Twix, the most boring bar of chocolate ever, and even though he didn’t like Twix, he’d still have been tempted.
His bag and guitar had disappeared along with Tal’s case. He hadn’t even noticed them go. The puddles of water had also disappeared.Wow.Excellent house-keeping indeed.
“Breakfast is from seven. It’s served in the morning room which is through the double doors on the left.” She handed them two keys. “Your room is up the stairs to the next floor, turn right and it’s first on the left. Number twenty-four. Put your wet things in the laundry bag and leave it outside the door. If you need anything, just call. There’s always someone on duty.”
“Thank you,” Tal said.
Corey followed him to the stairs.
“Are you feeling okay?” Tal asked.
He nodded but that wasn’t true. He felt as if he was being dragged along underwater but somehow still able to breathe. He guessed that was down to an adrenaline slump. “I’ve stopped shivering. I don’t think that’s a good thing.”
“We need to get out of our wet clothes.”
Corey almost suggested they help each other, then chickened out.I’m pathetic.Tal wasn’t even gay.
When they reached the door to twenty-four, Corey gasped. Above the number was a brass plaque sayingBates Suite.
“Good grief,” Tal said, his eyes widening. That’s…weird.”
