Page 23 of The Christmas Accomplice

“What?” Welton took a step back from the dance floor. “Oh, no. I don’t dance.”

“Come on. No one’s watching.”

“You planning to leave the room?”

Reece feigned being wounded with a hand to his chest. “I thought we were friends.”

“Well, we are. Which is why I won’t subject you to my poor dancing skills.”

“Surely you can do something simple. I’m no expert dancer either. See?”

Reece moved out on the dance floor, faced Welton and, with a big, goofy smile, began to slowly swing his arms side to side, ducking one behind him at alternate times. Welton laughed and shook his head.

“Okay, so you’re coordinated enough to do a very slow version of the Floss. I applaud you.” Welton gave him several slow claps.

“I’ll teach you how,” Reece said, still Flossing and smiling. “Come on. Stand next to me.”

Welton looked toward the door to make sure it was closed and no one had snuck in while he’d been distracted. He really didn’t want to do this, but he really, really didn’t want not to do this.

Dean had always pushed him to take more chances, step outside of his comfort zone. Maybe Welton needed to be with someone other than Dean to feel more comfortable doing that. Knowing deep inside he was going to regret it, Welton stood next to Reece. He watched Reece’s movements and tried to copy him. It felt ridiculous at first, but after a time Welton’s arms seemed to get the idea, and he was able to increase his speed.

“Look at you go,” Reece said. “You’re a natural Flosser.”

“My dentist would be so proud.”

Reece laughed, and the song ended with a flourish of jingling bells. They both stopped and stood smiling at each other in the silence. A new song started, a piano playing slow and quiet, the notes familiar to Welton but he couldn’t place the title or lyrics, just like he couldn’t seem to stop looking into Reece’s eyes.

“I know this song,” he said.

“Yeah? It’s one of my new favorites. And I really like the story behind it.”

“Story?” Welton tried to place the song, but was having a tough time with it until the singer’s voice came in over the piano. It was a man, and his voice was low and sultry as he sang the first lyrics.

One stocking hangs by the fireplace, but I’m lonelier by far on this Christmas Eve.

“Rex Garland,” Welton said, his heart pounding. “‘Can I Pretend You’re Mine for Christmas?’”

Reece’s smile morphed from fun and casual to something with more meaning and intention behind it. He held out a hand. Welton couldn’t look away, and his body seemed to be on autopilot as he took Reece’s hand. They stepped in and Reece slid his arm around Welton’s waist and pulled him even closer.

“This okay?” Reece whispered.

Welton nodded, not trusting his voice to be steady if he spoke. He’d never slow danced with a man before. He’d only done it a handful of times with a woman. But here in this moment with Reece, they moved in perfect time like they’d been dancing together for years. Welton didn’t step on Reece’s feet, and the fact that Reece was leading didn’t feel at all awkward.

“You know the story behind this song?” Reece asked.

“He wrote it at a hotel in New York.” The words came out in a whisper, but Reece appeared to be able to hear them over the music.

“True. But he had some help. He was having trouble with the lyrics, and a guy staying there overheard him working on it out in the courtyard. The guy left him secret notes with lyric suggestions, and they co-wrote the song that way.” Reece leaned in until his lips brushed the curve of Welton’s ear, and he lowered his voice. “They ended up getting married a year later.”

Welton’s heart thundered, and blood rushed through his body into his cock. He couldn’t step away even if he wanted to. Reece moved back but stayed close enough for his lips to hover close to Welton’s. It wouldn’t take but a simple lean from either of them to kiss.

“That’s a really romantic story,” Welton said.

“Sometimes romance wins.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”