Page 4 of The Christmas Accomplice

“I like that, too. I tend to go back and forth. Some days I want to be out on the slopes or snowshoeing through the woods after a heavy snowfall, and other days I want to be inside by the fire, talking and playing cards or something.”

That perked Welton’s ears up. Then he chastised himself for it. He’d literally just arrived for his first vacation in years, and he would not allow himself to latch on to the first male employee to pay him some attention. Especially since he had no inclination if the man was gay. He was not that desperate.

Aren’t you?

“Oh, darn it, I passed the turn to your cabin. Sorry about that.”

“I’m sorry, I was talking too much and distracted you.”

“No, it’s not that at all, really. It’s nice to talk with someone about more than just skiing and how hot and available the women are around here.”

Ah, well, that puts a wooden stake through the heart of any possibility the guy might be gay.

“It won’t take long to get back to your cabin group,” the man said. “I’ll just loop around through the Fir group here.”

“Fur group?” Welton said. “As in animal fur?”

The man smirked. “No. Fir as in the pine tree. All the cabin groupings are named after trees.”

“I see. Of course.”

“But now I’m going to think of it as the group where they put all the guests who are bears.”

Welton couldn’t think of how to respond, so he kept quiet. The man knew what a bear was, did that mean he was gay? So many people knew that term these days, though, it wasn’t a true indicator. And what did it matter, anyway? Even if he was gay, someone like this guy would never want someone like him.

And how far was his cabin from the resort’s main building anyway? Was he going to need a dog sled at meal times? He desperately hoped the ride was over soon, but also never wanted it to end.

“Here we are, cabin five of the Spruce group.” He slowed the cart to a gentle stop, and they sat looking at the dark wood of the A-frame cottage. “That’s a nice cabin.”

“You’ve been inside?”

“Not this particular one, but I’ve been inside another one like it. Really spacious but still cozy.”

They stepped out, and the man removed Welton’s bags from the back of the cart. A small well-shoveled walkway led from the blacktop to the cabin door.

“Thank you for the ride. I don’t think I would have found my way here otherwise.”

“I’m sure you would have figured it out. You seem pretty capable to me.” He removed his glove and extended a hand. “I’m Reece Donaghy.”

Welton did the same, savoring the warm, slightly damp feel of Reece’s palm and the grip of his long fingers. “Welton Monroe. Thanks again for the ride.”

“You’re welcome, Welton.” Reece released his hand, and Welton curled his fingers in tight to try and hold a bit of warmth from his touch. “I hope to see you up at the main building for the activities.”

“I’m sure I’ll be up there at some point.”

Reece stood a moment longer, then ducked his head in a quick nod, gave a single wave, and got back in the cart. Welton wheeled his bags to the door and used one of the keycards to open it. Behind him he could hear the quiet hum of the cart’s engines and the crunch of ice melt under the tires as Reece drove away.

“And I arrive at my expensive and long-planned vacation cabin all alone. As usual.”

Welton stepped inside and let the door close behind him. The cabin was warm and quiet. Precisely arranged comfortable furniture faced a stone fireplace. Beyond that, Welton could see a small dining table and an open kitchen, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. A bathroom with a shower stall was set in a small alcove off the kitchen.

Steps ascended to the open loft master bedroom, nicely hidden from the main level behind a half wall. Welton carried his bags up the stairs and smiled sadly at the king-sized bed. He and Dean had made due with a queen mattress. He was going to feel lost in that bed. A peek into the en suite bathroom revealed a large tub and a walk-in shower behind glass blocks, plus a double sink vanity. Well, he could use a different sink every other day to shave and brush his teeth.

Welton removed his coat and kicked off his shoes, then got busy unpacking his clothes. When he traveled, he liked to put his things in the same drawers as back home. It was easier for him to find things and helped him feel more settled.

Downstairs, the lock clicked and the door swung open. Someone entered the cabin, pulling a bag behind, and stomped snow off their boots.

Thinking it might be a housekeeper, Welton peered over the railing, ready to tell the woman he was inside.

The words evaporated in his mouth.

Dean stood inside the door, pulling off what looked to be a brand new down coat and looking around with a smile and patches of red in his cheeks that made him even more handsome than the day they had met.

Dean looked up and locked eyes with Welton. His smile sagged into shock.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Dean said.