Page 69 of The Christmas Accomplice

Edward handed out drink coupons to all of the players, giving those on the winning team three each. The players talked excitedly within their groups and with those at the tables around them. Several of the players approached Welton and shook his hand, telling him they’d had no idea what to expect but had had a really great time. A few said they’d had so much fun they were going to look for D&D groups back home, and one woman leaned in to say in a conspiratorial whisper that it had been so much better than being stuck at her in-law’s house.

Once the guests had left the room, Reece, Nick, Edward, Dean, and Trent laughed and talked about the experience. Welton’s face started to ache from the broad smile he couldn’t seem to tone down. He kept stealing glances at Reece, each time finding him looking back. Reece’s dark eyes glowed with affection and a relaxed and satisfied smile made him look even more handsome than usual.

I put that smile on his face. I did that. Maybe there’s a chance for us after all.

But what would that chance look like? How would it work out if they were more than a thousand miles apart?

Stop thinking. Go with what you’re feeling.

“Hey, let’s see if there’s room at the bar now,” Dean suggested. “Who’s up for a drink? First round is on me.”

Welton looked at Reece who stared right back as the others headed out the door. Edward paused and asked, “Reece? Welton? You coming?”

“I’m sure they’ll catch up shortly,” Nick said. From the corner of his eye, Welton saw her take Edward’s arm to lead him out of the room and down the hallway.

“You were amazing,” Reece said. “I would never have been able to run the game like you did.”

Welton blushed and looked away. “I just read through the story.”

“No, you did more.” Reece took a step closer. “So much more.”

There was a serious note in his tone. Welton swallowed past the fear, guilt, and regret that seemed to be lodged in his throat. “I’m really sorry. About all of it.”

“I know. I’m sorry, too.”

“You’re sorry? For what?”

“I should have let you explain after I overheard you and Dean talking. But I shut you out, hard, and that wasn’t fair.”

“It’s okay—”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“But I understand why you did it,” Welton said. “I do. I lied to you. I didn’t mean to. It just came out because it was such a weird situation, and I didn’t think you’d be able to understand it.”

“Really? You didn’t think I’d understand you and your ex had purchased a non-refundable trip and then broke up and then there was a misunderstanding about who would be taking the vacation and you each took a different flight and arrived on the same day?”

“Well, when you put it like that…”

They laughed together and stepped closer until only a few inches separated them. Reece placed the palm of his hand against Welton’s cheek and stared into his eyes.

“I missed you,” Reece said.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“I missed you, too.”

Reece leaned down and kissed him softly. “Merry Christmas Eve, Welton.”

“Merry Christmas Eve.” Welton kissed him again, lingering this time. His heart pounded and he felt a little light-headed. How was he going to be able to leave in a couple of days?

“What are you doing for Christmas Eve?” Reece asked.

“Whatever you want to do.”

Reece smiled. “That leaves things pretty open.”