Page 47 of The Christmas Accomplice

“That’s not a bad thing.”

“Even if I’m standing here with you this time next year fondly recalling what I once had with Welton?”

“Yes, because you will have made a strong connection, just like I did with Kyle. I experienced the same kind of intimacy and fun with him that you’re having with Welton, and even though nothing more came from it, I wouldn’t trade that time with Kyle for anything. Not only was it fun and made for some great memories, but he helped me better understand what I’m looking for and what kind of man will make me happy.” She smiled and squeezed his arm. “You’re really into Welton. This is good to see.”

“Yeah…”

“People leave, I know,” Nick said in a gentle tone. “It’s the bane of our employment. But that doesn’t mean he can’t come back. And you can always go there.”

“True. But it makes me—”

Welton stepped up to the desk. His glasses were dotted with water marks from the snow, and flakes still clung to the knit hat pulled low over his ears. He gave a small wave. “Hi there. Hello.”

“Oh, hi,” Reece said, and then his brain seemed to lock up. All he could do was smile and stare at Welton, who was smiling and staring right back.

“Good evening, Welton,” Nick said, breaking the spell. “What’s new?”

“Oh, nothing. Not much. Just enjoyed a brisk walk from my cabin and about to get some dinner.”

“Did you sign up for the Christmas karaoke yet?” Nick asked.

“Nick…” Reece said with a low growl.

“Actually, that’s what I’m here to ask about.” Welton looked back at Reece. “Is there a sign-up sheet?”

“I’ll have one at the front table,” Reece said. “You’re going to sing?”

“I might,” Welton said. “Depending on how many glasses of wine I have with dinner.”

“You going to the buffet again?” Reece asked as Nick began helping another guest who had approached the desk.

“I was thinking of trying the smaller restaurant out by the ski lift.”

“The Upper Crust? Yeah, that’s a good place. The pizza is excellent.” A strong feeling of want flared inside Reece. He really wanted to be able to go to dinner with Welton, sit across from him, and talk for hours. But he was stuck behind the desk, so he’d have to settle for seeing Welton later at karaoke.

And after that, maybe Welton would invite Reece back to his cabin. Or maybe Reece would invite Welton back to his place.

And then later this week, he’ll leave you like all the others.

Reece shut down that negative voice and managed to smile. “I had a good time tobogganing with you earlier. It’s been a long time since I’ve, you know, tobogganed.”

Welton blushed and fidgeted. Before he could respond, however, a group of guests approached, talking quite loudly. Nick was still assisting the other guest, and Reece gave Welton a tight smile.

“Sorry, I need to get back to work.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see you later.” Welton started to turn, then swiveled back and leaned in over the desk to whisper, “I had a good time tobogganing, too. I like the size of your toboggan.”

He hurried away toward the revolving door and was soon gone from sight. Reece directed his attention at the new arrivals and tried not to dwell on the thought of Welton eating dinner all alone at The Upper Crust.

Reece was startingto worry Welton wouldn’t show up for karaoke when he finally walked through the door. His cheeks were red from the cold, the lenses of his glasses fogged up, and his coat zipped all the way to his chin. But he smiled and waved to Reece before settling at a small empty table toward the back of the room, bumping into a few other guests because he couldn’t see through his glasses.

Several people had already sung, and Reece reminded everyone they should try to mimic the original artist as closely as possible. He called on the next singer, a woman who proceeded to shriek “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in what she apparently thought was a good impression of Mariah Carey. Reece feared his ears might start to bleed.

After a couple more people had sung, a new arrival caught Reece’s attention. It was Dean, the strange guy who had approached him and Welton at the cabin door. He stood inside the door to the ballroom, still wearing his hat and with those ski goggles up on his forehead again. Dean lifted his chin in greeting to Reece, as if they were familiar beyond the two times they’d seen each other, then went to a table near the back, close to where Welton was sitting.

Welton seemed to be pointedly not looking at Dean, his attention fixed on the singer currently butchering Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.”

Reece put Dean out of his mind and continued with his hosting duties, calling on people from the quickly shortening list. Between sign ups, Reece called for volunteers, and Welton stubbornly remained in his seat and avoided eye contact each time. Once all the people from the list had performed, Reece really had to encourage people to participate. Edward sat in the back, and Reece really wanted to make a good impression, demonstrate he knew how to get people involved, but it was getting more and more difficult. He didn’t want to embarrass Welton and call him out directly, but only a stubborn few remained, so he kept sweeping his gaze around the room. Many of the previous participants were trying to coax reluctant friends or family into giving it a shot, with whispered encouragements and denials wrapped around nervous laughter.