Page 59 of The Christmas Accomplice

“It’s like Dungeons and Dragons, but with a Christmas theme.” He fanned the many pages in the binder, his mind spinning and stomach turning. “It will take a lot to put together and run. And I’ve only played D&D a couple times before back in college.”

“And now you’re on the outs with your hot gay nerd.” Nick made a face. “Sorry. I know it’s too soon. Sorry.”

Reece sighed. How could everything with Welton have changed so quickly? He’d let his guard down, that much was certain. He’d started to get comfortable, open up and enjoy himself. He’d acted like a fool, pretending Welton was more than a guest with a check out time in his file. But it wasn’t just that. Welton had lied to him about Dean.

If you don’t fall for the guys who are going to leave, you always fall for the ones who are taken.

He’d known he would be feeling like this, but he’d hoped it would have at least been some time after Welton had left.

“How can I help?” Nick asked in a gentle voice.

“Watch the desk while I start reading this monstrosity?”

“You got it.”

“And don’t say a word about this to Welton.”

“What?”

Reece fixed her with a stern look. “Nick…”

She huffed and said, “Fine,” before approaching the desk with a smile to help a guest.

With that settled, Reece picked up the binder and walked to a small nook with a desk and a chair. He sat down, put the binder on the desk, and did some deep breathing exercises that seemed to slow his pounding heart and calm some of the noise in his mind.

He put aside all thoughts of Welton. This was for himself, for his future. He needed to do this on his own.

Reece opened the binder and started to read.