Page 157 of The Blame Game

“Come in, come in,” Charlie said. “Glad to see you, Dom.”

“Glad to see you too,” Dom said, smiling warmly at Charlie and stooping to allow him to kiss his cheek.

The gesture made Shea smile. Dom had a soft spot for Charlie. Somehow, it didn’t surprise Shea.

Charlie had sent him a welcome message and asked about the shower and although Shea hadn’t been texting with him for a full week yet, he could already see why everyone on the team adored Charlie.

“And you must be Shea,” Charlie said, shooting a sunny smile his way. “Glad to finally meet Dom’s boyfriend.”

His eyes sparkled and he winked at Shea before holding out his arms. “Are you a hugger? I know Dom is definitely not but I have a feeling you might be.”

“I am! And great to meet you, Charlie,” Shea said, holding his arms out for a hug. “Thanks for inviting us.”

“Glad you dragged him here,” Charlie said with a laugh, nodding at Dom. “We all know he tries to duck out of events like this.”

Shea laughed at the offended look on Dom’s face.

“I always thought baby showers were for …” He trailed off at Charlie’s pursed lips and disapproving expression.

“They are not only for women, if that’s what you were going to say,” Charlie said tartly. “We believe in gender equality around here. Dads and supportive male friends should be included too, especially because many of those guys are going to be the primary caregivers in their future kiddos’ lives.”

“Fair point,” Dom said, looking a little sheepish. “And all of the gifts are going to a good cause.”

He held out a gift bag that included some desperately needed baby items and a very generous check.

Charlie’s sunny smile returned as he took the bag. “Yes, I thought that was sweet of Elena and Macky to donate everything to a shelter.”

He turned to face Shea, holding out his free arm for Shea to link. “Now, let me show you around and take you out to the patio. We’re spending the afternoon out there since the weather is so nice.”

“You designed the house, right?” Shea asked as Charlie led him through the kitchen Dom following in their wake. “The remodel, I mean. Dom mentioned it.”

Charlie beamed, guiding Shea down the stairs. “I did! We just finished the upper floors, actually. We did the lower two last season. How are you getting settled into Dom’s place?”

“Oh, it’s been pretty seamless,” Shea said as they walked through a lounge area on the lower level. Through a glass wall, he spotted a gorgeous indoor pool. “I didn’t have that much stuff so it wasn’t that hard.”

“I’ve never been to his condo,” Charlie said. “Is it nice?”

“Yeah, gorgeous design and view of Lake Ontario,” Shea said. “A little … impersonal sometimes but otherwise stunning. Like Dom.”

He glanced back at Dom who mostly looked amused by his description.

Charlie laughed.

“Well, you let me know if you two ever want me to help you jazz it up,” Charlie said as they walked through the patio doors. “But first, let me introduce you to everyone.”

Charlie wasn’t kidding.

From what Shea could tell, the majority of the team was there along with their spouses and partners, and a bunch of kids.

The patio was decorated in soft greens and yellows and in the center, a beautiful dark-haired pregnant woman who looked ready to give birth any day lounged like a queen on her throne.

Though, from what Shea understood, Elena wasn’t due until May. When she made a move like she was going to stand, Shea leaned down to greet her.

“Please don’t get up on my account,” he said hastily. “And congratulations! It’s great to meet you.”

She murmured her thanks and Shea took her husband’s hand to shake as well.

“Happy you join us,” Macky said, his Russian accent thick. “Good news that Dom has boyfriend now. He’s too grumpy without.”

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