Page 71 of Dragged Home for Christmas

He had a lot to tell them.

Mike and Sam went into the warm kitchen, to find the table set for ten, and three chairs unoccupied. Cries ofMerry Christmasgreeted them.

He had to smile.It seemseveryonestayed last night.

Kris sat with Jim, his hand on Jim’s nape, Anthony was leaning into Phil, and Elliott was feeding Stephan bits of bacon by hand. Everyone burst into applause as Mike and Sam sat down.

Anthony stood and clapped. “Well, if it isn’t Mike O’Neill, star of stage, screen, and Facebook.” He picked up two covered plates from the countertop and placed them on the table.

Mike frowned. “What?”

“Someone filmed the show last night, and posted it to the hotel’s Facebook page,” Ashley told him. She grinned. “You’re famous. Well, Cheap Trix is famous. And they got the part where you two kissed.” She glanced at the table’s occupants, her gaze narrowed, hands on her hips. “Wait a second. Am I the only one around here whodidn’tget laid last night?”

The bell rang, and Mike chuckled. “And there it goes again.”

Elliott grinned. “Hold that thought. There might actually be someone ringing this time.” He disappeared through the door but returned a moment later, beaming. “Ashley? You have a visitor.”

Patrick stepped into the kitchen, carrying a pile of wrapped packages. “Good morning, all. And Merry Christmas.”

Everyone greeted him, and Jim indicated the remaining empty chair. “Join us. You’re just in time.” Anthony stood to pick up the last covered plate.

Ashley ran over to him. “I thought you were on duty today,” she said with a smile. Elliott took his parcels from him, and Patrick gave Ashley a hug.

“I swapped with one of the guys.” He glanced at Mike and Sam, and smirked. “Nice, fellas.” He took the chair next to Ashley and smiled when he saw the food. “Great. I’m starving.”

Sam widened his eyes. “I almost forgot.” He rose, and left the kitchen in a hurry.

“Your breakfast will get cold,” Anthony hollered after him. “You know, the one I worked my ass off to make for you.”

Phil chuckled. “Excuse me? What am I, chopped liver? I helped too.”

That earned him an exuberant peck on the cheek. “Yes, you did, and I’m sure I’ll find a way to thank you—later.” Wry chuckles rippled around the table.

Sam came back into the kitchen, and Mike burst out laughing when he saw what Sam had on his head. “Oh, that isperfect.”

The black top hat came with a piece of thick bent wirethat Sam had somehow fastened to the back. The wire came over the top in a graceful arc, hanging down just above the brim. Suspended from the end of the wire was…

A sprig of mistletoe.

Sam grinned. “Wherever you go, the mistletoe goes with you, and you know what that means, right? I think it’s a federal law that says you get kissed when you’re under the mistletoe.”

“Is that so?” Mike tugged Sam into his lap, and kissed him.

Anthony plucked it from Sam’s head. “You can have it back—afterbreakfast.”

No one spoke for a few minutes while they got down to the delightful task of eating. Jim was the first to speak.

“Look, New Year’s is only a week away, but we really need to decide if we’re gonna put on a show. I know we haven’t given it much thought, what with everything we’ve been doing, but we’ve got bookings, guys. Alotof bookings.”

All eyes went to Mike.

“Sure,” he said with a shrug. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to step into Nick’s heels again.”

“I will,” Ashley piped up. “I’d love to do a number.”

Elliott beamed. “Way to go, Feisty Girl.” They high-fived. “We’ll work out a routine for you.”

“And I’ll make your costume,” Anthony added.

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