Page 19 of Breakfast Included

Reno slipped his hand into Tate’s and led him to the bar, where Grady from the speed-dating night was mixing drinks again. This time, he wore a red T-shirt depicting a snow-covered cabin and rainbow trees. The caption read, “Ho Ho Homo for Christmas.” He smiled as they approached.

“Hey, guys.” He threw a white towel over his shoulder and leaned on the counter. “How’s being snowed in working for you?”

“Best stranded situation ever,” Tate replied with a grin, and Grady winked.

“Oh, look! Mistletoe martinis.” Reno pointed to a chalkboard sign propped on the bar top, that featured holiday-themed drink specials. He waved a hello to Grady and said, “We’ll each have one, please.”

Martinis weren’t normally Tate’s thing, but Reno seemed so excited about them he couldn’t refuse.

“Excellent choice,” Grady said, and as he began preparing their drinks, he lifted his chin toward Reno. “Heard you’re going to play us some tunes tonight.”

Reno shrugged like it was no big deal, but from what Tate had learned, Renowasa rock star in the film score world, so him playing here tonight was a rare treat. Tate couldn’t wait to hear him play again. It had been a long time, but he remembered how magical it had been to watch Reno drift into another world when the music overtook him. It didn’t really seem to matter which instrument he played or what genre of music either. He had a talent that boggled the mind.

“Just a little piano,” Reno replied humbly.

“Looking forward to it,” Grady said. He slid their drinks across the bar and then pointed up and winked. “Enjoy.”

Tate looked up. Mistletoe. He laughed and turned to Reno. “Well?”

“Well . . .” Reno dragged out and smirked. “I believe there is a rule about mistletoe that is wise to obey.”

Tate leaned closer. “Indeed, there is.”

Reno closed the gap and pressed his mouth to Tate’s. His lips were both soft and firm, and the hairs of his beard tickled Tate’s chin. Desire rushed through his veins, and he deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth over Reno’s and sliding his tongue along the seam of his lips. Reno opened, and his tongue twined and twirled with Tate’s in a slow dance that sent a cascade of excitement tumbling over his skin.

A throat cleared, and Reno pulled back—eyes shining, lips moist and curved into a sexy smile, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Tate covertly adjusted himself.

“Hot,” Grady said gruffly and walked down the bar to serve another guest.

“Jeez.” Tate picked up his drink, still panting from that moment of very muchnotG-rated PDA. He motioned for Reno to lift his as well. “Cheers.”

Reno clinked his glass.

“Cheers,” Reno repeated and took a sip. His eyes rolled back. “Mmm . . . This is heavenly.”

Tate nodded. The drink was light and refreshing with a kick of vodka—which was exactly what he needed to distract him from the indecent moan that had escaped Reno’s throat. Tate wanted to be the one to make him moan like that.

“Come on.” Tate put his drink down and reached for Reno’s hand. He craved the physical connection. “Let’s dance before you play.”

The music was upbeat with a quick tempo. Reno moved his hips in perfect rhythm with the beat effortlessly while Tate tripped over his own feet. But it didn’t matter, not with the way Reno was looking at him like he was the greatest dessert on the planet. Tate swallowed thickly and had to fight back springing a full-on erection in the middle of the dance floor for all to see.

With a teasing smirk, Reno spun around and ground his backside against Tate, his ass sliding over Tate’s aching cock.Jesus. The man was going to kill him.

Tate wrapped his arms around Reno’s middle and held him tight as they swayed. Reno dropped his head back and angled himself to kiss Tate’s jaw. Then he pushed away, slipped out of Tate’s embrace, and danced a couple of feet away. Far too many feet for Tate’s liking. Reno gave his body a slow perusal, paused at the bulge in his pants, and beamed as he danced back. He leaned in close.

“Think about Grandpa’s false teeth floating in a dirty glass of water,” Reno whispered in his ear.

“Ugh!” Tate laughed and pushed Reno back. That was a visual he didn’t want, but the effect worked like a bucket of cold water. “That was cruel.”

“It’s working though, right?”

The song ended, and Clark, who had been their speed-dating host, took the stage with a microphone in hand.

“Good evening, everyone,” Clark greeted. “Circumstances aside, I hope you’re all enjoying your stay here.”

Clark’s greeting was met with cheers and a few whistles before he continued.

“We have a special guest tonight who will be taking the stage to play the piano for us all. Where are you, Reno?”

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