Page 19 of One More Yule Log
Wednesday. God, Wednesday seemed so far away.
3
Ben grinned, looking around the crowded concert hall. Damn, he was proud of himself for a) getting off work on time and b) getting Olivia, her costume, and the big Crock-Pot of meatballs to the auditorium on time.
Two more days and he was off work, damn it, barring that damn fancy-assed dress-up holiday party his firm hosted. He’d tolerated them when he was on Dale’s arm, but as the Big Man™? He hated it.
Schmoozing was so not his thing. Kids’ concerts with hot dogs and grape-jelly meatballs? Now those were his jam.
He glanced around, wondering if Gray had arrived yet. Liv had swooped away with a gaggle of little girls the moment they arrived.
He had worn his best-emerald green sweater. Liv said it made his eyes look pretty, and he hoped it was true. He wanted someone to look at him again, and not for Dale’s money.
Gray didn’t seem to give a hoot about that. Ben hoped it was the truth.
“Hey! I made it.” Gray touched his back, sliding up from behind him. “Wow, this is quite a crowd.”
“Christmas carols belted out at an alarming volume. Who wouldn’t be in?” He grinned, letting himself feel the shivers.
“It is kinda the only game in town tonight. Where are we?” Gray looked at the buffet table. “Was I supposed to bring something?”
“I brought a huge bunch of grape-jelly meatballs. We’re covered.”
“Oh, cool. Do you use sweet chile sauce or sriracha?” Gray followed him to their seats.
“Sweet chile sauce.” Gray knew the meatballs. The man could stay. “For the little ones.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. I had some cookies…” Gray made to rise, and he yanked the man back down.
“Oh, god no. No professional baker is going to make these soccer moms nuts by upstaging their cookies.”
“Shit. Right.” Gray sank back into his seat.
“Besides, we should just relax. I’m so glad I made it to the church on time.”
“Yeah? Were you worried?” Gray glanced over. “Work is crazy?”
“Work sucks. They’re not used to having a CEO that doesn’t want to work there.”
Gray grimaced. “I’m sorry, hon. That sucks.”
“No worries. Everyone should have my problems and I know it.” He wasn’t stupid, just…tired.
“Hey, it’s okay to be beat.” Gray’s warm hand landed on his leg for a moment.
Oh, that felt—
So good. So fucking right.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” Gray hummed. “In fact, it feels good to sit. Want a mint? I have coffee breath.”
“I’d love one, please. Thank you.” He grinned at Gray. “She’s over the moon that you’re here. She likes you so much.”
And I don’t think you’re all that hard on the eyes myself.
“She’s a hoot.” Gray handed him a box of Tic Tacs. “I just love her to death. Alice said she’d get here if she could. She wants to see too.”
