Catching Heir by Julia Talbot

Author:Julia Talbot [Talbot, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-63477-678-3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2016-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“BOSS, we need to get the eggnog flowing. Can you call the kitchen?”

“Matthew, I really need to speak to you about the heater in the Patrick suite.”

“Matt, the ice melt isn’t working. The valets are slipping and sliding.”

Such was his fully booked Christmas Eve. The main renovations were done, the twinkly lights were all strung on trees and columns, and the gala event the historical society was doing in the ballroom was going full swing.

Matt had never seen so much satin mixed with snow boots.

When he finally got a breather, he went looking for Cullen, who had been charming said snow boots off the historical ladies. They’d decided Cullen was okay after he’d agreed to fund some sort of restoration of a bandstand in downtown somewhere. Carbondale? Basalt? He had no idea. The Patrick project.

Cullen saw him from across the ballroom and waved, heading toward him as if he was leading a conga line. Matt chuckled, because really, could you conga to “Jingle Bell Rock”?

“Hey!” Cullen said after reaching Matt’s side. “How many fires have you put out?”

“Metaphorically a thousand. Thankfully, no real ones. We’re packed.” Satisfaction lodged in his chest at that thought; 95 percent occupancy.

“Right? This is awesome.” Cullen was all smiles, still rocking to the music. “Did we hang mistletoe?”

“Why?” Matt turned when Cullen took his arm, walking along.

“Because I really want to kiss you.”

Matt laughed, surprised, but heat built up a little in his belly. “You can’t wait until New Year’s Eve?”

“Heck no. Besides, I have some kind of thing New Year’s Eve. My publicist set it up. It’s in Aspen.”

Matt stopped, pulling Cullen into the alcove where the ATM and courtesy phone hid. “What? When did this happen?”

Cullen’s blue eyes widened. “I didn’t tell you. Like, two weeks ago. I won’t be gone all night. It’s an afternoon thing. I’ll be back to help cover the big prime rib thing.”

Wow. Matt tried hard not to pop off. This was Cullen’s real job, after all. Being a snowboarder. The hotel was just—what? A diversion. And Cullen wanted to build a winter park? Who was going to deal with all that shit when Cullen was back on the road full-time?

“You’re mad.” Cullen put both hands on his shoulders. “I’m sorry, babe. I’m shit at remembering engagements and stuff. I—it’s still new. Trying to tell you about stuff.”

“Fair enough.” Matt kept his tone even, light, even though the hurt pushed away the happy just a bit.

“Hey.” Cullen tugged him in for a hug, which was at once awkward and sweet. “I can cancel.”

“No, you can’t.” Matt gave in and melted into the hug. “It’s just Aspen. Promise you’ll be back in time for that kiss at midnight, and it’s all good.”

“I promise.” Cullen kissed his neck. “Does that mean the mistletoe is out of the question now?”

“Nope.” Matt was so damned easy when it came to Cullen, and he knew it. “I can’t let you distract me too much until the party is done, though.”

“One kiss,” Cullen said.

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