Breakfast Included by L.C. Chase

Author:L.C. Chase [Chase, L.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952878077
Publisher: Wild Roan Press
Published: 2022-11-10T16:00:00+00:00

The snow had eased up by the time they were dressed and ready to head back to the hotel. A good sign for getting the road open again, but the thought soured Tate’s mood. He wanted to stay in this peaceful winter wonderland with Reno, unfettered by the demands of daily life.

“What’s up?” Reno asked as he pulled the glass doors to the main lobby open.

Tate smiled and pushed away any thoughts that weren’t focused on the here and now with Reno. “Who would have ever guessed I’d be spending Christmas Eve with Reno Pierce?”

Reno laughed as they crossed the large atrium toward the Essex Room. Music drifted out from behind the double doors.

“Must be fate.” Reno winked and walked ahead.

Maybe. And maybe this time, Tate would get it right.

Tate followed Reno into the Essex Room, and his breath caught at the scene before him. Every public space of The Retreat had been festively decorated for the holidays, including a huge Christmas tree in the atrium, but the Essex Room put the rest of the hotel to shame.

Red and white lights were hung along the join of the walls and ceiling, shimmering garlands were wrapped around tables and posts, and colorful baubles hung at random heights from the ceiling and light fixtures. Mixed amongst the baubles were large boughs of mistletoe, tied with bright red ribbons. There was a large Christmas tree in one corner—complete with gift-wrapped boxes around its base—tall bar tables surrounding the dance floor, and on a small stage sat a black baby grand piano.

Men and women milled about with drinks in their hands and rosy cheeks, and the space was filled with happy chatter, laughter, and holiday music. Tate would never have guessed the crowd was banded together with stranded strangers. Even the guy that had “business in Denver” seemed to be enjoying himself. The speed daters were easy to pick out since many wore the same clothes they’d been wearing on date night—or new clothes he recognized from the sportswear shop. Some of them had paired up for more than sharing rooms, if the couples kissing under mistletoe like no one else was around, were any indication.

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.

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