Stone holds his hand up.
“I’m fine, really. The gondola’s almost here. Look,” he says, pointing at the light slowly descending from the mountain.
I step in closer to Stone to offer him what little body heat I have. I had been too busy trying to figure out the reason for his tension to notice that he was missing his thick winter coat.
Thankfully, the gondola arrives a few minutes later, and we begin loading into the car. It’s standing room only, and bodies are pressed against each other, making me just a touch claustrophobic. I’m quickly shoved into a corner as more people file in after me. Stone ensures he’s directly in front of me, facing sideways, so his shoulder is against my chest, and Logan is next to him.
Discreetly turning Stone so his back is to me, I lightly cup his ass. In response, he shifts again, backing further into me, pressing his ass against my dick.
No one is speaking, and the ride is far too quiet for me to allow my moan to escape. As payback, I slip my right hand into his pants pocket and tease himby running a finger along the edge of his cock. Except his swelling dick makes mine do the exact same thing.
Fuck, I wish we were home right now.
Stone and I try to adjust ourselves before exiting the crowded gondola. I’m wearing my ski patrol jacket, so it’s long enough to cover my crotch, and Stone quickly removes his suit coat to hold in front of his.
When we enter the restaurant, we’re greeted by a guy who reminds me a little of myself before finding CrossFit and dialing in my nutrition. A very slender frame sits about three inches shorter than me. His hair is a little shaggy, but stylishly so, and his round glasses have thin, wired frames. He’s wearing a black turtleneck with red-and-black plaid pants, and he’s very,verypretty.
“Good evening,” he says formally, as his stunning blue eyes greet us through his glasses.
“Zeke, are youworking?” Stone asks, throwing a sideways glance at the tall guy standing next to the host. “They didn’t even give you the night off to enjoy the party?”
Zeke shrugs. “I don’t mind, Stone. I can still mingle, and I get to eat and drink on the clock tonight,” he says, holding up what looks like a mug of hot chocolate.
“Is Palmer coming?” Stone asks with a bit of an edge to his voice, making me curious.
“No,” Zeke answers quickly.
Stone huffs a humorless laugh, shakes his head, and lowers his voice. “He fucking left you alone for Christmas, didn’t he?”
“He’s traveling to visit family, Addario. He’s really not that bad; you’ve just seen him at a few of his not-so-great moments.”
“Those are the only kind of moments he has, Zeke. The guy’s a piece of shit. When are you going to snap out of it?”
Zeke waves behind himwith the mug in his hand. “Enjoy the party. Last call is at eleven-thirty. Last gondola trip will be at one a.m. Merry Christmas.”
Zeke dismisses us by looking around us, prepared to greet the next set of guests.
“What was that all about?” I ask, once we’re out of earshot.
I’m talking to Stone, but Logan pipes up from his other side. I’d forgotten he was here.
“Everyone who works here is fiercely protective of Zeke. He’s like a puppy; young, adorable, eager to please, and so full of life if you catch him in an unguarded moment, but his teeth are sharp, and he’s not afraid to use them if you get too close to the truth. His boyfriend, Derek Palmer, is a total fuckwit, and everyone I know has tried to get Zeke to leave him to no avail. But enough about that sad story. We’re here to party,” Logan says, clapping Stone on the shoulders, ushering him toward a few familiar faces.
I spot Deacon and Jeremy first. They’re easy to recognize because outside of Logan and Stone, I work with them the most.
Other names and faces are introduced to me, and the group seems shocked and excited that Stone came out tonight. People keep shoving fresh drinks into his hand and pulling him in for hugs. My guess is the alcohol has made everyone a little loose, and they’re taking advantage of the cheerful holiday atmosphere to gain the friendly connection to their boss they don’t get on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, I’m barely holding on, but I swear I break a tooth when I look over and see Logan’s hand resting on Stone’s lower back, ever so slowly guiding him toward a dark corner after saying the obligatoryhellosand spreading an appropriate amount of holiday cheer.
Oh, fuck no.
I wrap my conversation up and takeadvantage of the situation when someone I don’t know stops Logan to chat briefly. Threading my way over to them, I lean into Stone’s side and whisper, “Need you.Now.” Without waiting for a response, I walk toward the stairs by the entrance. It’s roped off since the party is being held on the main floor, but I remember on my first day here, Stone told me there were bathrooms in the basement.
After doing a quick scan to make sure no one is watching, I hop the rope and disappear down the steps into the darkness. The windows down here run from the floor to the ceiling, allowing ample moonlight to fill the space. The hum of background chatter is gone, and I can finally hear myself think for the first time since arriving at the party.
Stepping around a corner, I hear Stone whisper my name.
“Hanlon?”
