Making It Personal by Wells, C. (best ebook reader ubuntu txt) 📕

squeezed Blake’s hand tightly. Blake gave him a grateful glance before meeting his father’s gaze. “Yes, Dad, I’m fine.”

Justin gazed back at him for a moment and then held out his hand to Will. “I’m pleased to meet you, Will. I hope to get to know you better.”

“I look forward to that too, sir.” Will shook his hand.

Justin chuckled. “Sir seems a little too formal for the present situation. Justin will do fine.” He tilted his head. “So, I have to ask… does Melissa know?” His eyes twinkled.

Blake shuddered. “God, no.” He paled. “Hell, you don’t know what’s been going on.” Swiftly he related the events of the last few weeks. Justin’s face became a mottled shade of purple.

“That little conniving bitch.” He spat out the words. “Wait till I see Bill.” Bill Richards was Melissa’s father and one of Justin’s closest friends. “He’ll disinherit her. That’ll hit her where it really hurts.”

“Wait, Dad.”

Will looked at his lover’s face. He knew that expression. Blake was up to something.

“I’m planning on throwing a New Year’s Eve party here at the office a week today, and I’ll be inviting Melissa.” Will stared in shock. What the hell? Blake saw his look of consternation and squeezed Will’s hand reassuringly before turning his attention back to Justin. “I have a plan, but for it to work, Melissa mustn’t have a clue as to what happened today, especially the part about Will.” He gazed earnestly at Justin, who nodded.

“You have my promise—not a word. And for what it’s worth? I’m sorry about trying to organize your love life.” He shivered. “Although I have to say I’m relieved. Fixing you up with Melissa was me doing Bill a favor. I never liked her.” He tilted his head. “Not going to tell me what you’re up to?” Will liked the sparkle in Justin’s eye. He couldn’t believe the difference in him. Blake seemed overjoyed to see his father’s transformation. What crossed Will’s mind was how much time the two men had lost. They had a lot of catching up to do.

Blake chuckled. “No, I’m not telling you—either of you.” Will widened his eyes. “Not that I don’t trust you, babe,” he said, leaning forward and giving Will a quick peck on the cheek. “But I have something special planned.”

Justin cleared his throat, and Will was tickled to note the blush on his cheeks. Blake’s endearment and physical display of affection had caught him by surprise, too. Will liked this new, more confident Blake very much.

“Let’s get back to the party, shall we?”

Blake winked at Will. “Sounds good to me.” They exited the office and followed the sound of music and laughter into the conference room. The six people sitting around the table all looked relaxed and happy. They looked up expectantly as Blake, Will and Justin entered the room.

“’Bout time you lot got ’ere.” Ed poured out three glasses of wine and handed them over. Blake opened his mouth to protest in some way, but Ed cut him off. “’An don’t give me that ‘Don’t drink ‘n’ drive’ shit. Yer dad’s got a driver, so ’e can give ya a lift ’ome, can’t ’e?” He beamed at Blake. “C’mon, boss, it’s not every day you come out, is it?” He winked at Will. “Not to mention announcin’ you’ve already got a bleedin’ boyfriend!” He leered at Will. “You kept that quiet, mate. We didn’t ’ave a clue.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rick added under his breath, winking at Will, who grinned.

Will leaned close and whispered in Rick’s ear. “Your secret is safe, cutie. I’ll never tell him. Promise.” Rick gave him a look of pure gratitude.

Blake stared at his team. “You’re really okay with this?”

Peter snorted. “Why would we not be? We already put up with Rick, don’t we? And I mean, let’s face it—if we can put up with Rick….”

“Hey!” Rick’s indignant tone had everyone laughing.

“I think it’s really sweet,” Lizzie sighed. Beside her, Beth agreed.

Blake’s look of incredulity was touching. Will bumped shoulders with him, grinning.

Ed held up his glass. “A toast, folks. To the boss and his fella. A Merry Christmas to the both of ya. Cheers.” The toast echoed around the room, amid the clink of glasses.

“May I make a toast?”

Everyone turned to look at Justin who stood with his glass raised. “To the owner of Trinity Publishing, Blake Davis, who has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he can run this company better than I ever could.” He faced his son. “Which knowledge I plan to share with the world out there as soon as I can give my statement to the press.” The two men shared identical grins. Justin’s words were followed by woots and shouts from the team. Blake beamed at his team.

“Can I ask something?” Rick’s voice rose above the noise. All eyes turned to look at him. Rick’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “I for one would like to see the boss kiss Will.” There were gasps but Rick snorted. “Oh, don’t give me that, you lot. You want to see it as much as I do.” Laughter greeted his words. Will saw Blake glance at Justin but his father waved his hand, grinning widely.

“Don’t look at me. They’re your team—keep ’em happy. It is Christmas, after all.”

Shaking his head in disbelief, Blake beckoned Will with his finger. “Come here.” Will walked slowly up to him and moved in close. Blake murmured under his breath. “I don’t believe we’re doing this.”

Will chuckled. “To quote you from a short while ago—kiss me.” Blake’s hands reached around to cup him at the nape and pull his head closer, their mouths meeting in the merest brushing of lips. Will closed his eyes, stifling a moan as Blake grew bolder and deepened the kiss, both men getting into it. Will had no idea how long they stood there, but at last they parted, Blake’s eyes shining as he gazed at Will.

The applause started almost instantly. Beth and Lizzie stared at them, wide-eyed.

“That was