by Wells, K. C.
Will stared in absolute horror, his mouth open. No words came out. Cold spread throughout his body at the thought that Karen could do something so vile. Then sanity was restored. It didn’t matter what she said, there would be no physical evidence. Whoever had bashed her face would have to have some tell-tale signs, such as bruised knuckles. It still didn’t detract from the fact that she was accusing him, in front of everyone. He stiffened as the officer approached him.
“Will Parkinson, you are under arrest for the assault of—”
“What the hell is going on in here?”
Justin Davis stood in the doorway, his face flushed. Will stifled a groan. Talk about bad timing. A swift glance at Blake sent his heart sinking. Blake had paled.
“It’s okay, Dad, I’m dealing with this.” Blake turned to the male officer. “I think there’s a mistake here, officer.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, blinking rapidly.
Will held up his hand to silence him. “Blake, it’s okay. You just get on with the party. I’ll go down to the station and we can clear this mess up there.” Will met Blake’s gaze. “I’ll be all right.” Blake’s mouth twisted into a grimace. Will turned to the male officer. “Let’s get on with it, shall we?” The officer nodded, opening his mouth to continue with his warning.
“He’s innocent. You’re making a grave mistake.”
Blake’s outburst rang out loudly in the quietened room. Will stared fixedly at him. “Leave it, Blake.” He tried to convey with his eyes that it really was okay.
Blake addressed himself to the officer. “Will didn’t do this. He couldn’t have.” Blake’s eyes flicked briefly to Will. “He was with me all last night.” Oh my God…. Will’s heart almost skipped a beat. He could hear the sharp intake of breath from several people around the room.
Justin blanched. “What are you saying, Blake?” He was staring very hard at Blake.
Blake ignored his father and reached into his pocket. “I don’t expect you to take my word for it,” he said to the officer. “There’s a photo on this flash drive that was taken last night, and I’m sure it will be time stamped. You’ll see both of us on it. I will also give you the contact details for the friend who took the photos. And finally, you can contact the night doorman of my apartment building, who’ll confirm that Will arrived with me last night, not long after the photo was taken, and that he didn’t leave until seven this morning when he left with me to come here. So there is no way that Will was anywhere near Karen last night.” Blake finally turned to face Will, his eyes shining. “He was with me.” The repeated words were uttered quietly.
Will stared at him in stunned silence, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what Blake had just done—for him. “Why, Blake?”
Blake walked toward him and took his hand. He looked into Will’s eyes, his expression calm. “Because I love you.”
The gasps which followed his words were louder this time. Will’s jaw dropped. Blake loves me. Not only that—Blake had just declared his love in front of an audience which included his father. Warmth radiated throughout his entire body, and he was conscious of his heart pounding strongly. A grin spread across his face. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Blake’s beautiful face, where a similar grin matched his own. “You love me.”
Blake’s eyes danced with joy. “Yes.” That one word sent Will’s heart soaring even higher. Then a faint crease appeared between Blake’s eyes. He swallowed. “Do you love me?”
Will wanted to take him in his arms there and then and kiss away the doubt that was clearly etched across his face. “Oh God, yes.” He locked eyes with Blake. “I love you, too.”
Blake opened his mouth to speak, but whatever words he’d been about to utter were lost in a loud wail from Karen. She collapsed into the arms of the WPC, sobbing wholeheartedly. Despite his revulsion at what she’d attempted to do, Will crossed the room to stand in front of her, his mind still whirling at Blake’s declaration.
“Why, Karen? Why would you do this? And more importantly, who did this to you?” Karen wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Come on, Karen, tell us.” She shook her head stubbornly.
“I think, sir, that those are questions which should best be asked down at the police station,” the male officer stated in an undertone. “There’s a little pressing matter of wasting police time to be addressed, for a start.” He gave a nod to his partner, who started to guide Karen out of the office. “My apologies, Mr. Parkinson.” Will bobbed his head briefly. They escorted the weeping Karen from the building. Will hoped they got to the bottom of it. Because someone had certainly taken out their rage on Karen’s face.
“Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”
Will saw Blake’s jaw tighten as Justin marched up to his son, his face still pale. Blake drew himself up to his full height and faced him.
“Actually, Dad, my private life has nothing to do with you.”
Justin’s eyes blazed. “It is when it affects my company. I—”
“And there we have it. Your company.” Blake scowled. “Whatever happened to ‘it’s your company, son’? ‘Put your stamp on it.’ Does any of this ring a bell?” Justin’s gaze lowered and Blake jutted out his chin. “Well, I did all that, Dad, and more. So please, tell me how me being gay is going to affect the company for one second.”
There was a long silence as the two men faced each other. Will was aware of the whole team watching the spectacle. He walked to Blake’s side and slipped his hand around Blake’s. Blake gave him a quick grateful glance. Justin said nothing, his throat working as he swallowed. Will held his breath, waiting for Justin’s reaction. When it became clear he wasn’t about to say anything, Blake’s hand tightened around his.
“You know what? I’ve had it.” Blake snapped out the words. “If you’re not prepared to acknowledge everything I’ve done during the last six years, then I’m out of here. You can keep your precious company.” Will gaped.
“You’re not serious.” Justin’s eyes goggled.
“Watch me.” Blake stared resolutely at him.
Justin’s jaw dropped. “But…but what will you do?”
Blake barked out a laugh. “That’s easy. I’ll start up my own publishing company.”
“And where the boss goes, we go.” Ed came to stand beside Blake, flinging his arm around his shoulder. “Right, guys?” There were murmurs as Blake’s team moved as one to stand behind him, all eyes on Justin. Will was so proud of them for this show of solidarity. He glanced at his lover and was dismayed to see him tremble.
“Is that what you really want, Dad?” Blake’s voice softened. “Are you prepared to lose everything this company has gained, just because you’re ashamed to have a gay son?”
Justin’s eyes widened in alarm. “Wait… you think I’m ashamed of you?”
“Well, what else am I supposed to think?” The misery in Blake’s expression tore at Will’s heart.
Justin shook his head. “Forgive me, Blake. For my generation, being gay was something you didn’t shout about. I know it’s all different these days, but I guess I’m still stuck in the past. I’ll be honest, my first reaction was to wonder how the company would be perceived if it became known that its owner was gay.”
Blake snorted. “No one will bat an eye, I promise you.” He became still. “You… you don’t mind that I’m gay?” Will saw the hopeful light in Blake’s eyes and held his breath, praying for Justin’s reaction.
“Of course I don’t mind.” Justin fixed his gaze on his son. “All right, so it’s something I didn’t expect, but it doesn’t change how I feel about you.” He tilted his head. “Why would you think you being gay would bother me?”
Blake’s mouth fell open. “But… but what about Uncle Dominic?”
Justin frowned. “I don’t understand. What does your uncle have to do with any of this?”
Blake stared in amazement. “I remember how you were whenever he came round to see me. You couldn’t stand to be in the same room as him.”
Jus
tin burst into laughter. “Oh, Blake.” He shook his head, smiling sadly. “I couldn’t stand to be near him, you’re right, not because he was gay, but because he was an obnoxious son of a bitch!”
Blake’s expression was incredulous. “What?”
Justin scowled. “That bastard was always asking for money. He drank like a fish and was forever running up bad debts. He owed money to nearly every betting shop in London at one point.” He stared with wide eyes to see Blake’s face. “You really thought I didn’t like gays?” When Blake nodded numbly, Justin’s face fell. “That tells me how much we’ve grown apart—and that saddens me immensely.”
Blake blinked. “But… what about your reaction to Trinity publishing gay fiction? I thought you were against it?”
Justin sighed. “No, that wasn’t it. I was just nervous that it wouldn’t pay off. And then we’re back to the whole ‘older generation’ bit again.” He locked eyes with his son. “You were right, of course. The genre is growing ever more popular. It was the right decision—only one is a long line of good decisions, I have to say.” He moved closer to Blake and Ed stepped back, allowing him access. Justin grasped Blake’s shoulder firmly. “I’m proud of you, son.”
The look of joy in Blake’s eyes was almost too much to bear. Will fought hard to hold back tears. “Dad?”
Justin became still. “Yes, son. I should have said this a long time ago. And I think I clung on to the company when I should have made a clean break of it.” He placed his hands on Blake’s shoulders and regarded him squarely. “But we can do something about that.”
Will hardly dared breathe as he saw the hopeful expression on Blake’s face.
Justin smiled. “I think it’s time we made this official, don’t you? I’ll prepare a press statement for tomorrow, to the effect that you are the legal owner of Trinity Publishing, and have been solely in charge of the company for the last six years. Think of it as your Christmas present.” He winked, but then his expression changed. “I’m sorry to have spoken so disparagingly of your team, Blake. The way they all rallied round you was truly wonderful. You chose a fine bunch of people, son.” He fixed the team with a forthright stare. “And I believe you’re supposed to be having a party here, so why don’t you good people get it started while I take my son and his…partner into his office for a talk?” He winked. “We won’t be long—wouldn’t want to miss you opening your gifts!”
There were smiles all round as Justin led Blake and Will to Blake’s office and then closed the door behind them. Blake seemed to be in a dream. He kept staring at his father openmouthed, blinking. Justin regarded him with a hint of anxiety in his expression.
“Are you all right, son?”
Will reached out and 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 so beautiful.” Lizzie’s voice was choked with emotion. Rick was staring at them with a look so full of longing that Will decided to make it his New Year’s resolution to find him a man of his own.
“Love you.”
Blake’s words cut through his thoughts. He gazed at his lover in wonder. With those words, Blake had just changed their lives. Will could only guess at what else lay in store for them in the future. But as far as Christmas Eve was concerned, Will knew exactly what he wanted to happen.
He wanted to go home and make love to Blake.
Chapter Thirteen
“You didn’t need to do that, you know.”
Blake stirred from the cozy world he’d lost himself in and regarded Will as he lay stretched out in his arms on the sofa. “Hmmm? What do you mean?” He was thoroughly content. Dinner had been a joint effort and it had felt so good, just the two of them, laughing and joking as they prepared the meal. Definitely something Blake could get used to. And now that they were lying together on the sofa, Will sprawled on top of Blake, the thought was even more inviting. The fire burned behind the glass, and the lights from the Christmas tree danced over the walls and ceiling as they reflected off the glittering baubles which adorned it.
“You didn’t have to tell those officers that we’d been together all night.” Will reached up and stroked his cheek with soft fingers. “They’d have worked out I had nothing to do with it once they saw there was no evidence.”