Making It Personal, Wells, C. [best books under 200 pages .TXT] 📗

wouldn’t believe me. Finally, he just… snapped.” She wiped her eyes. “He knew he’d gone too far when he woke up the next morning and saw the state of me.” Karen raised eyes full of misery to stare at Will. “Tom s-said I was to tell the police that you’d done it, that if I didn’t, I-I’d get a l-lot worse.” The tears started up once more. “I know it was stupid, but I wasn’t thinking clearly. Anyway, once I told the police everything, they arrested Tom and charged him with assault. They got me to fill out a restraining order, so that once he made bail, he couldn’t come near me.”

“So you have left him?” Blake regarded her doubtfully. When she nodded, he let out a relieved sigh. “Well, that’s something.”

“Karen, for what it’s worth, I’d like to offer you an apology.” Will knelt in front of her. Karen’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved that day in the kitchen. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you like that.”

Karen pressed her lips together. “I was so angry with you. It was humiliating, knowing that I’d been throwing myself at a gay man for all those weeks. And you let me!” Will felt a pang of guilt. Then her lower lip trembled. “But that doesn’t excuse what I did.” She stared down at the hand he held out to her, and then she took it. He squeezed her hand tight.

“It’s over, okay?” Will affirmed, meeting her gaze. He felt a surge of relief as she nodded at last. Impulsively he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Karen blushed.

“Are you staying for the party, Karen?” Blake wanted to know.

She regarded him, biting at her lip. “I-I wasn’t intending to. I thought the team might feel awkward if I were here.”

“Rubbish,” Blake said briskly. “They’re all relieved to see you. Of course you’re staying.” He winked. “Besides, you don’t want to miss this party. Trust me.”

Will wondered for the umpteenth time that day what Blake had up his sleeve. He rose from his kneeling position to stand once more by the desk.

Karen got to her feet and gave her nose a final blow. “Thank you, Mr. Davis, and you too, Mr. Parkinson.”

Blake sighed. “Let’s go back to ‘Blake’ and ‘Will’, what do you say, Karen?” She considered his words for a second or two and then nodded, smiling weakly. Blake clasped her hand and watched as she exited the office.

“Well, I’m glad that’s sorted,” he said with a wry smile. “How are things looking out there?”

Will gave a grin. “Looking good. The troops have things well in hand.” He took Blake by the hand and pulled him up off the couch, sliding his arms around him. Blake’s eyes gleamed.

“And what are you up to?”

Will cupped his chin and kissed him, the kiss slow and sweet. Blake closed his eyes and Will pulled him closer, loving the feel of his body snug against him. When their lips parted, Will stepped back, already regretting the loss of Blake’s warmth. “About my Christmas present…”

Blake gazed at him with a wide smile. “Did you like it? There’s nothing quite like holding a book with your name on it, I’m reliably informed.”

Will’s gut clenched. Opening the book that Christmas morning had been a delightful surprise, but he’d had time to think on it since. “Look, I want to talk about this. I—”

There was a knock at the door and Rick poked his head around it. “Boss, your dad’s here.” He withdrew.

“Great.” Blake kissed Will on the tip of his nose. “Let’s continue this conversation later, okay?”

“Sure.” Will wasn’t sure what he was going to say, however. He needed to make some things clear. Blake headed out of the office, Will following him. Justin was standing in the corridor outside the conference room, a wry smile on his face as he observed the feverish preparations. He caught sight of Blake and grinned.

“This looks really good. How many people do you have coming?”

Blake counted off on his fingers. “The team, plus various partners and family members, Dave Thurston, Melissa…” His eyes widened. “Dad, did you invite Bill Richards, like I asked you?”

“I didn’t have to. Melissa had already gotten there before me. It seems she’s really looking forward to this party for some reason.” He winked. “Can’t think why.” Both men shared a chuckle. “So, are you going to tell me what you have up your sleeve?”

Blake gave him an evil grin. “Nope. You’ll just have to wait.”

Justin rolled his eyes. “Are you sure you want my son in your life, Will? He can be very annoying.”

Will grasped Blake’s hand and squeezed. “I’m sure.” He and Blake exchanged a look, one that made his legs go weak. God, the effect this man had on him…

Noise behind them signaled the arrival of the first guests, and Blake released his hand. “I’ll go greet people.” He gave Will a quick peck on the cheek. “Can you get my Dad sorted with something to drink?” Will nodded and Blake gave him a winning smile as he walked off. Will turned to find Justin regarding him with affection.

“I haven’t seen much of you two since we last spoke,”

Will held back a snicker. It was hardly surprising. Blake hadn’t let Will out of his sight all week. Every minute where they weren’t at the office, they’d spent in each other’s company. The Sunday after Christmas had been moving day and it had been such a wonderful feeling to finally close Blake’s front door behind him and realize he was home. The thought made him smile. Home was where Blake was.

“You really do love him, don’t you?”

Will came back into the moment and met Justin’s gaze. His reply was heartfelt. “Yes, sir.”

Justin put his arm around Will’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m so glad you’re in his life, Will. I’ve never seen Blake so happy.”

If Will had his way, Blake would be happy for the rest of their time together. He’d