Page 51 of Christmas for Keeps

Kerry nodded emphatically. “I know, and Jody told him the same thing. Emory admitted it was a pack of lies but said, ‘That pretty little boyfriend believed me. He almost cried right there in the milk aisle. I’ll bet he’s gone by morning.’”

“Fucker!” I was still too loud, but it seemed like I was stuck in yelling gear.

“Jody asked Emory what good it would do him. He said it would be a cold day in hell before Emory got in your pants. Emory laughed and told Jody not to be so sure, that you’d be horny with your boyfriend gone and it gets awfully cold at night.”

“I wouldn’t touch him if he were the only other man on earth,” I said. “On top of ugly and gross, he’s crazy.”

Wide-eyed, Connor uncrossed his arms. “Why would he make that stuff up? It’s so specific.”

Liz looked at Con and said, “Not really, if you think about it. They’re general things that only sound like they add up to something. Let me ask you, did he give you even one particular example?”

“Zach already admitted—”

I cut him off. “A couple of years ago, I signed up for Grindr, a dating app. I was still too in love with Con to think about anyone else, so I didn’t keep the app for long, and I never met anyone from there.” Looking into Con’s eyes, I said, “There hasn’t been anybody else since you. I swear.”

He looked at the ceiling and groaned. “It’s all so much.” Lowering his head, he asked Kerry, “He admitted lying about everything?”

“He absolutely did.” She hesitated, then added, “I can imagine how much he must have upset you, but take a mental breath and try to look at this objectively. Emory being crazy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t trust Zach.”

Liz nodded. “Connor, I met Zach the first week he moved here, and we’ve been close ever since. If he’s been with another man in all that time, he never even hinted about it. To tell you the truth, I’ve worried about him, wishing he could meet someone to share his life with. Seeing him with you has me feeling hopeful.”

“I’ve never heard any gossip about Zach dating,” Kerry said. “A gay friend from high school said he wished Zach was on the market.” She glanced at me and continued. “He said when he tried to talk to you, he got nowhere.”

“Never anyone but you, Con.” I got up and knelt beside the recliner. “I love you. Please say you believe me.”

He blinked back the tears in his eyes and focused on me. “I’m such a fool. How could I have been so ready to believe those things?”

My stomach relaxed a little, and I fought tears of my own. “We’ve been apart and need to rebuild the trust we had. Being back together is an adjustment, but we’ll work through it.”

“And don’t underestimate how convincing Emory can be,” Liz said. “He may be a wacky duck, but he can be a real charmer when he wants to be.”

“He had me convinced he was looking out for me, that I needed to know the truth.”

“That’s what narcissists do,” Kerry said. “They’re master manipulators. I’m sure he put everything he had into making you believe him.”

Con put a hand on my cheek. “I’m so sorry, Zach. Can you ever forgive me?”

He was beautiful even with red eyes and trembling lips. “Of course I can. We’re okay as long you believe Kerry and Liz… believeme. I’m going to kill Emory, but you and I are fine.”

Connor nodded, hope lighting up his eyes. “I’ll help you kill him. But I love you, so will you kiss me first?”

His lips were warm and reassuring, and I was licking along the crease when I remembered Liz and Kerry were there. I broke the kiss, and when I glanced at them, they were both smiling.

“I think it’s time for us to go, Mom,” Kerry said, patting Liz’s hand.

Con and I both stood when they did, and I said, “Thank you so much.”

“We know the way out,” Kerry said, grinning. “You guys get back to what you were doing.”

Con and I were holding each other, swaying to a soft rendition of “Last Christmas,” when Liz called out, “We’re off. Happy holidays, and don’t forget you’re coming for dinner next week.”

CHAPTER17

Connor

Zach held me close,and we swayed to the soft holiday music playing in the background. His warm breath caressed my cheek while the logs in the fire crackled, casting a gentle spell of enchantment. Humming sweetly, he cradled my head and kissed me. My knees turned to jelly, and I surrendered, allowing him to take the lead.

As we paused to catch our breath, I found myself lost in his lustrous dark eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

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