Page 33 of Convenient Rivals

“Just when I think I know you, Gregory, you have another surprise for me.”

“Not sure what you’re talking about,” he said, looking away. He knew he was blushing.

“You’ve got two minutes, or I’m sending Langdon up to retrieve you.”

“Just let me go to the bathroom and I’ll be there.”

Jason smirked, but said nothing else as he left, and Gregory walked into his bathroom, had a quick piss, and brushed his teeth. He didn’t have time for much else. This was the first Christmas Day they’d all be spending together. Paolo usually went to his parents’, but wasn’t this year, and Gregory had declined his own parents’ invitation, which was a first for him. There would be twelve of them for Christmas dinner – which Charlie and Sebastian were hosting – but there would be no airs and graces, just a group of friends having a wonderful day together. No family drama. It sounded like heaven.

He walked down the stairs, and Jason was laughing at something with Paolo’s sister, Lori. Langdon was in his domain – the kitchen – but no sign yet of Paolo, Max, or Eric.

“Where is everyone?” he asked.

“Merry Christmas, Gregory.”

“Oh, sorry. Merry Christmas.”

“To answer your question, they’re all still in bed.”

“Jason. You said everyone was waiting for me.”

“Did I? Must have been mistaken.”

He grumbled under his breath and made a beeline for the coffee machine. It was going to be a long day, and far too much socialising for his introverted brain, but there was no other place he’d rather be.

It was time for their second breakfast at KC’s. Thankfully Langdon had kept it modest earlier, but Gregory could never say no to pastries, so he would eat lighter here. Sebastian’s friend Patrick would not be joining them today. Something had happened between him and Jason. Gregory didn’t know what was going on there, but they just needed to fuck and get it out of the way. Even he had worked that one out.

Everyone was chattering amongst themselves, which suited Gregory. It was peaceful to just zone out and think about nothing, although Oscar kept invading his mind. He didn’t know what his fake boyfriend was doing today, which wasn’t good for the believability of their relationship. There was a loud knock on the door. He looked over and his stomach sank.

“We’re closed,” shouted KC.

“What the fuck does he want?” said Langdon.

It was Grant Kincaid.

“It’s okay, KC, you can let him in,” said Sebastian.

She opened the door, and the man himself walked in.

“Merry Christmas!”

There were some grumbled responses.

“Oh no, that won’t do at all. Merry Christmas!” he said again, with more cheer.

They all responded this time, although with only a bit more enthusiasm. Gregory wanted the floor to open up so he could disappear. What was he doing here? Oscar said he’d paid him a quarter of a million, and that he’d pay the same on New Year’s Eve after their engagement was official and the balance after the wedding. As far as Gregory knew, Grant had agreed to those terms.

“That will have to do. Get us a brew to go, will ya, love,” he said to KC. “Three sugars.”

She glared at him, then looked at Sebastian, who nodded.

“I come bearing gifts,” he said, pulling up a seat. “Langdon, my boy.”

“What?” he barked, causing Grant to chuckle.

“Is he always a grumpy bitch, Eric? Are you giving him enough orgasms?”

Eric went bright red. Grant tossed an envelope towards Langdon.

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