Page 38 of The Mission

What did that have to do with anything? But both Arlo’s parents were suddenly staring at him wide-eyed with broad smiles on their faces.

“Please,” Arlo whispered.

“Conrad,” said Arlo’s father. “I’d like to formally invite you to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the Lehner family.”

Though that wasn’t an invitation to spend the night in their youngest son’s bed.

“Thank you,” Conrad said. “I’d be delighted to accept.”

“Good.” Arlo’s father nodded. “See you tomorrow. We ski in the morning, tube or toboggan in the afternoon and you’ll play for your supper.”

Arlo held Conrad’s hand all the way to the bottom of the stairs.

“Scared I’ll fall?” Conrad asked.

“Worried I will.”

I think I already have.How could anyone not fall for Arlo?

Conrad changed into his boots and Arlo kissed his head.

“My mum thinks you’re lovely by the way.”

“Because I’m not staying the night?”

“She said you’re different and you’re considerate. Polite and smart and funny and handsome. Perfect. And now she knows you can play the cello…”

“I’m not perfect.”

“No! Don’t say that.”

Conrad smiled.

“Though I did tell her that when you stay, you’ll be sleeping on the blow-up mattress. You will, but so will I. I might need to improvise a gag.”

They kissed again on the doorstep and it was hard for Conrad to let Arlo go.

“Back inside before you freeze.”

Arlo pulled Conrad’s scarf more tightly around his neck and kissed his nose. “Message me when you get back.”

Conrad made his way through the town, kicking himself that he’d not thought to ask Arlo more about the cello playing. Presumably it was just a family recital. Though whatever they wanted him to play, he’d probably be able to do it. Playing the cello was his one talent, just not something he’d ever be able to earn a living from.

He’d need to come back to the Alpenland Chalet to get his clothes and toiletries at some point tomorrow. He’d brought something smart to wear in case the chalet put on a special meal on Christmas Day. He probably ought to tell them he wouldn’t be there. His ski equipment had to go back to the hire shop on Boxing Day because the bus was coming to take them to the airport at ten the following morning, so no time to do it then.

When he and Arlo met up again in London for their own New Year’s Eve, Conrad wanted to do something special. He’d have a think about what they could do, how he could make it fun.

David was under the covers when he got back to the room. Conrad crept around, used the bathroom, then climbed into bed in his shorts, holding his phone.

Back safe and sound. Are you going to message me from wherever you fly to?

You want me to?

Yes.

Can we have phone sex?

Now?

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