Most Likely to Have a Successful Holiday, Part One

“Thomas Harrigan.” He shifted the receiver under his chin and onto his shoulder, scrolling down his list of emails. He could have hit speaker phone, but he truly hated putting callers on speaker. Too rude as far as he was concerned.

“Hey, Tommy,” his best friend, Matt, said.

“Matt, how’s it going?” Thomas glanced at the time on the bottom of the computer screen. It was already after five-thirty. Where had the time gone?

“I can’t believe you’re still at the office the night before Thanksgiving. I left hours ago. Listen, we were wondering what time we should come over tomorrow. I don’t think you ever said.”

“Um,” Thomas paused, at a loss. Clark hadn’t told him either. “Hold on a second, I’ll ask Clark.” He hit hold and then punched the button for Clark’s line.

“Clark Sterling,” his lover’s deep, tired voice answered.

“It’s me.”

“Oh. What’s up?”

Thomas frowned. Clark sounded distracted and exhausted. “Everything okay?”

“Oh, yeah, just got a case that’s bugging me.”

“Anything I can help with?” Thomas wondered.

“No, I just want to get some things done before the long weekend. What’s up?” Clark asked again.

“Matt called and wondered what time he and Josh should come over tomorrow.”

“Hmm. Probably around two. That’s what time Patty and the kid are coming.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Thomas opened his mouth to tell Clark he loved him but a loud dial tone in his ear indicated the man had already hung up. He rolled his eyes and went back to Matt’s call.

“Two. Is Josh still bringing his famous pecan pie?”

“Definitely. He’s making it right now. My mouth is already watering. All right, Tommy. Don’t work too hard and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.” Thomas set down the receiver and yawned. He already knew judging by the short conversation with Clark he wouldn’t want to leave anytime soon. Unfortunately, Thomas wanted to leave now. Driving to work together could be a big time pain in the ass.

Still, Thomas had done everything he needed to do for the day, so he shut down his computer and stretched. He happened to know there was a plush leather couch in Clark’s outer office. If he could get past the gargoyle guarding Clark’s office he would take a nap while he waited for his lover.

He rose and left his office, clicking off the light as he exited. He quickly noted the office was quiet, most of the admin assistants and his fellow attorneys having high-tailed it out of there long before. Figured he had to be in love with Clark “Workaholic” Sterling.

As long as he’d worked at the Law Offices of Clark Sterling and Associates, Clark’s old secretary had been a thorn in his side. She protected Clark like she was the mother bird. Even after Thomas moved in with Clark she acted like Thomas was an intruder.

He smiled in relief when he saw the empty chair at the gargoyle’s desk. Agnes had gone home! He opened the door to Clark’s outer office, stared hopefully at the closed door to his main office, then sighed and made a beeline for the big leather sofa.

Really, five-thirty was not late for them. One day last week, Thomas had been grateful he’d taken his own car, because Clark hadn’t arrived at their suburban home until almost ten o’clock that night. He’d only agreed to share the car today because he naively hoped Clark would want to get out of the office early for Thanksgiving.

He’d known Clark was a driven man when he applied at the firm. He had liked that about a potential boss. It sometimes sucked when that driven man was your lover.

He removed his coat and flung it on a nearby chair and loosened his tie. As he closed his eyes, he hoped maybe they’d get out of there by seven.


Thomas’s eyes fluttered open when a kiss landed on his nose. He blinked, clearing the foggy haze from his mind. Clark’s handsome blond head peered down at him, a big smile on his face.

“Hi, sleepyhead.”

Thomas returned the smile. “Hi, yourself.” He struggled to sit up. Clark knelt beside the sofa. “What time is it?”

Clark had the grace to look a bit sheepish. “Almost seven-fifteen. I’m sorry, babe. I really wanted to get that work done so I wouldn’t have to bring work home with me over the holiday. Forgive me?”

“That depends.”

A blond brow shot up. “On?”

Thomas grinned. “How you plan on making it up to me.”

“Believe me, I have plans for you. I want this to be your best Thanksgiving ever.” Clark winked and stood up. He reached down and pulled Thomas up from the couch. “But for now, let’s get the hell out of here. I don’t even want to think of this place for four days.”

Thomas picked up his coat. “Sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving.”

Clark’s answering grin was wicked. “Oh, you’re going to be grateful much of the weekend. Trust me.”