Page 20 of The Grump

Well, why the hell not? He’s been more than blunt with me.

“I wanted to get this over with.”

He trained his gaze on me. Oh, those eyes. They were my kryptonite, I swear. I quickly looked away.

“Get this over with?” he parroted slowly.

“I figured that if I postponed this, I’d keep thinking about it the whole evening. Then I’d package all the pralines with bad vibes.”

If I thought his eyes were wide before, it was nothing compared to now. They were almost comical. Why did they have to be so vibrant green? It was my favorite color too.

“Good to know where I stand,” he said, then schooled his features.

I felt sassy again. “Was that too honest?”

“Sort of. A lot of people think it, they just don’t say it to my face.”

I laughed. “Oh, Xander, you can always count on me to say the exact same thing to your face and behind your back.” That was not strictly true, though, I realized. I’d also told Avery he was hot as hell, and I’d never tell him that. “Let’s go to the living room. There’s no point trying to make space here.”

“How can I help?” he asked.

“You can grab two plates from that cabinet.” I pointed above the sink.

He took out the plates, and I immediately put the jambalaya on both of them. “You chose the same?”

“Yeah.” He moved closer to me, taking a knife from the dish rack.

That smile he gave me was downright seductive. I couldn’t figure this man out. Why did he want to get on my good side? It literally made no sense. He didn’t have any need for it. And yet if there was something I understood about him, it was that he didn’t waste his energy doing things that were unnecessary.

But it didn’t matter. I was having my favorite dinner, and hopefully after he left, I could focus on my pralines again.

He grabbed both plates, and I walked in front of him to the living room, where I had a small round table with two chairs. The only company I usually had was my sister; I didn’t invite friends over, as it was too small for that, and I liked being out and about in the city when I did socialize, especially the French Quarter.

“Your house is very welcoming.”

I looked over my shoulder before we sat down. “Are you trying to butter me up?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a bit messy right now, but the Christmas season is far too busy for me to focus on anything else. You haven’t commented on my Christmas carols.” The music was still playing in the background.

“It’s just the way you are.”

“That’s right!” I dove into my jambalaya, shoveling a few mouthfuls in before stopping for a breather. God, I was so hungry.

I closed my eyes, sitting back in my chair.This is just what I needed.

***

Xander

“This is one of the best jambalayas I’ve eaten,” Bailey said.

I could barely take my eyes off her. Her hair was sticking to her temples, and her skin was flushed from working in the kitchen. She looked exhausted but still beautiful. I couldn’t stop drinking her in.

“I won’t say it’s the best, but let’s not start an argument already.” I winked at her.

Two seconds later, she asked, “Where’s your favorite from?”

---