Page 20 of The Grinch Who Stole Orcmas

Something softens in Grum’s eyes. “Was?”

My smile falters a bit. “Yeah. He and mom passed away a few years ago.” It was over five years ago, yet sometimes it hits me out of the blue and I can’t talk about my parents without wanting to weep. I’m on the verge of breaking down when Grum’s hand tighten on mine, just a fraction.

“I’m sorry,” he says softly. Then, with a gentleness that surprises me, he adds, “He’d be proud, you know. Of you, your store, your generosity.” His voice drops an octave as he adds, “Your passion.”

Though I was near tears a moment ago, I’m suddenly filled with the need to let Grum know me better.

“They were in a fatal crash right before Christmas.”

Understanding dawns in Grum’s eyes. “I’m so sorry to hear this.” He tips his head, compassion obvious on every line of his face. His tenderness surrounds me with warmth and makes me appreciate him even more. There’s no hint of the gruff Grinch I know, just a… comforting friend.

“Thanks, Grum. That means a lot.”

“Is that why you’re so…”

“Obsessed with Christmas?” I finish for him, my voice rueful. “Yeah. It was always such a warm holiday. My family didn’t have much money, but at Christmas it felt as though we were therichest people on earth. It was always such a warm family time. Deep connections, you know?”

Grum pulls me a bit tighter as his hand roams my back in a comforting gesture.

“Both my folks had life insurance through their work. It’s what gave me the down payment for the store. It’s how I keep a part of them alive.”

Grum is quiet for a moment, his thumb absently stroking my waist. “Must have been devastating.” His voice is softer than I’ve ever heard it, as though he’s fallen into his own difficult memories.

“And you, Grum? Did your parents come with you when you were pulled to Earth?”

His voice is gruff with emotion when he finally answers. “They… they’re still on the other side of the Rift. I was just a kid when I landed here.”

My heart clenches. “Grum, I’m so-”

“Don’t,” he cuts me off, but there’s no bite to his words. “It was a long time ago. I only mention it because I understand your need to have a part of them with you always. The store you built? You should be proud of yourself.”

He stiffens a bit in my arms, and I tip my head to read his expression. He’s pondering something, and by the look of it, he’s wrestling with a decision.

“I, uh. I guess you turned your grief into something productive. I mean, the store and all the merry, merry, you know… stuff. My grief turned in the opposite direction. Watching you, I think my uh… bitterness is because I miss it, the warmth, the family, the uh, togetherness.”

I hug him tighter, so thankful he shared that with me. I know him well enough to realize how much it cost him to admit it.

Spearing him with my warmest gaze and speaking with all my sincerity, I say, “I hope you can find that, Grum. Find someone to have that sense of family with.”

He gulps and pulls me tighter. I’m not sure whether it’s to feel me closer, or so I can’t see the raw emotion so obvious in every line of his face.

We dance in silence, the music wrapping around us and blurring everyone else so it’s just Grum and me. Despite the sadness of our shared confessions, I can’t help but feel warmth blooming in my chest, spreading through my body like wildfire. For the first time, I feel like I’m meeting the real Grum. Perhaps some of his gruff façade is to keep people from seeing how vulnerable he is beneath his mask.

Our dance is slow, deliberate, as though it’s designed to awaken parts of my body that have long lain dormant. He leans down far enough for me to feel his warm breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. The heat between us spikes like wildfire, the heat scorching my insides like a living, breathing dragon that throbs with every beat of the music.

Grum tenderly brushes a stray hair from my face, fingers lingering on my cheek, tracing a path down to my neck. The touch is electric, every nerve ending coming alive under his fingertips. Our movements become more synchronized, communicating on a deeper level than mere words.

His thigh slides between mine, pressing gently, sending waves of heat through my core. I have to stifle a soft moan at the erotic contact. My arousal rises, a sweet ache that begs for more.

As the song winds down, its last notes lingering in the air, for a breathless moment, I think he might kiss me. I’m only vaguely surprised at how much I want this kiss. It feels like my desire has been building for ages as we’ve spent all this time together and he’s shown me some of his inner layers. The anticipation is almost unbearable, a delicious torture that leaves me craving more.

Then someone bumps into us, breaking the spell. Grum clears his throat, stepping back. “We should, uh… try to find Sykes.”

I nod, trying to ignore the disappointment curdling in my stomach. “Right. The mission.” I let him hear the disappointment in my voice.

As we make our way off the dance floor, I sneak glances at Grum. His jaw is set, but there’s a softness in his eyes that wasn’t there before. Whatever’s growing between us, it’s clear this night has changed things.

Now, if we can just solve this mystery, maybe we can figure out what this thing is between us. I don’t know what to call it, but one thing is certain. It’s powerful.

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