Page 87 of UnLucky Christmas
“Merry Christmas,” I sing after our kiss slows.
“Merry Christmas,” he grumbles.
“You’re not allowed to be a grinch today,” I remind him as I pat his chest.
“I just got the same lecture from Macy,” he whines.
“Good,” I say. “I’m almost ready to go.”
I hurry to my room to put on my jewelry and fix my lipstick.
When I return to the living room, I catch him with his present in his hands.
“Hold it,” I yell. “Put that back.”
“It has my name on it.”
“Too bad. You’ll get it tonight when we get back.”
He frowns. “You wanted me to get into the spirit of things, and this is me embracing the spirit of receiving gifts.”
I scowl. “Later.”
“That’s cool,” he says nonchalantly. “I guess you’ll have to wait for your present too.”
Hmm… “Where is it?”
He shakes his head. “No ma’am. You’ll have to be patient.”
“Fine. It’ll give me something to look forward too,” I pick up my bag and let out a puff of air.
“Are you ready to do this?” I ask.
“I guess. Unless you want to jump on a plane to the Caribbean and spend the next few days on a beach somewhere.”
My mouth falls open. That sounds more enticing than Christmas Eve with the brilliant chef Bill.
Grant gives me a wicked smile. “You’re considering it, I can tell.”
“I wish, and I’d be on board if it wasn’t for my dad.”
He puts his hands on my shoulders. “I understand. Maybe some other time.”
A Caribbean vacation with Grant sounds like a dream come true.
We’re in the car on our way when Grant brings up Pete’s unexpected visit.
“He’s lucky I’m in a good mood today.”
I giggle.
“I’m serious,” he growls. “He had his chance with you, and he blew it. His loss is my gain.”
“You know it’s his birthday tomorrow.”
“Oh, I wish I had known. Maybe I’ll send him a card and some chocolates.”
I quietly study his profile for a few seconds until he notices.
