Page 1 of Merry Me Grumphole

Gwen

This is it. This will be what finally kills me. The punishment from the guy who must actually hate me.

My teeth audibly chatter together as I try to keep my arms bundled close to my chest. Snow casually falls from the sky, making my chills only worse. Unlike some of the people around me, I’m all alone and have no one to steal body heat from.

I’d think all this freezing weather would have made my trip easier. No one in their right mind should come here on such a cold day. Like many times before, I’m dead wrong.

I’m going to kill him. I will be Riley Sanders’ downfall. He’ll die before I do. My stubbornness to complete my task keeps my body burning from the inside, like a steam engine. After driving out this far, there’s no way I’m going to call it quits halfway through.

No amount of stupid winter or inconvenient snow will change that. I’m no quitter.

Did he know thisSweet Treatsplace would have a line when he demanded a cupcake during our last bet? Does he even like sweets to begin with?

The man drinks his coffee black and skips out on donuts whenever the higher-ups bring them in. Even when I had to pay for his lunch all of those previous times, I watched his nose scrunch up when he got offered a cookie for only a dollar.

Clearly, I’m being fucked with. When it comes to the guy, I’malwaysbeing fucked with. He knows exactly what to request to make my life a living hell. By now, I should be pretty used to it.

The line shuffles forward and I’m one foot closer to being wrapped around in warmth and the aroma of sweetness. Not much longer left. There’s another five people before I reach the door. By then, I’ll be able to feel my fingers again. I can’t wait.

This place must be good if people are willing to wait outside until their limbs are on the verge of falling off. My poor feet went numb six minutes ago, not that I’ve been counting to help pass the time or anything.

Checking my phone for the time, I know that even after I get what I came for, it will be a rush getting to work on time. So, not only will I be getting him a dessert he’s not going to want to eat, but I’m going to risk being late for work.

With all this snow, it took forty minutes to leave the city and hit up this small town bakery. Hopefully, the roads will be a little more clear. Otherwise, I might slip on a road or two trying to keep up.

I seriously need to stop falling for these little bets of his. Losing most of them, I always end up in a tight spot.

Can I even afford to be late? Riley will be the one to get me fired. Hell, he’d enjoy that too if it weren’t for the countless times he’s gotten stuff from me.

A lunch last week, a cupcake this week, what’s next? Is he going to ask me to learn how to juggle for his sole entertainment?

I laugh at the thought and the person in front of me gives an odd look over their shoulder. Right. They probably think I’m crazy. Maybe I am to continuously put up with this game of ours.

Tucking my chin into my scarf, I try to stay as warm as I can. From the way my cheeks start to flush, the heat radiating from them does the job.

The funny thing about Riley Sanders is that I don’t actually dislike the guy. Yeah, he’s annoying as hell and likes to make my days insufferable at times, but every time he cracks a smile when he’s seen he’s won his little game, well…

My heart just pounds. Like a war drum, never admitting defeat. I’m definitely crazy, crazy forhim.My work colleague.

For two years, I’ve worked alongside the man and I’m still hopeless. The first time he ever made a bet, it was a declaration that he could pull in a client before I could, I fell for his trap. Maybe it was his version of an icebreaker, but I’ve been gone since. Look at us now, sharing a weekly competition with each other.

If it means I get to see that dimple on his left cheek he likes to hide, I’ll keep losing too.

When I reach the door of the shop, I’m ready to dance in victory. The warmth of the bakery is exactly what I need to remember my purpose. No more thinking about my work nemesis.

The only thing I’m allowing to occupy my mind is which sweet treat I want to get for myself to snack on the way back.

After standing out in the cold for so long, I at least deserve that.

* * *

When I find Riley in the break room sipping coffee, I’m flushed head to toe. Even after trying to tame my curls, I gave up halfway and threw all of my hair into a ponytail. I’m sweaty and frizzy, a combination that shouldn’t ever go together.

I don’t even want to imagine what kind of smell is coming off my body. I fight the urge to sniff myself before I even approach. So far, I’m building up an impressive list of things the man can make fun of me for before our work day even begins.

He doesn’t notice me at first as his attention is stuck on the clock that is hanging on the wall. Knowing him, he’s probably just eager to start his shift. Damn workaholic. The guy can’t survive going without working five days a week.

“One reindeer cupcake,” I announce, my words coming out as a pant when I slap the box down. Lifting the lid proudly, I’m quick to see the reindeer’s face is a bit smashed in. That red nose of his has run down the side.

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