Page 11 of Merry Me Grumphole

Honestly, who even knows how today will go? If getting drunk gave me the courage to kiss her, who knows what damage staying sober will do me?

* * *

By the time we return to her place, we’re tuckered out. She might look like she’s ready to call an end to our date, but I’m itching to extend it.

A part of me fears that when tomorrow rolls around, we’ll slip back into our old habits. Back to making up challenges and bets while dancing around our want for each other.

I want her, that’s for absolutely certain.

“Are you hungry?” she asks as she starts stripping away all of her winter clothing. Layer by layer, she hangs each up. I catch myself watching, waiting to see what hides beneath.

Starving. For food though? Maybe. Right now, the only appetizing thing I’m seeing is her.

“If you’re looking for an excuse to keep me around, you don’t have to feed me.” Joking, my heart pulls at the way she looks away. Lately, it’s getting easier and easier to make this woman grow pink.

She bites down on her lip and looks away from me. Not replying is worse than trying to think up a retort, yet, that’s the route she wants to take. Once she’s clear of gear, she doesn’t rush to kick me out so I do the same and earn myself a scoff.

“Even when you aren’t in the office, you dress up. A t-shirt is okay on days off, you know that, right?” Despite insulting me, she’s eyeing the front of my shirt for longer than a normal person would. Like she’s counting the buttons.

“I like to look presentable,” I offer up.

After a moment, she lifts up her eyes. Like she’s made up her mind, she starts walking toward me.

“Okay, Riley. If you don’t want me to give you excuses, then I can complain about your shirts. You know how long it’s going to take me to unbutton all of these?” She reaches forward and runs her finger against a button in the middle. “It’s going to takeforever.”

Point taken. Dangerously close, she’s not done poking and prodding at my chest.

“What are you thinking?” Noticing her concentration, I can’t help but wonder what is going on in that head of hers.

“I’m thinking that I am out of your league,” she admits, surprising me.

“I’m sorry, what?” I force a laugh before wrapping a hand around hers to stop her prodding. “Tell me you’re joking.”

Those twin pink patches on her cheeks say otherwise.

“Gwen, before that party, I thought I’d never stand a chance. Hell, I thought I’d have to keep tricking you for lunch for years.”

“You could’ve asked me to dinner,” she mumbles, shrugging her shoulders.

“And risk ruining what was between us? I don’t think so.” Sighing softly, I lift her hand to my face and rest her palm against my cheek. “Gwen, I’m out ofyourleague. You’ve got no idea how lucky I feel to be standing here with you. If I had to spend another Christmas alone…”

I’d have to accept I’m going to die alone. Simple as that. If it’s not this woman at my side, I might as well accept never marrying or having kids like our coworkers.

She moves her hands so she’s now cupping my face. Enjoying the warmth of her fingers, I save her the trouble and lean down and meet her halfway for a kiss.

After thinking about her lips for days, relief floods my core to have her here again.

“Is this okay?” I ask as I plant my own hands against her sides. I don’t want to go devouring her again like I did at that party. Still, I can’t help but squeeze her hips.

Gwen pulls away for only a moment, nodding her head. Before she can even let a second pass without us being together, she’s already pulling me back down. So, we’ve both built up quite an appetite by the looks of it.

I don’t have time to memorize her home, not when I’m too busy picking her up and enjoying her light gasp. What I need is to find somewhere comfortable.

Heading in the direction of the Christmas tree, I get settled on the couch directly across from it. She doesn’t complain when I sit, only trying her hardest to get closer. The way she plucks at my shirt, I can only pity the buttons she pulls at.

While she’s fighting a battle, I take the time to squeeze at her thighs. So warm to the touch, my hunger for her grows and grows. How many times have I thought about pressing my mouth against her thick limbs? Enough to make my mouth water and my cock stiff.

Okay. Maybe I can purchase a T-shirt or two for occasions like this. If anything, it’ll save us some time. I want this womannow.

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