Page 6 of Merry Me Grumphole

Knowing I can’t hide away in my car forever, I look away from my reflection and collect up the platter with a held breath. Running a bit late thanks to working on my appearance, I hope my tardiness is worth it.

Ignoring the chill of the air and the dark setting, I move quickly toward the building. While the lower half is dead to the world outside of the sole security guard checking badges, I’m quick to make it to the elevator to reach the floor our office is on.

Once I’m inside, I’m greeted by a few coworkers. They compliment my sweater, my earrings, and the little bow I have in my hair. While they think I’m festive, I’m simply competitive. I went all out. With the way my sweater lights up, I’m looking like a freaking Christmas tree.

After abandoning my cookies with the rest of the delicious-looking dishes, I start my hunt for my rival.

Knowing him, he arrived right on the dot. He’s got to be around here somewhere.

I don’t expect to find him pressed against the wall, a cup in his hand. So, Riley Sanders is a wallflower at social events. Good to know he’s not confident all of the time. It’s a little strange seeing him this way.

During our shifts, he’s normally open to chat with me. I always assumed he had no problem socializing with our other coworkers. I figured I was the only one he made life a bit more hellish for. Turns out, he keeps to himself.

Already, I’m learning more about the man.

I’m also quick to notice what he’s wearing. The moment my eyes meet his chest, I’m scowling.

Oh, I’m going tokillhim.

Riley

“A tie with some trees, seriously?” Gwen is red in the face, her dangling bell earrings jingling as she stares at me. There’s a fire in her eyes that I expected to come my way the moment I entered this party.

Unfortunately, I didn’t expect her to be late. Now I can see why. She’s looking stunning in this dim lighting. I’m sure my eyes aren’t going to be the only ones drawn toward her and as always, I’m feeling that same ting of jealousy. A part of me wants to pull her away to a place where no one else can take in her beauty.

From the way she’s overheating, I doubt she even has a clue.

“Your sweater vest isn’t even festive!”

I look down at the red diamond-shaped pattern with my eyes crinkling in amusement. Humming, I return my gaze to her glare. “You don’t think? Santa is red, isn’t he? Linda offered to give me a hat, but I didn’t want to confuse people.”

She puffs her chest and looks like she’s about to ask me to fight. Fuck, I’d take her on.

“You should be thrilled, Gwen. You’ve won.” Taking a sip of my eggnog, I’m grinning behind my cup as the liquid burns the back of my throat.

I’ve done it again, twisted her plan up. Rather than her getting a win-win, I’ve snatched that right up for myself.

I don’t have to wear some god awful sweater like some of these people hereandI get to take this woman out for Christmas?Sign me up.Even if I can’t figure out why she’d want to walk around with all the shops closed, I’m not going to ruin this opportunity by questioning it.

I am counting down the days. Two more. Monday, she will be all mine. We’ll walk all over this city until our feet are numb. Even then, I’ll offer to carry her just so we can extend our time together.

Gwen doesn’t look satisfied. She takes me by the elbow, dragging me away from the party. Oh, she’s upset alright. Is she planning on pulling me somewhere secretive so she can murder me without any witnesses?

The thought makes me laugh as we move.

“You should try the dip, it’s delicious,” I tell her once more after she drags me into a supply closet.

If she’s going to yell at me, I might as well get a few more cracks in. I fucking love it when she gets all flustered.

“You wanted me to embarrass myself, didn’t you?” she hisses under her breath. Huffing, she puts her hands on her hips. “You’re the kind of man who hates losing. You’d rather cut your hand off than admit defeat.”

I take in another mouthful of my drink and shrug. I’m feeling at the top of the world right now.

Looking at her sweater, I take in the design. There are different coffee mugs, some with tea bags. I trace the zigzags with my eyes and hum.

“You look cute,” I finally admit. “Need some elf ears and you’ll fit the look. Maybe I should’ve taken that hat. Santa’s little helper, Gwen.”

She stares at me for what feels like an eternity. Her eyes are searching.

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