If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist (Aspen Grove #0.5)

by Ann Einerson

The idea of her getting hurt sends a sharp pain through my chest. I instinctively draw her closer, comforted by the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Even first thing in the morning, she’s still the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.

“You deserve a magical kiss under the mistletoe, and I’m the one who’s going to give it to you.”

“I was scared,” I admit. “What could you possibly be scared of?” she asks, looking genuinely confused. “You.” “Me?” I slowly walk toward her, chuckling when she scoots up in the bed, her back hitting the headboard. There’s no escape now—she’s got nowhere else to go. “You make me feel things I’ve never experienced before.” I keep my voice low and steady. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m insanely attracted to you, and now that I’ve felt your mouth on mine, I’m consumed with thoughts of kissing you again.”

“You’re so damn beautiful, it’s messing with my head,” I utter quietly. “Tell me you’re not attracted to me, and I’ll stop. Say the word, Presley, and I’ll walk away.”

You don’t strike me as a cuddler.” “I can only resist so long when a gorgeous woman is clinging to me like a baby koala.”