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

by Ann Einerson

“That’ll be all.” I grab the report, ready to rush back to my office. “Mr. Sinclair, I think you’re forgetting something.” Presley’s melodic voice has me spinning around without pause. She folds her arms across her chest, fixing me with a frosty glare. God, why does she have to be so cute when she’s mad? “And what might that be, Ms. Stafford?” “Your manners.”

“Immaturity doesn’t suit you, Ms. Stafford. Why don’t we handle this like grown-ups?” “Ugh, you’re so… annoying,” I huff in frustration. “And for the last time, my name is Presley. You’re supposed to be playing the part of my boyfriend, not conducting a board meeting.” “Okay, Presley.” He drawls out my name. “In that case, I’m hurt that you would even suggest that we sleep apart. Didn’t we agree to never go to bed angry?” he taunts. “Oh my god, you’re insufferable,”

Her demeanor abruptly shifts from carefree to seething with anger. “Geez, you don’t have to be such a jerk.” She scrambles to get up, shoving me back when I try to help. She storms off toward her mom, leaving me alone on the ice. I scoot to the wall, grabbing the side, wobbling as I try to stand. I’m like a newborn calf trying to find my footing, keenly aware of everyone watching me.

“Thanks for the tip.” I’m relieved when my feet are firmly back on solid ground. “I appreciate your help.” “Just remember,” she says in a hushed tone, “I love Calico Critters, and I know for a fact that Santa isn’t bringing me the panda family for Christmas.” “Good to know,” I say. Damn, this kid is persistent.

What the hell am I doing? This is not appropriate boss-employee behavior. Like he can sense I’m about to retreat, Jack grabs my wrist to keep me in place. His liquid-amber gaze is trained on my lips as he guides my hand to his mouth. He eats the whole chestnut, leaning in to lick the lingering cinnamon sugar off my fingertips. “You’re right; it’s absolutely delicious.”

without you… I wouldn’t be the same without you. I should have promoted you a long time ago.” “So why haven’t you?” she asks, and I have to swallow the emotion welling up to tell her the truth. “Because…I can’t lose you.” She’s been the only constant in my life these past three years. I might not always show it, but I look forward to seeing her smiling face every morning and to that first sip of coffee, guessing what flavor it’ll be. The thought of losing Presley makes me feral.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” I interrupt when I spot mistletoe hanging from the doorframe. When did that get there? “What are you—" Presley’s mouth shapes into an “O” when she follows my gaze upward. “My mom must have gotten it at the holiday market earlier.” “Well, that’s convenient, seeing as how I owe you a kiss under the mistletoe and all.”

God, my brothers are idiots—protective, fiercely loyal idiots.

Disappointment floods me when I realize she’s right—that her list is complete. My stomach churns at the thought of leaving her and returning to New York. It’s clear that things will never be the same between us… I just wish I knew what that meant for our future.

Presley sighs in relief as she snuggles closer. “I’m glad you’re staying.” Me too.

She has me completely under her spell, and I’ll spend the rest of my life devoted to filling her life with happiness and joy.