Falling for the Grinch ✔️

Nineteen | Claus

Holly

"Are you sure, Dad?"

I'm sitting across from him at the bar, sharing a batch of cookies we just made after Mom laid down for her evening nap. I had mentioned to him about Rhett wanting to take me to the Brewery and that I wasn't sure about going just yet, but he insisted that I do.

With Mom getting around more and the therapy helping her speech, I was able to handle chores around the house while they went to their appointments and follow-ups with her Doctor. I even wrapped the last-minute presents Mom had told me were for Dad under her bed, but she hadn't had time to do them before she was admitted to the hospital.

Last night I had texted Rhett and told him it just wasn't a good time yet, and that I would have to reschedule when I could. He has been so understanding during this hard time that I find myself feeling butterflies in the pit of my stomach. I can't remember the last time a guy ever made me feel this way.

Dad drinks his last bit of milk, setting his empty plate and glass in the kitchen sink. "Of course, honey. You haven't left this house in two days and been by your Mother's side through it all. Go enjoy your night."

Rubbing the back of my neck, I say, "I'm just scared."

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but she's recovering well and even her Doctor is happy with her progress."

I nod, walking around the kitchen bar to place my cup and plate in the sink. "If I go, will you promise to call me? I don't care if it's five minutes after I leave or at midnight. You call me, okay? For anything."

He pulls me into a hug, placing his chin underneath my head. "I will, sweetie. You know I will."

❆ ❆ ❆

I'm standing outside Rhett's front door when it suddenly opens. All thoughts of the past overwhelming few days leave my mind when I get a glimpse of him standing in front of me wearing dark jeans, converses, and a fitted white button-up shirt. It hugs every detail and curve in those thick arms and pecs, sticking to him like a damn glove. My eyes gradually roam over him before they meet his captivating hazel eyes. It's then that I see a smirk appear on his face.

And that dark hair of his is slightly unkempt as if he just got out of the shower, giving me a vision of his naked body. I need to see it again.

"Hi," His deep voice pulls me back while I admire him before me. "Should I stand here longer so you can gawk?"

Rolling my eyes, Sammy's bark basically saves my ass. He nudges his way between Rhett's legs, panting excitedly when I say, "There's my sweet boy!" I scratch the back of his head as his little tail waggles. "I've missed you."

"And me?"

I smirk up at him from kneeling down, letting Sammy lick against my cheek. "You're not as cute."

He presses a palm into his chest as if I wounded him. "He's definitely cuter, but that's not what I asked," I'm pulled up suddenly by my elbow. "I asked if you missed me."

"Just.. a little."

"A little? That's not good enough."

My shoulders shrug as his palms run up the length of my arms. "You'll have to change my mind then."

His eyes darken. "Oh, tonight I plan to."