Falling for the Grinch ✔️

Twenty Two | Eggnog

Holly

Tomorrow is Christmas.

While my thoughts are scattered thinking about my last-minute shopping and comfort baking I'm still trying to process Rhett's childhood. He was a kid when he lost his parents and yesterday in the snow he told me the reason why it's so hard to speak about his Grandma.

He was so hurt that he wanted to push her away and even though I know how wrong it is, a piece of me breaks for him. I couldn't imagine the guilt he's carried all these years. He was just a young man grieving.

"You alright, honey?" I'm so lost in my head that my Mother's soft voice makes me jump. She looks at me with a questionable glance. "Holly?"

I quickly shake my head. "Yes, I'm sorry."

"You've been staring at that striped wrapping paper for ten minutes."

"Surely not ten minutes."

"Just about," she smiles. A few shoppers nearly bump into us as they speed walk down the aisle. We would pick the day before Christmas to grab a few more things at a department store. At least it's not just us. "Tell me, sweetie. What's got you so worked up?"

I let out a deep breath. "Rhett."

Before we left the house this morning I told my parents what happened to his and why he hates Christmas. I didn't mention anything about the conversation he shared with me yesterday. I feel like that's not necessary for what he's dealing with.

"I hate what he's dealt with for so long," Mom sighs, scanning a few Christmas bows and wrapping tape. "But, I can see a difference in him since you've been home."

I whip my head up towards her. "You have?"

"Absolutely. So has your Father. He's a sweet man and I'm happy the two of you have been spending time together, but I have to ask," — I'm still staring at her as she speaks. "Do you have feelings for him?"

It's a question that I've been waiting for someone to ask me. "Yes."

Her eyes light up just as a smile pulls at her lips. "I thought you might. The way you two look at each other can't fool anyone."

My cheeks grow warm as I think about him. The way his eyes scan me when I talk just about anything. How I feel admired and wanted in all of the best ways. My heart has never raced as much as it has before when I think about him. When I think about our times together leading up to our first kiss, to the first swipe of his tongue between my legs. I've thought about what our first time together would be like and my thoughts don't do it any justice. I know it's going to be amazing.

Gosh, I shouldn't even be thinking about sex with my Mom standing right in front of me.

Pull yourself together, you horny dog.

"I want to get him something for Christmas, but I have no idea where to even start."

"Well, someone like Rhett is hard to shop for. He seems like a guy who has everything he already needs," She laughs. "Just like your Dad. I never know what to get him even after all these years being married."

My phone goes off, letting me know a text came through. I take it out from my purse and read the message on the screen.

Grinch: Sammy says hi