Page 126 of Falling for the Grinchy Bad Boy

Katrina stepped back and covered her mouth, but I could see her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

“That bad?”

“No, no, it’s just—” She couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst into laughter. “You look like Santa’s younger, more athletic brother who borrowed his clothes.”

“Great. That’s exactly the look I was going for.”

“Wait, wait.” She wiped tears from her eyes and grabbed another pillow. “We need more belly. And something for your shoulders. Damn, bro, eat some brownies once in a while.”

Five minutes later, I was stuffed with so many pillows I could barely move my arms.

“Better?” I asked.

“Much. Now practice your ho ho ho.”

“My what?”

“Your Santa laugh, Father Christmas. Ho ho ho.”

I cleared my throat. “Ho ho ho?”

Katrina winced. “Don’t ask it like a question. Make it more… I don’t know, Santa-ish.”

“Ho ho ho,” I tried again, deepening my voice and trying to project more confidence.

“Better. But maybe don’t sound like you’re angry.”

I sighed. “I take back all the jokes I made about Pat Samson. This is harder than it looks.”

“Tap into your Christmas spirit.” Katrina adjusted my hat one more time. “Be the guy who made a giant ice tree to make a girl smile.”

I looked at myself in the mirror again. I still looked ridiculous, but there was determination in my eyes, even behind the fake beard. It made me think I might actually be able to pull this off.

“You really think this will work?”

“I think Joy is going to take one look at you in that costume and realize she’s crazy in love with a man who would dress up as Santa to save her festival.” Katrina grinned. “Now come on, Santa. Let’s knock ‘em dead.”