Page 27 of Falling for the Grinchy Bad Boy

Why did the universe think it was funny to fuck with me every Christmas? Couldn’t I just get coal in my stocking like a normal person?

“How long is she back here?” I asked.

“Who?”

“Murphy.”

“I don’t know. Could be forever.”

I dropped my head. “Of course. Well, don’t worry about getting me anything for Christmas. Apparently the universe has made sure I’ve got everything I could ever want.”

I walked out and headed to the kitchen to find something to drink. Matt was there scrolling on his phone, sipping a Coke. His head popped up when I walked in.

“Don’t start,” I warned.

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes⁠—”

“Shut up. And if anyone changes the fucking radio back to that station I will shoot you with my hose.”

Matt gasped. “Why does that sound kinky?”

I rolled my eyes. “You are such a jackass.”

I opened the fridge and pulled out what I needed for my sandwich. Matt leaned against the counter. “Are you good?” he asked in a low voice.

“Fine.”

“Chief upset?”

“No.”

“What was it about?”

Matt was my best friend. I wanted to tell him about the promotion, but not everything should be discussed. It complicated things. I knew Matt would be happy for me, but still. “Just said it’s important.”

He chuckled. “I think ol’ Chief might be playing matchmaker.”

“Well if that’s the case, he sucks at it because unless some hot little elf shows up, there will be no matchmaking.”