The Christmas Grinch - Rebel Hart Page 0,34
were a chatty bunch, to put it lightly. And not dull small talk like I was used to at the gala. When they talked to you, they really told you things. And when they asked questions, they really listened to your answers. Like they really wanted to get to know you. They weren’t just passing the minutes until someone more interesting with better connections came along.
After what seemed like an hour of talking and getting to know everyone, we gathered around her mother’s large dining room table and said a prayer before digging in. I couldn’t remember the last time my family and I actually sat down and shared a meal together, aside from my father’s business dinners which I had been accompanying him on for years.
The room was so full of love and laughter, and the food was just as good as what any five star gourmet chef could prepare - if not better. It was warm and intimate. I could have easily fooled myself into thinking I was one of them with the way they took me in like I was a part of the family instantly.
It all went by in a rapid whirlwind, just as Hazel said it would. Before I knew it, we were telling everyone goodnight and walking back out to my car. I was full of food and ready to sleep, but being alone with Hazel again made me feel like I still had some energy left in me.
“I can see why you love the holidays so much,” I told her on the drive.
She smiled wide. “That makes me happy, I suppose. I just wish you had your own reasons for loving them.”
“Maybe after this year, I will.”
“Hey, you’re always welcome to join in on the Malone holiday fun. I mean, we’re friends right?”
I felt her staring into me from the passenger seat. She was testing me, trying to figure out what was going on between us. The problem was I didn’t know anymore than she did.
“Friends,” I nodded. “Friends who should go back to my place for tonight.”
“Oh? And just what do you intend on doing with me there, Mr. Palmer?” Her brow raised.
“Getting you all liquored up like you did to me last night,” I grinned. “Consider it revenge.”
“Do your worst.”
After parking the car, I met her on the passenger side and offered my hand to help her out. The moment her feet touched the ground, I swooped her against me and kissed her again. This time - softer, deeper, more intentional. I didn’t know what we were doing, but maybe there was an answer somewhere between her lips...or better yet, her thighs.
We were all smiles on the elevator ride up, doing our best to keep our hands off each other. Once inside my penthouse, I served up two glasses of whiskey.
“Your liquor, or I guess I should say poison. As promised.”
“Why thank you.” She cupped the glass in her hands and took a slow sip with a smile on her face before turning back to me. “You know, you’re nothing like what I thought you were when we first met.”
“Neither are you.”
“And just what did you think about me?” she asked, leaning her cheek against her hand as we settled deeper next to each other on the couch cushions.
“That’s a trap.”
“Fine. I’ll tell you exactly what I thought about you,” she said. “I thought you were cocky, arrogant, and rude.”
“I don’t think you made any secret of that.”
“And you thought I was...what? Uptight? Controlling?”
I narrowed my eyes and shook my head. “I told you I’m not falling for it. Although I guess there is one thing I thought about you that I can share.”
“Uh-huh. Go on…”
“I thought you were…,” I paused for a moment and looked deeper into her eyes. “One of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.”
Her expression grew tight and serious as she sat up straight. “No you didn’t,” she whispered.
“Hazel, are you blind? I think most guys think that when they see you.”
“Well then...if we’re being honest...I could say I thought the same thing about you.”
“You thought I was the most beautiful woman you had ever seen?” I teased.
She playfully smacked my arm. “Oh hush! You’re insufferable! You know what I meant.”
Our laughter faded again as I leaned in closer to her, brushing her cheek. “I know exactly what you meant. Now drink up. I’m on a mission to get you drunk.”
“I don’t have to be drunk to sleep with you, you know,” she rolled her