Page 32 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“We just like our privacy. Come on, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”

The granny flat turned out to be nicer than any apartment I’d ever lived in. While small, it was beautifully furnished with a cozy living area, kitchenette, and bedroom that made my old motel room look like a cardboard box under a bridge.

“This is temporary,” I reminded myself out loud as I set my suitcase down.

“Of course.” Something in Ronan’s tone suggested he might have other ideas. “Want to see the rest?”

The main house was like something out of an architectural magazine, but warmer than I expected. The shared living space had plush leather couches arranged around a fireplace that could roast an entire cow, and the kitchen looked like it belonged in a cooking show.

“So, each of you has your own... house?” I tried to figure out the layout as Ronan pointed out the different wings.

“Max’s wing is over there; he likes being close to the kitchen because he likes to cook. Levi’s is on the other side because he insists the morning light is better for his home office. Mine connects here.” He gestured to a doorway near where we stood.

“And you all just... share this space?” I spun slowly, taking it in. “Like really fancy roommates?”

“Something like that.” Ronan’s voice held a hint of amusement. “We’ve known each other a long time. This arrangement works for us.”

I noticed again the conspicuous absence of any holiday cheer. No stockings hung by the impressive fireplace, no twinkling lights, not even a sad little poinsettia on the coffee table. Thespace was beautiful but seemed to be actively avoiding any acknowledgment of the season.

“None of you like Christmas?” I couldn’t help asking. “Like, at all?”

Ronan’s expression closed off slightly. “We respect each other’s preferences. Maximum holiday exposure is at work, where it’s necessary for business.”

I snorted because I’d hardly call the work environment exposure to the holiday. “But-”

“It’s getting late,” he cut me off, though not unkindly. “You should get some rest. The door between your flat and the main house locks from both sides, like I mentioned. Feel free to use any of the common spaces, but the other wings are private unless invited.”

I nodded, suddenly exhausted. This day had been a roller coaster, from the police raid at the motel to ending up in what felt like a luxury hotel designed by three gorgeous Scrooges.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely, “for everything.”

Ronan’s face softened slightly. “Get some sleep, Emery. We can talk more tomorrow.”

As I headed back into my temporary home, I couldn’t help wondering what other surprises these three men had in store. And I wondered if they might be open to a little holiday spirit adjustment.

When I was safely tucked into my bedroom, I went right for the small box Ronan had given me earlier. My fingers trembled slightly as I pulled the ribbon loose. I hadn’t expected a gift from him since he didn’t exactly strike me as the gift-giving type.

When I lifted the lid, my breath caught. Nestled in tissue paper was the hand-painted ornament I’d been admiring at the market.

It was even more beautiful than I remembered. I carefully lifted it from the box, and a small note card fluttered to my lap.As I read it, I was definitely not tearing up over a note from my grumpy boss. Nope. These were seasonal allergies. In December. Totally normal.

But the thing was, he’d noticed. Not just the ornament, but the way I’d looked at it and talked about it.

And Ronan had listened. More than that, he’d understood.

“Get it together,” I muttered, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. It was only an ornament. A really thoughtful, incredibly sweet ornament that my scary-hot boss bought me while I went pee.

Where would I even hang it? This place was like the anti-Christmas zone. I didn’t want to push my luck with their no-holiday policy, even if it went against everything I believed about the season.

Still, as I carefully placed the ornament back in its box, I couldn’t help but wonder about these three men. What made them so adamantly against Christmas? Ronan’s family history made a little sense, but now that he was an adult with adult money, he could bring those traditions back to life.

The fact that they owned a gift-wrapping business made it even more puzzling. It was like opening a beach resort while hating sand and sunshine.

I tucked the note under my pillow—which was probably weird, but whatever—and snuggled down into the ridiculously comfortable bed.

I thought about Ronan’s unexpected thoughtfulness. About how someone who claimed to hate Christmas had given me one of the most thoughtful gifts I’d ever received. There was definitely more to these guys than met the eye, and despite my best intentions to keep things professional and temporary, I wanted to know more.

This was only until I found a new place. But even as I reminded myself of that, my fingers drifted to where the notelay hidden under my pillow.Don’t get attached. Don’t try to fix them. And definitely don’t think about how good Ronan looked with a smile on his face.

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