Page 51 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“But you survived it. You built this place back up.” I took his hand and squeezed.

“Yeah, but-”

“No buts.” I stood, tugging on his hand with gentle insistence. The determination in my voice surprised even me. “Come on. We’re leaving.” I wasn’t about to let him sit here and wallow in old wounds.

He resisted. “The presents…”

“Will still be here tomorrow. And we will get them all done, I promise. But if you work yourself into exhaustion and make yourself sick, that’s going to hurt the business more than taking one evening off.”

“I don’t know...” He glanced at the pile of unwrapped gifts uncertainly.

“Trust me.” I stepped closer, bringing my free hand up to cup his cheek. “You need to reset. Clear your head. Do something that has nothing to do with wrapping paper or shipping deadlines.”

His eyes met mine, and I could see the moment his resolve wavered. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well...” I pretended to think about it. “There’s this place I know that serves the best comfort food in town. Real hole-in-the-wall, but their mac and cheese will change your life.”

“Mac and cheese?” The corner of his mouth twitched.

“With bacon and a crispy breadcrumb topping.” I moved my thumb in small circles against his cheek, feeling the tension start to leave him. “And then maybe we could go for a walk through that park with all the Christmas lights they sync to music.”

“It’s not going to be too cold for you?” His brows furrowed in concern.

“I have my warm coat and boots, and this amazing sweater.” I posed and gestured to my outfit. “Plus, you’ll be there to warm me up.”

He smirked. “Now your real motives reveal themselves.”

I stepped away, holding out my hand. “What do you say?”

He looked at my outstretched hand, then back at the presents, then at me again. Finally, he rolled his eyes. “You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”

“Nope.” I wiggled my fingers invitingly. “Come on, Mr. Gray. Live a little.”

He took my hand, letting me pull him to his feet. “You’re trouble, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told. But I’m the good kind of trouble. Now go get your stuff.” I shoved him toward the stairs.

After Ronan gathered his things, we headed out. I pulled my coat tighter around me, grateful for its warmth.

Ronan noticed and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close as we walked to his car. He opened the door for me, and I settled into the leather seat, watching as he walked around to the driver’s side. He was so attractive it hurt.

“So where is this life-changing mac and cheese?” He started his car and cranked up the heater and seat warmers.

I gave him directions and five minutes later, we pulled up to a tiny restaurant wedged between a laundromat and a discount furniture store. The open sign flickered intermittently, and the windows were clouded with condensation.

“Um…” He turned off the car and eyed the establishment warily. “Not sure how much trust I can put in a place called Sassy Skillet.”

“Do you trust me?” The way he looked uncertain but intrigued made me want to show him exactly how much fun breaking his routine could be.

“In theory,” he replied dryly, but I caught that tiny spark in his eyes that told me he was already giving in, even if he wouldn’t admit it yet.

I opened the door and got out before he could change his mind. He followed, wrapping an arm around my waist as we walked to the door.

The blast of warm air that hit us when we walked into the restaurant carried the smell of melted cheese and garlic. My mouth started watering immediately. The place was packed with people, which wasn’t unusual. Luckily, there were a few seats available.

“Emery!” Rosa, the owner’s daughter, called out from behind the counter. “Haven’t seen you in forever, girl! And who’s this?”

I tugged Ronan toward an empty table. “This is Ronan. He’s in desperate need of mac and cheese.”

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