Page 28 of The Orc Who Hated Christmas
“And I did try and say something early on. I think several of us did. But I don’t think you really heard us,” Grady said. “You were smitten from the start. And honestly, despite Xavier being a bit of a cockhead, you seemed happy and he treated you well. We didn’t want to get in the way of that.”
“But Graal seems nice.” Lacy smiled.
“It’s just a fling,” Cas said absently. How had Cas not known his siblings didn’t like Xavi? That they thought Xavi arrogant and condescending? He didn’t remember Grady trying to talk to him. Or any of the others. But he had been lost in lust and love with Xavi so quickly.
His brows furrowed as he thought back to their relationship.He glanced down, staring at the green outfit he wore. He thought of the first time Cas had shown Xavi the outfit.
“You’re going to wear that out?” Xavi had asked.
“Of course. It suits me.” Cas had laughed. “And we can’t all wear expensive clothes made by the best tailors in the city.”
“You’re lucky you’re pretty or I wouldn’t be seen dead with you in public in that outfit.” He had reached for Cas and tugged him down, hands sliding beneath the clothes.
Cas rubbed his hand against the soft fabric, Xavi’s words spinning in his head. At the time, he’d not thought much about it. After all, Xavi had called him pretty. And he’d loved Cas.
Couples had different personalities. Opposites attracted and all that.
Until they didn’t.
“We just don’t suit,” Xavi had said as he broke up with Cas. “We have such different interests and ways of being. I’m into culture, the arts, and philosophy. You’re only into baking, making shiny outfits, and Christmas.” He’d shaken his head. “You’re so frivolous and shallow. Why don’t you ever take anything seriously, Casimir?”
Cas’s stomach had tightened. For a moment, he couldn’t speak.
At the time, all Cas could think of was how he hadn’t been enough for Xavi. Cas swallowed and pushed the memories away, trying not to think of how he’d pleaded and tried to convince Xavi how he did like other things that weren’t frivolous and shallow.
Arrogant and condescending.That was what his family thought of Xavi.
And apparently, Xavi had always looked down on Cas’s siblings and theirlittle bakery. How had Cas not noticed? Somehow, the idea that Xavi looked down on his family andbakery stung worse than Xavi looking down on Cas. Cas didn’t want to think about why.
“I…need to make some hot chocolate for Graal. He’s waiting.” Without looking at his siblings, Cas went to the stove. He could feel their gazes on him.
CHAPTER 17
“Here you go.” Cas held out the teacup. “It’s made with moon water, chamomile, lemon, and honey. All the tea I make has honey in it.” Cas laughed. “But my mother would have told you that honey has strong healing properties. So it’s fine.”
Graal took the dainty green, gold, and white porcelain teacup and saucer, careful as he balanced the saucer on the palm of his left hand. He held the tiny handle with his right thumb and pointer finger. The lovely teacup looked ridiculous in his massive hands.
But today he found himself unbothered by the idea.
“Are you sure you don’t need help?” Graal asked Cas for the third time.
“No. You sit and drink your tea.” Cas waved a hand at him. “It’s just nice to have your company.”
Graal smiled at Cas’s words.
After the bakery had closed and Cas’s siblings had left, Cas had come into the front area. He’d brought Graal more hot chocolate and cookies. He’d smiled and chatted a little toGraal as he’d gone about his tasks, but Graal could sense strain in his voice and movements.
He’d asked if Cas had changed his mind and wanted him to leave. But Cas had insisted he wanted Graal there. After a little while, Cas seemed to relax. Once Cas finished in the front area, they moved to the back, and Cas cleaned out the cauldron and giant oven.
Jars of honey, dried spices, herbs, and fruits lined the many wooden shelves that stood against one wall. Bunches of dried herbs and flowers, tied with ribbon, hung from the ceiling.
“And honestly, cleaning the bakery is my family’s duty, and it should be done by someone who knows what they are doing.” Cas smiled. “But I could explain the process, and you can observe. Then if you want to help next time, you could.”
Next time. Cas thought there might be a next time.
Graal nodded, throat tight. “All right.”
“Actually you should watch Lachlan when he comes in before dawn to prepare for the day. He is the strongest witch in the family, and he has such an affinity for the hearth and kitchen.” Cas laughed. “The door will open when he approaches, the lanterns will light, the broom will jump to be in his hand.”
