Page 5 of Kissing my Grumpy Troll Boss
She sucks in a breath. “My snakes!”
“What about them?”
“They didn’t bite you.”
I chuckle. “They know better. Look at this thick skin. You think they’d make a dent? I doubt it.”
A hint of a smile creeps onto her lips. “I just wish you weren’t sorry.” There’s a pause. She seems to be thinking of what to say, or working up the courage. It’s not lost on me how shy she is around everyone in the office. Another reason I should never have forced that kiss on her.
“I liked it,” she whispers.
I almost fall off my feet. “You did? But, you didn’t kiss me back.”
Her face falls again. “I’m sorry. I’m so embarrassed, but I don’t know how. I’ve never kissed anyone before.”
I gape at her. “How is that possible?”
She flushes and I check myself.
“Sorry, it’s just a pretty girl like you. Never kissed anyone?”
“I was always too scared of hurting them.”
Then it dawns on me. The snake hair! The gorgon gaze. “None of those things can hurt me,” I tell her quickly. “I’m made of stone!” I’ve never been happier to be a troll. Why did I doubt that the universe would send me a kuna who was perfect for me?
Slow down, Alg, you’re sprinting like a unicorn down a hill.
“I was really really hoping you’d say that,” she says.
“Yeah? Why?” My heart is pounding so fast I think it might burst from my lava core and through my rocky chest.
She chews her lip. “Because I came to ask if…” She shifts uncomfortably. “I thought maybe you’d let me do it over.”
FOUR
Kat
Mr. Kvalt’s mouth drops open and I wish I could call back the reckless stupid words. Only, no. I’m not being that person for the rest of my life, hiding in corners and imagining the worst in every social situation.
I came here to shoot my shot and if he’s not interested, that’s OK, because right after this, I walk out of here and never have to see him again.
My palms are sweating like crazy, though.
I let out a little gasp as Mr. Kvalt closes the distance between us pulling me against his chest. In my shock, I drop the bunch of mistletoe I snatched from the boardroom, but it doesn’t matter apparently.
My hands brace awkwardly against his chest. Where am I supposed to put them? What am I supposed to do with my lips? Do I pout? No, I’ll look stupid. But a manic grin is not the look I want to go for either.
The frantic buzzing of my thoughts cuts off when he lowers his head and stops a heartbeat from my lips.
“Kat?”
“Mmm?”
His big lips curve into a smile. “Please let me kiss you again.”
“Yes!” It comes out in a little squeak.
Then his lips are on mine and I’m floating again, noticing one thing languidly after another as if in a dream. His hands are so big, splayed against my back, holding me up on the tips of my toes.
