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I’ll have a blue Christmas without her. I’m falling for her. I need her in my life.
She's got the voice of an angel but can't bake.
I can make a mean cookie but can't hold a tune.
It may be silly comparing these specific strengths and weaknesses, but they're proof of how complementary we are, even in the smallest of details. It’s a lot to put in a song, but this is only the opening volley. If Shelby lets me, I’ll prove my devotion for years to come.
I continue singing, my eyes never leaving hers, as tears shine in her dark blue eyes. She dabs at her cheeks, shock and hesitant hope warring on her features.
When the song finally ends, everyone cheers, but I only care about Shelby's reaction. She’s the only one that matters.
“Shelby, I care about you, and I don't want this to be the last time we're together. Please give me a chance to prove that what we have can be real and lasting.” Rounding her booth table, I tenderly draw her into my arms. “I'm going to be in town for the foreseeable future. Plus, the good thing about holiday rom-coms, as you may know, is that we film them fairly quickly. So I'll only ever have to be away from you for a few weeks at a time. This can be my home base with you, if you let me.”
“Eli, I don't know what to say.” Her voice is shaky, but I take it as a win that she hasn’t immediately refused me. In fact, she’s snuggling closer in my embrace.
“Say yes!” someone shouts from the back, and we both laugh.
“You're serious right now,” she double-checks, wiping at a stray tear.
“I am. I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I may have been a Christmas grump. I may not have believed in Christmas miracles. But you've converted me. Your sweet smile. Your kind heart. And the rest of your secrets that I'm yearning to learn have completely ensnared me. Please say you're willing to take this chance with me.”
A watery smile begins to form as she whispers, “Yes, I am.”
“Thank God.” I sigh before tilting her chin up and kissing the hell out of my girl. Everybody cheers as flashes of cameras go off.
The Grinch has been gentled. And I couldn't be happier. Happier than I ever thought I’d be at a festive event dedicated to Christmas.
Hell, I bet Shelby can even talk me into attending another MerryCon next year.
The thought sends a thrill down my spine as I hug Shelby closer, because I guarantee I’ll enjoy her efforts to persuade me.
EPILOGUE
SHELBY
“Harder, baby. Suck me deep.” Eli’s gruff words prompt me into action as my mouth tightens around his cock, sucking him further down my throat in our luxurious hotel room.
This past year has been a dream.
A freaking fairy tale that’s even surprised me—the hopeless romantic between the two of us.
Like Eli promised on the last day of MerryCon after he sweetly butchered Blue Christmas, he’s stayed close. First, by renting an apartment in town then moving in with me because it’s not like we weren’t spending most nights together anyway.
When he leaves for a job, we text or call, but it turns out we’re not one of those couples that need constant contact. Go figure! So the breaks are an opportunity for each of us to do our own thing before coming back to share the excitement with each other.
Eli’s third MerryCon starts tomorrow morning, but he’s putting on his grumpy front and pretending like he doesn’t want to go again. Which is why I initiated my persuasion tactics. Okay, one persuasion tactic, but it’s usually all my man needs before agreeing to whatever I want.
And it’s not like I don’t enjoy our game either.
His velvety thickness stretches my jaw, and I hum in appreciation. I love his cock. Love when it’s pounding into me from behind. Love when it’s slowly torturing me to exquisite pleasure. But most of all, I love the man it belongs to.
Eli can still be grumpy. But he’s also tender and thoughtful. Not above showing how much he loves me in return. Last year’s grand gesture proved that.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful on your knees for me, baby. I love you so much,” he groans, massaging my scalp as he restrains himself from completely taking control of our lovemaking.
Releasing him for a second, I glance up and wink. “Love you, too, Mr. Grinch.”
Forever and always.
***
