Page 67 of Babies for the Christmas Grump

“What do you suggest? I toss a rope out and pull you back in? Maybe we can save the sinking ship together.”

She smirks, leaning back in her seat. “You would make it sound like some tragic hero story. But you’re the one holding the damn rope, Ryder.”

I let out a humorless laugh, trying to shake off the unease creeping in.

“Always me, huh?” I mutter, more to myself than to her. “Guess that’s the Hale way.”

She takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes flicking to the window for a moment before landing back on me.

“So, since I’m in the area, and clearly not leaving anytime soon…” She pauses, a small, knowing smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “I think I’ll need a room.”

I blink, taken off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation. “A room? Really? I don’t know if you’ll like it here.”

Claire chuckles. “Hey, come on. I want to be close to you. I’ll love it.”

“Fine,” I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck, “I’ll get you a room. But I’m warning you, this place is a disaster. Renovations are still ongoing, and the staff… well, let’s say we’re not exactly a five-star operation yet.”

She gives me a long look, then smiles. “I don’t expect five-star anything. I’m not here for luxury, Ryder.”

I nod, still unsure how to process her sudden presence here. “Alright, Claire. But don’t come crying to me if it’s a little rough around the edges.”

She smirks, clearly enjoying the fact that I’m flustered. “Wouldn’t dream of it. I’m a big girl, remember?”

I roll my eyes as I head over to the desk, grabbing a keycard from the pile. I can’t deny that something about Claire’s presence makes everything feel… off-kilter.

There’s no easy way to step back into this version of our relationship. Too many years of silence, too many unspoken words, but now she’s here. And I can’t quite figure out why.

Sliding the key across the counter, I give it to her. “Room 215. It’s not much, but it’s what we’ve got.”

She takes the key with a quiet thanks, her fingers brushing mine for a second longer than necessary. I glance up, our eyes locking for a moment.

There’s something there in the way she looks at me. It’s both familiar and strange, as if she’s seeing right through me, peeling back the layers I’ve kept hidden.

I try to keep my thoughts focused on Claire as we reach the door to her room, but my mind keeps drifting to… other things. The hotel. The renovation.

And her.

The other woman in my life right now. I haven’t mentioned Sunny yet, not to Claire, not to anyone, but the thought of how they’ll get along nags at me.

Claire and Sunny are complete opposites. Sunny’s carefree, quirky, full of life, and, well, just a little bit crazy in the best way.

Claire, on the other hand, can be composed, sharp, and calculating. She doesn’t make room for much mess. She’s never really had to.

Will they clash? Will they even talk?

Claire’s never been the type to connect with anyone who doesn’t play by her rules. And Sunny doesn’t do rules. Not unless they involve hot chocolate and Christmas decorations.

I hand Claire the room key with one last glance. “Here you go. Get settled in, and I’ll let you know if I need anything from you.”

She raises an eyebrow at that. “You’ll need something, Ryder. Trust me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Sunny

December 15th

I blink awake,completely disoriented, like I’ve been hit with a tranquilizer dart. I’m tangled in a pile of blankets, my hair in a knot that could probably be classified as a crime scene.