Beauty and the Grinch

By L'Anne McMarie

Grinch tried to steal Lilly's Christmas spirit, but he ended up stealing her heart.

After graduation, Lilly returns to her grandmother's shop, ready for another Christmas filled with her loving grandmother. Heart and memories dance around her until a handsome stranger threatens to take it away.

Calvin hates Christmas but loves business.

After the reading of his father's will, Calvin learns he must marry by his thirty-fourth birthday or his cousin gets everything. Then he meets Lilly and an idea forms. Sucker her into a fake engagement and get his inheritance.

Can Lilly melt his cold heart and show him the true spirit of Christmas? Or will his pride push her away?

Can he save his inheritance while keeping his heart, or will Christmas find a way to save him?

 

*****BOOK CONTAINS MILD ADULT CONTENT AND FOUL LANGUAGE INTTENDED FOR 18+ READERS*******
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: L'Anne McMarie
• Release date: Nov 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201488642

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lilly

The bell chiming overhead as she entered her grams’ flower shop always brightened Lilly’s day. There were times in her life she missed her mother. Yet the warm ring of the bell, cozy red brick walls, and colorful rows of plants that created a welcoming atmosphere reminded her of memories she shared every Christmas with her mother and grandmother.

The smell of fresh flowers, peppermint and apple spice, filled her with more Christmas spirit than she’d had all year. After taking a few more steps, she stood still, closed her eyes and soaked in her favorite aromas. All the signs that Fall has ended and her favorite season was beginning, Winter. Winter meant Christmas. Christmas meant happiness, family and friends reuniting.

The year had finally come to an end, including a break from school. She had never felt closer to her loved ones more than this time of year. Even if she could only be home for a little while.

Home. The shop would always be home.

The familiar melody of the Christmas classics playing softly from the speaker by the register, encouraged her to hum along. Her body glided to the beat as she moved closer to the counter. Stack of opened mail crackled as her arms lifted with each step.

Weight from the mail in her hand reminded her she had to find her grandmother. After years of waiting, her dream was finally going to come true. Her cheeks ached from grinning. She swayed from side to side, nearly vibrating with excitement. Lilly had to share her news. One letter stated she had been accepted to her mother’s magazine.

Coolness brushed her neck as she removed her wool scarf and placed it on the coat rack next to the register. Placing the mail on the empty counter, grabbed the yellow envelope, and she glanced around the shop.

Roses, poinsettia and other flowers used to crowd the store from floor to ceiling. Now, half the space had silks, laces, and other fabrics on display. It was the perfect place for an upcoming fashion stylist. She scanned the family shop and beamed with pride.

When Lilly graduated beauty school and declared that she wanted to become a fashion stylist, like her mother, Grams rearranged the store. No questions asked. She always supported Lilly’s dreams.

The chime of the door pulled her out of her trance.

She met the most tantalizing light blue eyes. Her gaze roamed his body and her breath hitched. Broad shoulders and a stout chest begged for her to lay her head on. His royal blue blazer sleeves tightly rolled up, taunted her with his biceps. His black suit pants clung to an amazing athletic body. Below those oval eyes laid a pair of kissable lips.

Damn. He was perfect.

She quietly cleared her throat and smoothed out her hair as he strutted closer. She could imagine taking everything off of him and touch—Lilly mentally shook herself. He was a customer, not a piece of meat.

Ms., direct me to Mrs. Dean, he commanded. I have business with her and I’m in a hurry. He glanced around the store, displeasure written on his face. "Word of advice this Christmas crap does nothing for business."

"Well, Merry Christmas. She didn’t try to hide the snark in her tone. No one hates Christmas, right? This is a flower shop and it’s our job to change with the seasons. And part of that is bringing joy over the holidays. I politely ask you to leave the Grinch-tude at the front door, while you’re here. I’m Mrs. Dean’s granddaughter. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back with her."

She spun on her heel and left to grab her grandmother from the back office, giving him no chance to reply.

How dare he?

Her grandmother looked up from her desk. She furrowed her brows after studying her expression. Why dear, what has you in a huff? She stood and soothingly rubbed Lilly’s back. Did I hear someone up front?

Yes. Her teeth clenched, and she crossed her arms over her chest. A snob who clearly hates Christmas. He came into our store, like he owned the place. Then proceeded to give us advice about Christmas decorations.

Lilly Ann Dean. Her grandmother spoke sternly as she stood and walked toward the door. What have I taught you? Kill people with kindness, she scuffed and placed her hands on her hips. Now, I will handle this customer while you take a breather.

Lilly remained where she was and took a deep breath. She had to calm down before she met the overbearing asshole. She closed her eyes and counted back from ten.

Once slightly calmed, she exited the office and returned to her grandmother’s side.

Why, Calvin, isn’t this a surprise? Her grandmother embraced the sexy Grinch in a friendly hug. My condolences on your father’s passing, dear.

Milly, it has been some time, he softly acknowledged. You were close to my father and I should’ve made time to come see you—

What, he wasn’t a complete dick?

Oh posh, I understand. You’ve been through enough. She playfully swatted him away. "This is Lilly, my lovely single granddaughter. She gestured toward her. She’s helped me at the shop and put herself through school. Now, she's applying for internships. Her head bobbled between the two of them as a wide smile covered her face. Her eyes met Lilly’s.In fact, dear, didn't you apply at the magazine your mother helped create. What’s it called?"

Aphrodite's Sovereignty, Grams.

So you applied at my company? Calvin turned his blue eyes toward her. His kissable lips formed a smirk and wiggled his brows.

Lilly rolled her eyes and faced her grandmother’s stare. How arrogant!

Grams, Lilly groaned as heat rushed to her cheeks. Why was she always trying to set