Snowed In With The Grinch

Chapter 10: Sparks Fly

Holly wasn’t sure how she let Jack talk her into attending the reception. In hindsight, it probably had something to do with the way he flashed that annoyingly confident grin and made her feel like saying no would somehow mean admitting defeat. That, or the fact that she didn’t want to spend another evening alone, staring at the same four walls of her lodge room.

Now, as she stood in the lodge’s grand dining hall, nursing a glass of spiked cider, she was starting to regret her decision.

The space had been transformed into a winter wonderland for the Christmas Tree Lighting Reception. Twinkling fairy lights draped across the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Evergreen garlands decorated every doorway, their piney scent mixing with the sweet aroma of baked goods and mulled wine. Tables were laden with platters of cookies, tarts, and finger foods, while a small jazz band played a soft rendition of “Let It Snow” in the corner.

It was beautiful. Festive. Magical. And completely at odds with how Holly felt inside.

She stuck to the edges of the room, avoiding eye contact with the cheerful townsfolk who milled about, chatting and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. Her plan was simple: stay long enough to be polite, then slip out quietly before anyone noticed.

“Looking for the exit already?” Jack’s familiar voice cut through her thoughts, and Holly turned to see him standing beside her, a glass of cider in his hand and that ever-present grin on his face.

“Not everyone lives for this kind of thing, Winters,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.

Jack tilted his head, studying her. “You’ve been here, what, fifteen minutes? That’s a record for you.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Holly muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

Jack chuckled, leaning against the wall beside her. He was dressed more casually than most of the guests—dark jeans and a charcoal sweater that somehow made him look both effortless and annoyingly put together. The mischievous twinkle in his eyes hadn’t dimmed one bit.

“Come on, McAllister,” he said, nudging her lightly with his elbow. “You’re in a room full of good food, good drinks, and good company. At least try to enjoy yourself.”

“I’m fine right here,” she replied, gesturing to the spot she’d claimed near the doorway. “Out of the way, low profile. Perfect.”

Jack shook his head, clearly unimpressed. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And yet, here you are,” she shot back.

His grin widened. “What can I say? I love a challenge.”

Holly rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, she let her gaze wander over the room, taking in the flicker of candlelight on the tables and the soft murmur of conversation. It should have been relaxing, but instead, it made her feel restless.

“So,” Jack said, breaking the silence, “you going to dance tonight, or is that asking too much?”

Holly blinked at him. “Dance?”

“Yeah, you know,” he said, setting his glass down on a nearby table. “That thing where you move your feet to music? It’s a big hit at parties.”

Holly raised an eyebrow. “I don’t dance.”

“Sure you do,” Jack said, holding out a hand. “You just don’t know it yet.”

She stared at him, half-expecting him to laugh and tell her he was joking. But he wasn’t. His hand remained outstretched, his expression open and sincere, with just the faintest hint of challenge.

“I’m not in the mood,” she said finally, looking away.

Jack stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Come on, Grinch. One dance. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Holly’s chest tightened. There were a lot of things that could happen, most of them involving her embarrassing herself in front of the entire town. But the way Jack was looking at her—with a patience and warmth she didn’t expect—made it hard to say no.

Before she could overthink it, she set her drink on the table and placed her hand in his. “Fine. But if you step on my feet, I’m leaving.”

Jack grinned, his fingers curling gently around hers. “Deal.”

---

The band had shifted to a slow, jazzy tune by the time Jack led her to the center of the room. The other couples on the dance floor seemed at ease, swaying to the rhythm with practiced grace. Holly, on the other hand, felt like every eye in the room was on her.

“Relax,” Jack said softly, guiding her hands into place—one resting on his shoulder, the other held lightly in his. “It’s just a dance.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” she muttered. “You actually know what you’re doing.”

Jack chuckled, his voice low and reassuring. “Trust me. I won’t let you fall.”

The words were simple, but something about the way he said them sent a warmth curling through her chest. Holly focused on his movements, letting him lead as they swayed to the music. His touch was steady, his steps sure, and for the first time all evening, she felt herself relax.

“See?” Jack said, his smile softening. “Not so bad, is it?”

“It’s fine,” Holly said, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

Jack’s grin widened. “Admit it. You’re having fun.”

Holly shook her head, but a small smile crept onto her lips. She hated how easy it was to fall into step with him, how natural it felt to let him guide her across the floor. The music wrapped around them like a cocoon, drowning out the rest of the room until it felt like they were the only two people there.

“You’re staring,” Holly said suddenly, her cheeks flushing under his gaze.

Jack didn’t look away. “Maybe I am.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she forgot how to move. The playful glint in his eyes had been replaced by something quieter, something warmer. It unnerved her in a way she wasn’t prepared for.

“You’re not as bad as you think you are, you know,” Jack said, his voice soft.

Holly frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Jack said, “that you’re allowed to let your guard down every once in a while. The world won’t end if you do.”

Holly looked away, focusing on the flicker of the fairy lights instead of the intensity in his gaze. “I don’t have a guard.”

Jack chuckled, the sound low and knowing. “Sure you don’t.”

---

When the song ended, Holly stepped back quickly, breaking the connection before she could lose herself in it completely. Her heart was pounding, though she told herself it was just from the exertion of the dance.

“Thanks for the dance,” she said, her voice stilted.

“Anytime,” Jack replied, his grin returning, though it was softer now, less cocky.

Holly nodded once before walking away, heading straight for the refreshment table. She needed space. Distance. Anything to keep her from dwelling on the strange, unwelcome feelings stirring in her chest.

As she sipped her cider, she caught sight of Jack across the room, talking to a group of locals. He was laughing, his charm on full display, and Holly couldn’t help but notice how easily he fit into the scene. He belonged here, in this town full of warmth and light and tradition.

She, on the other hand, was an outsider. A temporary guest. Someone who didn’t fit into the picture no matter how hard she tried.

The thought settled heavily in her stomach, and she decided she’d had enough for one night. Setting her glass down, she slipped out of the dining hall and into the crisp night air. The quiet was a welcome relief after the hum of the party, and she inhaled deeply, letting the cold air clear her mind.

“Running away already?”

Holly turned to find Jack leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed and a teasing smile playing on his lips.

“I needed some air,” she said defensively.

Jack nodded, stepping closer until he was standing beside her. “It’s quieter out here, I’ll give you that.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the soft crunch of snow underfoot the only sound between them. Holly found herself glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, wondering how someone could be so completely at ease all the time.

“You did good tonight,” Jack said suddenly, his tone genuine.

Holly frowned. “Good at what?”

“At letting yourself enjoy the moment,” he said. “Even if it was just for a little while.”

Holly didn’t respond. She wasn’t sure how to, and the way Jack was looking at her—like he could see right through her defenses—was making her stomach twist in unfamiliar ways.

“Goodnight, Grinch,” Jack said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that lingered even after he walked away.

Holly stood there for a long time, staring at the snow-covered square and wondering why she suddenly felt so unsteady.

---

Holly’s dance with Jack leaves her shaken, forcing her to confront feelings she’s been avoiding—and the possibility that Snowfall Valley, and Jack, might be getting under her skin.