The more time I spend with her, the more intrigued I become. She's more than I bargained for, and it fascinates me. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is about her that I find so attractive. Maybe it’s the entire package that I find appealing—her good looks, openness, energy, fun-loving personality, and intelligence—it all justworksfor me. She feels familiar, like coming home after years of being away, but she also takes me by surprise. I never know what to expect. She keeps me on my toes, just like the people I chase or the missions I go on. It’s the same kind of thrill.
Except Lacee’s not trying to kill me.
FIFTEEN
LACEE
December 20
There’ssomething magical about being back in my hometown for Christmas. It’s like walking onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie that Hansel and Gretel are the stars of. A blanket of snow covers everything. Strands of lights and garlands adorn every gingerbread-style building. Kids pull sleds behind them, climbing up the small hills in the center of town. The community choir stands under the gazebo, singing classic Christmas songs while tourists stroll along the street, walking in and out of the charming stores and restaurants.
When I’m in Leavenworth, I start to wonder why I ever left. Life seems so easy and straightforward here. All the complicated things have been stripped down, leaving only what really matters, and it’s nice. I can finally exhale all the stressful things I’ve been holding onto for so long. But the feeling can’t last.I have responsibilities I need to get back to that are completely opposite from my life here. But one day, it would be nice to slow things down a bit and try living a simpler life.
The bell above the door at the candy shop rings as it swings open, and Park steps inside. He glances around the store, giving me a chance to study him before he sees me.
He’s dressed casually today like he was when I first met him at the mall. He has jeans on with a navy blue Henley shirt. The first few buttons are undone, showing a white crew neck t-shirt below. Over all that, is a brown insulated puffer jacket. And then there’s his dark hair, styled with more volume than I’ve ever dared dream about. I might have to raid his bathroom cupboard later just to see what hair products he uses.
Needless to say, Park looks handsome. I’m fighting the urge to take him out back, shove an axe in his hand, and force him to chop firewood so I can sit and watch him do it. I have a feeling he’d look ridiculously sexy carrying a log over his shoulder like some kind of lumberjack. Just add some flannel and the fantasy is complete.
I smile as I watch him look around the store. When his eyes land on me, everything about him lights up like a Christmas tree. That one look has my stomach swirling more than a peppermint candy.
Our gazes stay locked as he makes his way through the crowd.
“Can I help you?” A playful smile covers my lips.
Park rests his arms against the counter, leaning into me. He smells amazing, like two-parts sandalwood, one-part frankincense, with a dash of wild orange—I should know the formula of his scent. I’m a chemist.
“I was wondering if there’s a cute redhead that could show me around town.” His blue eyes flirt with me as he talks. I didn’t know eyes could do that, but he’s got a real talent for it.
“You must have a thing for redheads.” I smirk.
“It’s a new interest.”
“I see.” Slowly my smile widens. “You’re in luck. I have two sisters that might be interested.” I spin around like I’m about to ask Erika and Cassi, but Park grabs the sleeve of my shirt, pulling me back to him.
“I should’ve given you more details,” he says, with a teasing smile. “I’m looking for a redhead with bangs that doesn’t know how to screw the lid of her water bottle on tightly and has a passion for chemical reactions.”
I lean into him. The candy counter is between us, but our faces are only a few inches apart. “That’s strangely specific.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
I hold his stare for a second because why would anyone look away from this beautiful man?
My mom pops her head in between our staredown, startling me. “Park, I didn’t know you were stopping by the shop.”
He steps back, shifting his smile to her. “I came to see Lacee.”
“Well, what do you think of the candy store?” My mother rolls her shoulders back with pride.
“I think it’s amazing.” He glances around. “And judging by how busy it is, everyone else seems to love it too.”
“This is nothing. Wait until next week. We’ll have a line so long it will be out the door and down the sidewalk.”
Park’s brows raise. “That’s crazy.”
“Come back to the kitchen and say hello to Bruce.”
“That’s okay, Mom.” I quickly untie my apron and then walk around the counter to Park. “We’ve got a lot to do today.” I tug on his arm, pulling him toward the door.
