He stood, brushing snow from his jeans. “I’m just saying, that sweater is a lot.”
“At least I’m not hiding behind ‘bah humbug’ to avoid Christmas.”
That wiped the smile from his face, his jaw tightening as he looked away, the warmth he’d shown Muff retreating as quickly as it had come.
“Sorry,” Cassidy said, seeming to realize she’d hit a nerve. “It’s just… this place… this competition, it matters to me. I’m just getting started, and if someone’s out there destroying things?—”
Muff barked once, as if to break the tension, and he ruffled her ears one last time before stepping back.
“I really don’t think it’s that deep. The wind could’ve taken Emily’s tree. Or it’s a bunch of bored teens messing around. As for Mr. Alders…” He paused, then smiled. “He probably just misses Rita. He had a soft spot for her.”
“Sure, take his side. I can see how you two would get along,” she grumbled.
“Trust me. He’s one of the kindest people in town. A little cranky, sure, but harmless.”
Cassidy wasn’t convinced.
Liam took another sip of coffee, watching her. “But… if it turns out that the man’s on a holiday rampage, I’ll be the first to help you take him down.”
That earned him a reluctant grin.
“Promise?”
He sighed. “Promise.”
She hesitated, then nudged his boot with the toe of hers. “Thanks, I appreciate it. Even if you are a traitor to holiday fun.”
“Oh, I’ve got plenty of time for fun,” he said, his voice dropping half an octave, eyes locked on hers. “Just depends on the kind of games we’re playing.”
The air between them pulsed with heat, visible even in the cold.
Cassidy rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You like it,” he said, letting the corner of his mouth curl just slightly.
She reached down to scratch Muff’s ears, looking away before she gave in to the urge to move closer to those lips.
SIX
LIAM
Monday, December 1st
“Oh, since I’ve got you here, do you have a second to pop in real quick?” Cassidy asked, looking up from her dog.
Liam looked a little surprised. “I suppose so. Zach’s over at the farm shop untangling some lights for me.”
“This will just take a second, promise.”
Warm air, rich with the scent of melted chocolate and warming spices, wrapped around them as she held the door open. He followed in behind Muff, realizing just then how much he missed having a dog around.
His yellow Lab, Chance, had passed away last year. Liam had debated getting a puppy, but with all the work at the farm and opening a new shop, it wouldn’t be fair to the pup. In the end he’d decided to wait. But seeing Muff had him rethinking that decision.
A soft instrumental version of“Silver Bells”played in the background while the pup dashed through the kitchen and directly upstairs to the apartment.
“Over here, if you please.” She waved him to the front counter.
“Well, now you’ve really got me intrigued,” he said.
