He followed her to the counter, watching as she opened the glass case and pulled out a dome-shaped dark chocolate with a glossy, polished shell.
“I know the sea salt milk chocolate wasn’t your favorite,” Cassidy said, cupping the treat in her palms. “Try this one.”
“You must be a glutton for punishment,” Liam said with a smirk.
“You don’t understand. This is personal now. I’ve never not been able to pick the perfect chocolate for someone. You will not be my Achilles’ heel. Now go on—try it.”
He started to take a bite when she stopped him.
“Whole thing,” she advised. “Trust me. That way you get all the layers.”
He raised an eyebrow but obliged. “Alright. You’re the expert.”
He popped the chocolate in his mouth and bit down. The flavors burst across his tongue—it wasgood. Too good.
Cassidy was watching him like a hawk, eyes bright with anticipation.
“Chocolate… coffee… is that brandy?”
She beamed. “Exactly! It’s my mocha brandy truffle. So? What do you think?”
He hesitated. “It’s great. But… not quite my favorite.”
Cassidy slumped in mock defeat.
“Sorry,” Liam said with a sheepish shrug.
The truth was, Cassidy had nailed it the first time. That sea salt milk chocolate had nearly blown his mind.
Rich. Smooth. Unexpectedly complex.
But he couldn’t tell her that. Because the second he admitted she’d gotten it right, this little game would be over. And he wasn’t ready for that.
There was something very sexy about watching her work him out. The way her brow furrowed in concentration, the sparkle in her eyes. He’d never had anyone study him like that—not with curiosity and determination and a kind of joy that made his chest ache.
Her chocolates weren’t just good—they were something else. A whole different level. And yeah, maybe he hadn’t grown up with things like that. Maybe a part of him still believed he didn’t deserve them, or her.
But he wanted her. Badly.
“I will get it right,” she vowed, pointing at him like a challenge.
He gave her a slow smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”
And God help him, he really was.
Before she could respond, the bell above the door jingled and the mayor’s great-niece and personal assistant, Elsie, breezed in.
Elsie had heels that were too high for the ice outside and a coat that looked more New York than Maple Falls. She was all business, all the time, striding in like she had an agenda and everyone else better get out of her way. “Perfect!” she exclaimed, seeing them together. “I’m so glad I caught you both!”
Liam clocked the plastic bin tucked under her arm and braced himself. Whatever she had planned, he already suspected it wasn’t going to be good.
“I was just talking to Mayor Bloomfield,” she said, “and while he might not fully appreciate what I’m doing, you will.”
Her words were aimed at both of them, but only Cassidy was smiling.
“What are you working on?” Cassidy asked.
“An online, town-wide spotlight series,” Elsie explained, taking off the bin lid. “I want to feature every participating business in the Christmas Light-Up Display Competition. We’llpost cute write-ups and festive photos—social media gold. I even brought props!”
