He had that rugged, just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-still-unreasonably-hot thing going on. He had a rough voice that warmed her faster than cocoa ever could.
Cassidy hadn’t missed guys at all this past year. No dates, no kisses. In fact, she’d found her relationship with herself far more… satisfying… than it had been with Jean-Paul. But my God, this guy was something.
“Liam Hawthorne. I own the Hot Honey Farm Shop, across the street.” He outstretched his hand.
Of course. She knew who he was, and he was competing in the light-up contest too. Somehow, in a town this small, she hadn’t officially met him yet, but she’d heard he was absolutely determined to win.
So right now, he was Christmas Enemy Number One. Figured he was gorgeous.
“Oh.” She forced a smile. “Cassidy St. Clair. The Cocoa Corner.” She slipped her hand into his and desperately tried to ignore the warm buzzing sensation that traveled up her arm. But there was only room in her thoughts for the feel of his strong, warm hand cradled in hers. Cassidy forced herself to break the spell, pulling her hand back.
“I know who you are.” Liam slid both hands into his coat pockets.
She squared her shoulders, reminding herself she had a new life and a cocoa empire to build, kicking off with winning the Light-Up Display Competition.
Then their eyes met. His were not full of festive cheer, not at all. Her sunshine hit his storm cloud, and for a breath, everything stilled.
And she knew right then, her vow was in trouble.
TWO
LIAM
Sunday, November 30th
Liam hadn’t planned to end up standing in the snow, in front of a woman who looked like Christmas personified, but here he was.
She stared at him, wide-eyed, cheeks pink from the cold, messy blonde braid falling over her shoulder, barefoot, and holding a steaming mug like it was the answer to life’s problems. There was chocolate on her cheek—actual chocolate.
It would’ve been funny if it weren’t so ridiculous.
He swore under his breath. This was exactly what he didn’t need. A woman who looked like a holiday movie heroine, blue eyes bright with Christmas cheer. Like her soul was made of snow and cocoa with a dash of magic.
She was a walking holiday card. And he would rather walk barefoot over hot coals than get caught in that.
Because Christmas didn’t mean magic for him. Not anymore. It meant heartbreak and hollow traditions that made everyone else smile while he pretended to do the same.
Normally, Liam would drown out the holiday cheer with long runs and work on the family farm. He was the king of the Jingle Bell 5k, after all. But his hamstring had other ideas,tearing during last week’s training session. The injury had left him limping around with nothing but frustration and the town’s Light-Up Display Competition to tackle. At least that was one area where he could put his competitive nature to good use, even if it did mean he had to fake some Christmas joy. His farm shop was guaranteed to take first place. He was doing it for his family, who ran the local farm, and nothing was going to get in the way of that.
Especially not a newcomer like her.
It was all the dog’s fault. Five minutes ago, he’d been working late on woodwork in his farm shop, trying to pretend his hamstring wasn’t throbbing like hell, when a deep, cheerful woof echoed down the sleepy street. Normally, he’d have ignored it. But something had nudged at him—a sense that something wasn’t right.
He’d slightly limped to the window and peered out into the snow. And there she was.
Cassidy St. Clair. The new girl in town and the owner of the Cocoa Corner chocolate shop with that spiced cocoa everyone couldn’t wait to try.
Their shops were across the street from each other and she’d moved last month, but he hadn’t met her yet. He’d been busy helping his twin brother, Jackson, at the family farm, while his mom ran the shop. They’d only opened it at the beginning of November and everything they did really was a family affair. At the farm, the fall harvest rolled right into pumpkins and hayrides, then straight into selling Christmas trees. It had been nonstop, not much time for socializing.
But he’d heard all about her. Hell, she was now friends with all of his friends. His friend Zoe, who ran the local flower shop, had even added her to their group chat on WhatsApp. And Liam was sure he’d get on with her just fine, like he did with everyone.If only she weren’t obsessed with his least favorite time of year.Christmas.
So, given everything he’d heard about her festive spirit, perhaps it was for the best he hadn’t made it to any friend hangouts lately.
Christmas brought out the worst in him. The anniversary of the day his world fell apart was rolling around again. As much as he wanted to, he could never just smile and push through. He wished he could project the same carefree, life-of-the-party Liam everyone knew most of the year. Then there’d be no questions. No sympathy. But he simply couldn’t, and he also didn’t want to talk about why.
No one knew exactly how much pain this time of year caused him.
Well, no one except his best friend, Zach. It was freakish how well they read each other. Liam swore he knew him better than even his twin, Jackson.
