“It’s not like that. I’m…I’m trying to spend more time with Hal. I’m trying to show him that I’m committed to the town.” I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince Liam or myself.
“Don’t get me wrong—I think this is great. You’re not working over Christmas, you’re spending time with people in town, and you sound less stressed. But face it. You like her.”
I stayed quiet for a moment, thinking over Liam’s words. Did I sound less stressed? Was that because of Lily or something else? With Liam’s reaction, I knew I couldn’t tell him about the kiss. Thepracticekiss that I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about. That would give him more evidence. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know her,” I said. “But that’s all this is. I don’t want it toturn into anything more.”Because Lily deserves something—someone—better.
Liam’s voice turned more serious, which was unusual for him. “Keep an open mind, alright? You never know what might happen.”
I grunted noncommittally, which seemed to be enough for him.
“And, hey, if you need advice or tips, I’m your guy,” Liam added.
I held back a laugh, shaking my head. “You haven’t had the best track record with women. I don’t know if I trust your tips. Why don’t you tell me about what you’re up to on Christmas instead?”
Liam and I continued chatting as I finished getting ready.
Tonight, I opted for a long-sleeve, dark-green Henley shirt and pair of dark-wash jeans instead of my typical dress shirt and pants. I had on my usual coat, along with an extra hat and pair of gloves in case Lily forgot hers.
And then I left to meet Lily to check a couple more things off her list.
28
LILY
Gabe ended up being right.Everything went smoothly regarding the holiday orders, and I knew part of that was because he instilled the confidence in me that I could do it and that help wasn’t a bad thing.
Even though I hadn’t asked her, Tiffany stopped by, too. She said she couldn’t leave me hanging, and her husband insisted on staying with the kids so Tiffany could focus on helping. Luckily, Jack was feeling better. He’d miss the Christmas festival tonight, but Tiffany told me she’d bring Maddie.
My mom, Tiffany, and I took the lead on baking while Eliza and Jules packaged orders. Gabe had the order sheet and was double-checking everything, and he also helped me this morning when customers stopped by to pick up their orders.
I couldn’t believe it was already Christmas Eve. The month was flying by.
When Gabe had told me that people from across the state had placed orders, I didn’t believe it until I saw for myself.
I had orders from Golden Falls, of course, but there were also people coming in from surrounding towns. Sometimes even upwards of an hour away. I couldn’t describe how amazing it feltthat word was getting out about Purrfect Blend, and it made me more excited to try to find time to pursue the baking classes I’d been eyeing.
For the next week or so, however, I was taking a break. After all the orders were picked up this morning and volunteers from the animal shelter came by to pick up the cats, I closed Purrfect Blend for the week. I’d reopen after the new year.
At first, when I decided to take time off, a part of me realized it would be strange not seeing Gabe every day. Then I remembered I’d see him both tonight and tomorrow, and the ache in my chest lessened.
My eyes searched for him as I stood outside my apartment building. The cheers, laughter, and conversation from the Christmas festival echoed in the air, the event already in full swing. And the snow was coming down hard.
Since we’d gotten a decent snowfall, the festival included sledding, a gingerbread house building contest, and snow tubing, in addition to food, holiday music, and spots to sit around fire pits. The lake had frozen over and was safe to walk and ice skate on.
As I stood outside the building, I had to blink away the snowflakes that were floating down. Paired with the decorations, lights, and smell of hot chocolate, the ambiance was magical.
Once I saw Gabe, I straightened, a grin appearing on my face. It didn’t take him long to spot me, and his own smile spread across his lips. His gaze zeroed in on me, and I lifted both my hands to show off the two cups of peppermint hot chocolate. The one for me had a mountain of whipped cream, and the one for Gabe was more tame.
“You made it!” I exclaimed, rocking back and forth on my feet.
“And you’re prepared.” His smile stayed on his face as he nodded toward the drinks.
“They might not be as hot anymore, since it’s been a little bit, but the line gets crazy long. I didn’t want our first stop to be waiting. That’s not a good start to our night.” I handed him his hot chocolate. “This one should be less sweet, although I’m happy to share the whipped cream if you want. Or you could even have this one if you prefer.”
“The one you got me is perfect,” Gabe assured, his eyes softening. “Don’t worry so much, Sunshine. I’m fairly easy to please.”
That might have been true, but I wanted to give him what he wanted. I didn’t knowwhyI wanted to do that, but I did.
He didn’t take the hot chocolate right away, though. He eyed me, his eyes narrowing in on the top of my head, which by the feeling of it, likely hadlotsof snowflakes on it. “You have snow everywhere,” he said with a chuckle. “Did you forget your hat again?”
