“Maybe she’s a secret holiday lover,” Nina says. “Ooh, I bet she watches all the Hallmark holiday movies too.”
“Actually, her grandmother used to hit the after-Christmas sales,” I explain, putting an end to their speculating.
“She did?” Willow asks, her forehead creasing. “How do you know that?”
“She told me.”
Willow studies me, the creases deepening, but before she can speak, there’s a knock at the door. I expect to see a customer who missed the closed sign, but it’s Reed.
Nina unlocks the door and lets him inside.
“Hey! Did I get here late enough to miss the decorating?” he asks, looking hopeful.
Willow snorts. “Not even close.”
“Dammit.” He snaps his fingers. “At least it smells amazing here.”
“Pumpkin bars,” I say.
His eyebrows lift. “Edibles?”
“Not for you.”
“Says who?” he asks, looking wounded.
“Says me. They’re for my shop. You can purchase one if you’d like.” I smirk. “I’ll sell you one for an early buy, but it’ll cost you double.”
“I bet Ginger will give me one,” he says.
“Not gonna happen,” I tell him. “Sit your ass down before I kick you out.”
Reed blows out a puff of air. “Like you could.”
“We can tie Reed to a chair with some garland,” Willow suggests.
“Will, you don’t need an excuse to tie me up.” Reed winks at her.
She rolls her eyes. “Keep your fantasies to yourself.”
Ginger steps out from the kitchen and walks around behind the counter. “Twenty more minutes to go on the baking.”
“Hey, Ginger.”
“Hey, Reed.”
“I’m volunteering to be your taste tester.”
She smiles, shaking her head. “Your brother already has that job.”
I grin, pointing to my chest. “Quality control manager right here.”
Reed makes a sound of disbelief. “Self-appointed titles don’t hold any weight.”
Ginger comes over and hands me a plate of cookies. “To tide you over.” She then glances at Reed. “You'd better ask my quality control manager if you can have some.”
I grin at her, happy to have a co-conspirator in giving Reed a hard time.
“Ginger, have I ever told you you’re my favorite baker in the whole world?” Reed asks.
