He smiled faintly. “That’s what you said about the coffee.”
Ivy snorted behind me, whispering something that sounded dangerously like“progress.”
Outside, the bells from the church tower began to ring in the distance, echoing across the snow-covered rooftops. And for the first time in days, I felt something like anticipation flicker in my chest.
“Right, um— I’ll, ah, meet you outside in an hour. I still need to close everything up here and… yeah. I’ll meet you out front.”
Oliver’s mouth curved into that small, warm smile that was becoming far too familiar.
“Sounds good,” he said softly. “Will give me a chance to… clean myself up and try not to embarrass myself on skates.”
“That would be ideal,” I managed, cheeks warming.
He let out a quiet laugh and gave a little wave, a simple gesture, but it sent a strange flutter through my chest. “See you shortly, Miss Hart.”
“See you soon,” I echoed.
He slipped out into the snow, the bell chiming gently behind him, leaving a trail of cold air and something warmer tangled in its wake. Before the door had even fully shut, Ivy was at my side.
“Well, isn’t this exciting,” she teased, crossing her arms with a grin far too pleased with itself. “You really think it’ll all be ‘harmless’ by tomorrow?”
I groaned. “Ivy…”
“Oh, don’t ‘Ivy’ me.” She bumped her shoulder into mine. “You’re going ice skating. Under the Christmas lights. In what is literally the most romantic setting this town has ever produced.”
“It’s not a date,” I insisted, even if I didn’t sound convinced. I wiped down a table, pretending far more focus than I actually had. “I’m just showing him more of the town.”
“Mmm-hmm. We’ll see about that tomorrow.” She smirked, leaning closer. “Bri, just admit it–you like him.”
My heart stuttered. “I do not.”
“What’s not to like though?” Ivy countered, eyebrows lifting. “He’s handsome, he’s clearly into you, he’s a businessman with good manners, and—” she waved vaguely toward the snowy windows “—he’s stuck here. Might as well use the time wisely.”
I shot her a look, cheeks warming despite myself.
“And,” she added triumphantly, pointing at my face, “you get that soft smile whenever he walks in. Yep. That one you’re doing right now.”
“I’m not—ugh, Ivy!”
She laughed, delighted. “Just wear something cute, okay? We want him to stay trapped here forever.”
“Ivy!”
She winked. “Accidentally on purpose, of course.”
I shook my head, turning back toward the counter to hide the blush heating my cheeks. But the truth pressed warm and unfamiliar against my ribs.
An hour. Just one hour. And I was already looking forward to seeing him again. The snow kept falling outside, soft and steady, as if the whole town had decided to hold its breath for whatever came next.
“I’ll finish closing up here,” she said, already waving me toward the stairs. “Go get yourself dolled up and ready! You don’t want him thinking you smell like flourallthe time.” She laughed, giving me a gentle push toward the door.
Chapter Eight
The hotel shower sputtered twice before it finally gave me something resembling warm water. I stood under it longer than necessary, letting the steam loosen the cold from my bones. Pine Hollow had a way of seeping into everything — my clothes, my lungs, my mood.
It wasn’t unpleasant. Just… unfamiliar.
I stepped out and wiped the mirror clear with the heel of my hand, staring at my reflection with a frown. My hair was a mess no matter how many times I ran my fingers through it, and the faint shadows beneath my eyes told me I had not been sleeping well. Too many late-night work calls, too many emails, and entirely too much time thinking about a certain baker who smiled like she had no right to.
