Page 6 of Christmas Magic

Nooooooooo!

Molly’s heels clicked on the floor again. “How about if we save the cat sing-along for home?”

“Yes,” Lucian said. “We don’t want to discourage customers. My grandfather is depending on us to sell antiques while he’s away.”

When none of the felines began singing, Lucian exhaled in relief.

Paper rustled. Stealing a glance, he saw Molly standing at the dining room table where earlier, he’d set a cardboard box packed with glass ornaments from the 1950s and a three-foot-tall artificial tree. Another box beside her contained Christmas china.

Clearly enjoying the music, Molly hummed while she unwrapped the ornaments to hang on the tree.

He smiled. She’d told him the other night how much she enjoyed the holiday season, and he loved seeing her happy. Her eyes, the color of a cloudless Florida sky, shone when she experienced happiness. Her smile—so generous and beautiful—made his heart feel light in his chest. He’d never get tired of sliding his fingers into her silky blond hair, gently tipping her head back, and kissing her until they were both breathless.

Lucian returned his attention to the garland. Truth be told, he didn’t dislike Christmas tunes for their melodies. Holiday music reminded him of being twelve years old, not long after his parents had been killed in a car accident in England. His grandfather, who’d taken him in, had thought piano lessons would help Lucian manage his emotional turmoil. But, he hadn’t been able to concentrate. One of the first songs he’d been given to learn was “Jingle Bells.” After several frustrating sessions, he’d quit.

While he and Molly had talked about their pasts, he hadn’t told her about his lessons. One day he would. For now, he’d rather she enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and her decorating.

Reaching down for tape, Lucian secured another section of garland.

As he started on the next swag, a slim woman with cropped white hair and scarlet lipstick stopped in the window. The large rings on her fingers sparkled as she waved at him.

Cora.

The wealthy widow and town “cougar.”

“Uh-oh,” Galahad meowed from the Edwardian chair.

“Mmm.” Lucian’s gut tightened. Cora knew he was engaged. The older woman had made it clear, though, she was still very interested in him—and always would be, especially if he broke up with Molly.

That wasn’t happening. Not under any circumstances.

He loved Molly. He was going to marry her, and he’d cherish her until he drew his last breath.

But, Cora was one of the store’s best customers and knew a lot of folks not just in Cat’s Paw Cove, but the Central Florida area. So, Lucian smiled and waved back.

Galahad hissed. “Don’t encourage her.”

“He can’t ignore Cora. She’s a client.” The ornament Molly had been holding clattered on the table. “Whew. It didn’t break.”

Lucian secured more garland and looked again at the street. Cora was still there.

Her gaze wandered over him. Hellfire. She stared at him as if he were naked—or she imagined him in the altogether.

“Ho ho ho,” Galahad said.

“Be quiet,” Lucian muttered.

A plump, gray-haired woman—Roberta Millingham—approached Cora. Both women belonged to the Cat’s Paw Cove Historical Society and several other local non-profit organizations. A moment later, deep in their conversation, Cora and Roberta strolled off together.

His shoulders lowering in relief, Lucian angled his body to affix the last of the garland.

“A Holly Jolly Christmas”started playing; a very perky rendition.

Argh. What excuse could he find to leave the store for a while? He didn’t want to ruin Molly’s festive cheer, but he needed a break.

“A little more to the left,” Molly called to him.

The left? The top of the wardrobe was in the way. “I don’t understand.” He glanced at her for clarification, to find her eyeing his rear.