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“I’m Sebastian, by the way. I forgot to introduce myself with all the...” I trail off before bringing the conversation full circle to the embarrassing encounter moments ago.
“I’m–” She extends a hand, ready to shake mine as I interrupt.
"Sophie." I grin, loving the taste of her name as it rolls off my tongue. I grasp her hand, and a spark of holiday hope tingles up my arm. "Parker filled me in on all the shop owners."
She eyes me quizzically. I offer her the gift box filled with assorted chocolate truffles and fudge. She hesitates a split second too long before tentatively fingering the embossed silver sticker at the corner of the box.
“I’m Fudgeballs across the way.” Her frown deepens as another worry mark crosses her forehead. “I should’ve made the rounds to introduce myself when I opened, but business kept me from–”
“You’re Fudgeballs?” Her voice wavers as a tinge of heat and irritation floods her cheeks. “Is this some recon mission, Fudgeballs? Taking all my customers isn’t enough for you? You have to come here and rub it in?”
Rub it in?
It takes a second for her words to soak in. I glance over my shoulder at the sign above my little chocolatier factory. It glistens as a ray of sunshine lights the sky, sparking joy in my heart. Joy she threatens to take away with her accusation. I’m not here to ruin her or overshadow her business. I’m proud of the headway I’ve made with Fudgeballs. I’ve worked hard to make it my own. I won’t apologize for that.
“I take it, I’m the shiny new toy.”
THIS MEANS WAR
CHAPTER 2
***
Sophie
The bell above the shop door tinkles as Sebastian meets my glare with a frown.
“Morning, Miss Sophie.” Mr. Jack slips inside quietly. His eyes dart from Sebastian to me as he removes his ball cap and fists it to his chest. “I hope I’m not interruptin’. I can come back later.”
“Not at all, Mr. Jack. Come in out of the cold.” I shoot Sebastian another glare, secretly wishing my headband shot superhero laser beams. “Sebastian was just leaving. Isn’t that right, Sebastian?”
“Ah, yes. That’s my cue. Gotta get back to the store to buff and polish the shine.” Sarcasm drips from his lips like sticky sweet honey. He shoots me a cool stare before addressing Mr. Jack with sincere warmth. “Good to see you, Mr. Jack. Stop by Fudgeballs when you get a chance. I have hot cocoa to warm you on such afrigidday.”
Sebastian places a palm on the door to leave but pauses before getting in one last jab. His lips widen into a cheery, syrupy sweet smile that can only be for show.
“That look you’re going for...” He glances toward the window and my pathetic box of holiday decor. “Nailed it.”
