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Kaleb's hand wrapped around hers. No spark or deeper connection flew between them, but he enjoyed the few minutes speaking with her. She let go and sauntered away, her purse dangling from her arm.
Shaking his head, Kaleb suddenly realized he hadn't gotten her name, nor given his. He wondered if that was on purpose or if it was something else entirely.
Kaleb picked up the book again. He'd never considered women reading chick books to draw closer to God. He supposed it depended on the author and what they wrote about. There were some books he hoped his sister never picked up. But books like this? He flipped it over. He wanted Scarlet to read this author.
Skimming the back of the book, he paused as a pair of smooth chocolate eyes stared back at him. Kaleb's head snapped up, searching for the blond. She was Jewel Johansen, author of the book he'd gotten halfway through in a matter of an hour?
Kaleb scooped up the book and his mug. He downed the rest of his cold coffee, grabbed a few more of her books, and purchased them at the register. If a famous author made the time to sit and have an honest conversation with him, he'd do everything in his power to support her. And maybe, he'd see her around and thank her.
Chapter Eight
The sun had yet to set on the town of Winter Springs. Cinnamon rested her hand on Harper's arm. "Let's stop for a second." Closing her eyes, she allowed the rays of the sun to kiss her face. Even though it wasn't high in the sky, the warmth still cascaded over her.
"I love the winter months," Harper whispered, "but there's just something about the sun that brings me life."
"I couldn't agree more." Cinnamon opened her eyes and blinked, adjusting to the dim glow. "Maybe it's because we work at the Inn that summer is extra special."
"I think so." Harper started walking again. "Don't get me wrong. I love my aunt for leaving me Kris Kringle Inn, and Christmas has a special place in my heart now. But it's nice to celebrate the other holidays, too."
"I couldn't agree more."
Harper nudged her with her shoulder. "You've been awfully quiet about your date with Mayson."
Cinnamon groaned. "I wondered how long it would take you to bring that up."
"I waited for an hour. That's pretty good, wouldn't you say?" Harper laughed. "I mean, I withheld any questions during dinner. I didn't know if you'd want to talk about it with Noel around."
Cinnamon raised her shoulders. "It was a date." They continued to stroll along the main street of town. Harper's silence spoke volumes, as did Cinnamon's answer. She still didn't know how to feel about Mayson or their time together.
Her friend pointed to a bench. "Let's sit."
Cinnamon trailed behind Harper and sat next to her. What could she say to work out her own feelings?
"You don't seem all that excited about your time with Mayson." Harper shifted on the wooden seat to look at her.
"I don't know." Cinnamon blew out a long breath, her cheeks deflating. "He brought me lunch on Sunday and gave me a massage. My neck and shoulders have been tight since working at the farm. It was a quick chair massage, but it helped relax me."
"That's nice." Harper tilted her head. "And your date?"
"It was good. I mean, we laughed a lot, had good conversation, and spent hours together."
"But. . ."
"I don't know if I feel anything more than friendship for him." Cinnamon lifted her hand and let it fall. "There's nothing in me that says he's the one."
"I can understand that. Are you attracted to him at all?"
"I'm not repulsed by him, if that's what you mean." Cinnamon pursed her lips together. Mayson wasn't a bad looking man. He was the standard tall, dark, and handsome most women dreamed of.
Harper laughed. "Well, that's good, I suppose."
"It's just that, well, he isn't, or doesn't. . ." Cinnamon trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence.
"He isn't Kaleb," Harper answered for her in a soft tone.
Cinnamon blinked away the moisture burning behind her eyelids. "He isn't Kaleb," she repeated. "Why can't I move on from him?"
"Maybe you're not supposed to," Harper offered. "It's been a long time, and you've only just started a friendship with him again."
