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“I think the night was a huge success.” Candy packed up the rest of the baked goods into their plastic containers. “Just put these in the freezer for your next event.”
“How much do you think we raised?” Roni asked while cleaning up the leftover evergreens. They had made extra wreaths to sell in her booth the night of the Caroling Kickoff.
“At least four hundred,” Candy answered, closing her cashbox.
Roni grinned. “That’s really good. Let’s see if Jimmy can beat that.”
The bell rang again as the door opened.
Roni turned, ready to tell the visitor that they were closed for the evening, when Jimmy walked in.
Her smile fell as her chest squeezed. One day. She had hoped for one full day without seeing him. How was she ever going to put him out of her mind if he kept showing up everywhere?
“So, how’d you do?” he asked, walking over to the table with mistletoe bundles and picked one up.
“That will be one dollar.” She held out her hand.
“Cute.” He dug into his pocket, pulled out a dollar, and handed it to her. As she took it, her fingers brushed his, sending warmth rushing through her. His gaze met hers and held for a long moment. Had he felt it too?
Her heart stuttered in her chest.
“I think you should hang this right here.” He turned and grabbed a chair, then hung the mistletoe over the front door. “There. What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect,” Candy said, smiling. “Hi, I’m Candy.” She walked toward him, holding out her hand.
“Hi, Candy, I’m Jimmy.”
“I know.” She grinned, then turned to Roni and gave her a hug. “I will see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.”
“I’m out of here too,” Brianna said and followed Candy with a wreath on her arm.
Roni watched them walk to their cars as Jimmy walked over to Spooky and petted him. Spooky purred and pushed his head under his hand.
Roni scowled. Why did her cat, who didn’t like anyone, likehim? It made no sense. “We made four hundred dollars tonight. You’re going to have your work cut out for you tomorrow. Are you ready?”
He smiled and turned to her, still petting Spooky. “I am. I’m offering Christmas pictures for people with their pets. You should bring Spooky by.”
“Really?” That actually wasn’t a bad idea.
“Yep. I have a great spot set up in front of the Christmas tree, and for an extra fee, I will paint their photos.”
She nodded. “Nice touch. Do you have anyone signed up?”
“I do. It’s going to be an exciting night. Owen has agreed to come by to help me, and Jenni is bringing some of her dogs.”
“The traitors,” she said under her breath.
He stepped toward her. “I thought maybe you’d want to come too. After all, it’s for a good cause.”
“It is, and we appreciate it, but I’m not helping the competition. Besides, we’re making Christmas ornaments tomorrow.”
“Ornaments. Wow, you guys are going all out.”
She gave him the side-eye. “This is one competition I don’t intend to lose.”
He moved toward her, stepping really close, then leaned down and smiled. “And if you do lose?”
