“What?” she asked, walking over to the counter. “Why do you look devastated?”
“No reason. I just remembered I’ve got one more package to tape up, and then we should be set for the UPS guy’s last pickup.”
I made my way toward the back room where shelves were lined with herbs, extracts, and boxes ready for shipping.
We’d finally had a little lull in customers and could get caught up. “If it wasn’t for you working here, I don’t know what I’d do,” I called to my sister.
“You’d be just fine.” Holly followed me into the back room with the packing tape I forgot to grab. “But you might need this.” She placed the tape on the workbench and took a step back. “Something’s up with you.” Her brown eyes narrowed on me. “You’re distracted.”
I glanced at the packing slip, double-checked what I put in the box, and sealed it with tape. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Besides, I’m not the one who missed that our tree went up in smoke.”
The thought put Chance firmly back in my mind, and I held in a groan. Why did he have to be so cute? Why did the next man who walked into my store have to look like he walked off the pages of GQ?
“See? Now I see you smiling to yourself,” Holly chided. “Spill the beans or I’ll find out some other way. I could go to the town librarian. She knows all.”
“Seriously, there’s nothing to tell.” I walked past my sister and left her alone in the back room to mull over her next plan of attack as I stuck the last package on top of the other boxes.
I was surprised at how many online orders we’d gotten over the holidays. I knew I loved tea, but I didn’t know so many others did too.
“Are you going to the Polar Bear Dip thingy?” Holly asked, reappearing in the shop right behind me.
“That’s tomorrow, right?”
She nodded and went over to the shelves to check stock on each flavor.
“The whole town shuts down so I was thinking I can’t be the only one to stay open.”
“Jewels asked for my help.”
“Your help with what?”
“It’s a surprise.” She winked.
“Those always go over well.”
“It’s all for charity so it can’t go wrong.” She twisted her mouth into a pout. “So what did you think of Chance?”
“He seemed nice.” I shrugged, not wanting to divulge that I couldn’t get him out of my head.
“Just nice?” Her brows knitted together.
I watched a car parallel park out front with two women inside who glanced at my shop. So much for the lull, but I couldn’t ask for anything better. Maybe I really would get to expand my store someday.
“Extremely nice to look at.” I smiled and felt my cheeks flush.
“Well, at least I know you still have a pulse.”
“When have I ever given you the impression I don’t have a beating heart?” Both hands immediately whipped to my hips.
“Do you really want me to answer that?”
“Probably not.” My laugh turned to a sigh. “He is cute but . . .”
“He’s gorgeous,” she interrupted, her eyes as wide as saucers.
“But,” I continued. “I don’t have time for something that’s not going to go somewhere, and I really don’t have time for something that is.”
“I don’t think that’s the reason at all.” She propped her elbows on the counter and watched the two women talking outside on the sidewalk. “With everything that you’ve been through, I think you’re afraid.”
“I’m not exactly afraid, maybe timid . . . but what I am excited about is how beautiful our store is, and that’s where I want to keep my focus.” I loved how Holly and I had decorated the shop for Christmas, and even without the tree, the place screamed holidays.
We had garlands strung on each shelf, white Christmas lights hanging in the window, and a family of snowmen in the far corner. We only had a couple small tables where people could enjoy tea and pastries, but each of them had a small red poinsettia in the middle.
Besides, I knew I couldn’t tell her my plan until I’d already found a man to agree to it. She wouldn’t understand my motives and would try to talk me out of it.
“We make a good team.”
“We do,” Holly said softly. “But I don’t want you to keep thinking that all men—”
The Gods were alive and well in my world, and the two women finally wandered into our store, cutting off my dear sister.
My sister immediately offered to make each of them a cup of tea to sample, and they eagerly accepted just as our UPS man, Danny, came to pick up the last of the packages.
The hustle and bustle of the season was alive once more.
“What a wonderful shop,” one of the women told Holly. “It smells divine in here.”
“Doesn’t it?” Holly agreed as she made each of them a cup of tea. “My sister has a real knack for blending herbs and flowers.”
I didn’t want to mention it was probably more burned pine tree than anything, but I appreciated their enthusiasm.
I turned to Holly and smiled. She was an amazing sister, and I didn’t know what I’d ever do without her.
“Is this all you’ve got for me, Maddie?” Danny asked.
“That’s it. I’m sorry for making you come back twice. Would you like some tea?”
“I still have some from earlier, but really, it’s my pleasure. I’ll come back as often as you’d like.” He winked at me and turned around, wheeling the stack of boxes out of my tea shop.
“Thanks.” I gave a quick wave, even though he couldn’t see it, and wandered over to help our customers. It was always fun to watch the reaction of customers as they sniffed different teas and tried to guess what made up the blend.
“I really think he might have a crush on you,” Holly whispered as the two women sniffed away on teas.
“Doubtful,” I said, dismissing my sister’s observation. “Just because you’re making a love connection, doesn’t mean the whole world is.”
She giggled as another group of customers came in, and I realized Danny could have been my target, but somehow it was Chance who wandered in last night. I shook away all thoughts about Chance and focused on the endless stream of customers until I turned the Open sign to Closed, and I was ready to collapse.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the Polar Bear Dip, right?” Holly asked, wrapping a scarf around her neck.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“I think one of Nick’s past girlfriends might be showing up.” Holly crinkled her nose in disgust.
“No way.” I shuddered at the thought. “Not that one that came here that one day…”
“Yup. That’s the one. Andrea.” The name slithered off my sister’s tongue.
“Ick. I’ll definitely be there for back up.”
“I knew I could count on you.” She zipped up her coat. “Are you going to stay long?”
“Nope. I’ll just see if any other orders came in while we were helping customers and shoot out of here after.”
“Want me to stay with you?”
“Nah. Go remind Nick why he’s with you before his evil ex comes for another visit.”
“No problem there.” My sister wiggled her brows, and I laughed as she scrambled out of the store in a hurry.
I wondered what it would be like to be that infatuated with someone. Granted, Chance kept popping into my head since last night, but that was just a one-off encounter, a fun flirtation with a man who saved my livelihood. It wasn’t like it was going to go anywhere. I had a business to grow, a house to take care of, and . . .
I was sure there was something else I had to do.
Besides, if he was headed to Portland, what was the point . . . which was precisely why he was the perfect man after all to help me with my experiment. It could go one of two ways. He could be a total dirtbag, which would only solidify my theory on men, or he could be the one guy who shows me that not all men are inconsiderate fools.
/> Wow!
Was that really how I felt? That sounded kind of harsh, but it wasn’t like I’d had the best of luck.
I glanced around my cozy little shop and let out a happy sigh. This place felt right. It felt like home. That was one thing I noticed between Nick and Holly. It was like when they were together, they were home. I suppose if I were to ever take the plunge that would be a goal to have, but I wasn’t a knight in shining armor kind of girl. In fact, I prided myself on just how uninterested I was in the opposite sex. It had worked out well since arriving on Fireweed. I had a booming business and a happy life without the drama I’d left behind.
So why did I want to rock the tea shop and take on a social experiment that could go terribly wrong?
Noticing a couple of overnight orders that would need to be picked up in the morning, I grabbed a few tins and began filling the orders when the little bell on my door rang.
I looked up to see Chance coming inside and a few butterflies crashed around inside my stomach.
“Hey, Chance. Coming to start more fires?” I teased.
“Well . . .” He smiled and his brows rose suggestively.
“What is it about you?” I laughed. “Weird things just spill out when I’m around you.”
“Freudian slips.”
“You wish.” I poured an ounce of gingerbread tea into a baggy.
“Probably.” He nodded and waited until I looked up at him. “I was kind of hoping I could convince you to have dinner with me.” He drew in a deep breath. “Tonight.”
Chapter Four
“Tonight?” I fastened the lid back on. “Like tonight, tonight?”
He nodded. “I think it’s the only tonight there is. Besides, I got tired of waiting for your call.”
I held in a chuckle as a few seconds of silence passed between us. Dinner would give me the perfect opportunity to offer up my proposition.
“So how about it?” His eyes searched mine expectantly, and the familiar flutter from moments before came back in full force.
“Ummm.” And so did my inability to use my words.
“I’ve already made reservations at Island Bluff for seven.”
“Island Bluff?” My eyes widened, and I glanced down at my outfit. Island Bluff was one of the most upscale restaurants on Fireweed. “I don’t think I’m dressed for—”
Chance’s expression fell and so did my heart. He actually seemed disappointed.
“But at least I’m not in sweats.”
“So is that a yes?” He walked around the counter and my pulse spiked.
“I’d love to if—”
I glanced at my last packing slip to complete.
“If I could just fill this last order before we leave. It will only take a few minutes. Two of them are overnight orders and UPS will come at ten and . . .” Panic began to rise, but it had nothing to do with the orders, and everything to do with the man in front of me.
“Take a deep breath.” He smiled, and I melted slightly in place. “All will be fine and, of course, take your time. Can I help with anything?”
“I’m good. I just have to measure the tea.”
For some reason, I relaxed the moment he said that.
But now, I don’t feel quite so certain about my plan. I mean how would I go about bringing it up over dinner?
“Okay.” His voice snapped me back as he watched me walk over to the shelves of tea. “I’ll be here if you need anything.”
“Yup. I’ll be sure to ask if I do.” I scanned each label and found the three teas I needed.
“I’m pretty good at measuring,” he offered.
I held in a giggle. “Is that so?”
I grabbed the last canister and made my way to the counter.
“Yup. I’m actually pretty handy with many things.”
“Good to know.” I slid the tins across the counter and grabbed three plastic sleeves to pour the tea into. “So you’re visiting Jake and Jewels for a few days?”
He leaned against the counter and his eyes fastened on mine. They were a really beautiful blue.
In a platonic sort of way.
“Yeah. I had a few things my mom wanted me to drop off for him, and I’m helping Jake with a few projects.”
“Jake’s such a nice guy.” I continued to pour the tea into a baggy.
“I’m even nicer.” He flashed a devastating smile in my direction, and I quickly dropped my gaze back to the tea.
“Are you sure about that?” I asked.
“Positive.”
I opened one of the tins, and cinnamon and citrus filled the air.
“That smells amazing.”
“Thanks. It’s one of my favorites.” I felt his gaze on me, but I stayed staring at the tea.
“I can see why.”
I quietly measured more tea and glanced up at Chance, surprised to see him still watching me.
“What?” I asked, putting the lid back on the tin.
“It’s fun to see someone in action who loves what they do.”
“I’m just measuring tea.” I pulled the next canister toward me and opened the lid. This one was a cranberry and vanilla tea.
“You care about it.”
I looked up and his eyes fastened on mine. I felt an unexpected charge run between us.
“I do.” I nodded, closing up the last tin. “I love my store and I can’t thank you enough for saving it.”
I put the tea in a box with the packing slip and quickly stuck the tape on the top of the box.
“Okay, all set.”
“Perfect.” He held out his arm, and I quickly grabbed my purse and wrapped my arm around his as he led me out of my shop. It was impossible not to notice how firm and defined his arm muscles felt.
“Do you want to walk?” he asked.
“Sure. It’s easier than trying to find parking.”
The chill of the air nipped at my cheeks, and I noticed I’d moved closer to Chance as he led me down the sidewalk. With every step forward, I felt more at ease. The idea of him headed out of state was kind of liberating. I didn’t have to worry about what to say or where anything would lead because I already knew the answer.
Nowhere.
The store windows twinkled festively from lights thoughtfully hung, wreaths dangled from lampposts, and leftover snow on the planters and benches looked like dollops of whipped cream had been dropped off by Santa and his elves. The whole town looked like one big gingerbread city, and I loved it.
By the time we reached the restaurant, my feet were cold and my fingers were frozen. The warmth inside washed over me as we stood by the fireplace, waiting for the hostess to return. I glanced at Chance and wondered if I really had enough nerve to do what I was about to do.
The hostess returned and Chance gave her his name.
“Right this way.” She led us to a private room where only a few other tables had been seated. The views from this room were amazing and generally only used for special occasions.
As I took the menu, I glanced up at Chance and wondered why we were sitting here in this room. I knew he had to have specifically requested the table.
The hostess walked away and I leaned into the table.
“Are we celebrating something I’m not aware of?”
His mouth opened slightly and his lip twitched. “That your shop is still standing.”
“That is a celebration I can get behind.” I nodded.
“And this table has the best view of the Christmas boat parade, which starts in less than ten minutes.”
I craned my neck and saw several boats lining up for the festivities. Even though I lived in a coastal town, I had yet to witness the magical parade of boats decked with Christmas lights and decorations. I was usually at the shop closing down when the dazzling boats covered in red, green, white, and blue twinkling lights floated along the shoreline.
“I’ve never seen it.” I brought my eyes back to his. “This will be quite the treat.”
“Yes, it will. Between stea
k and bobbing Christmas décor, life can’t get much better.”
The server came and took our drink orders, and I turned my attention back to the menu.
A steak did sound good, and I fully planned on buying this meal since he was the one who saved my entire world from going up in flames.
“Everything sounds delicious.”
“The rib eye is incredible,” he informed me. “Especially if you order the juniper cognac sauce.”
“Then that’s what I’ll have.” I closed the menu and the server wandered back to our table.
We both ordered our meals, and Chance added two appetizers that sounded delicious. I’d have to be rolled out of here at this rate.
“This is a wonderful end to a crazy twenty-four hours. Thank you for stopping by my shop tonight.” The server delivered a glass of red wine and I took a sip. “This is exactly what the food fairy ordered.”
A glint of amusement shot through his eyes.
“How did you know I would be there?”
“I was in the neighborhood so I thought why not give it a try . . .” He shrugged and took a sip of his martini.
“Not hard to do when the town is this small.”
“Bigger than Hound Island.” He straightened up in his chair.
“I think just about anywhere is bigger than your island.”
Muffled Christmas songs vibrated through the windows as the boats began making their way around the water.
“It’s starting.” I took a sip of wine and watched the first boat kick off the beautiful parade.
It wasn’t one of the biggest boats in the line, but it had the most lights by far. Every railing, deck, window and platform was twinkling as they blew their horn and floated by. Each boat had its own theme and it was truly beautiful.
“I’m so glad I’m finally getting to see this,” I pointed at the big blowup Santa lit up on the passing boat.
“Now that takes some ingenuity,” Chance said, watching the boat chug by with a gigantic Saint Nick.
“Oh, my gosh.” I pointed at the final boat. “Look how cute that dingy is.”
“Now that’s a boat I can get behind,” Chance laughed as we watched the tiny four-seater drift by.
“Boats are so much maintenance. I’m just not a boat person. I like to look at them though.” I thought back to my last three experiences sailing at sea. I was definitely not a sailor.
Chance at Love on Mystic Bay (Island County Series Book 6) Page 3