Sweet Montana Christmas

by Casey Dawes

  This process was one of the more temperamental in the business. A shock to the chocolate could produce some unwelcome results. Her old boss had refused to make chocolate when a thunderstorm was anticipated. He swore it damaged the chocolate every time.

  Her chocolate had to be perfect.

  She stared at the gleaming machine with pride. Today they were going to make their first batch of truffles, a significant step on her way to becoming the best chocolate shop in Montana.

  Grinning, she pulled out one of the bags of chocolate coins she’d ordered. The pieces of already tempered chocolate would provide the seed for the new batch she was making. A second bag went on the counter next to the first.

  “It came!” Julie said as she walked into the kitchen. “Sweet.”

  “Hopefully, it will be.”

  “What if it doesn’t work?” Julie frowned. “I mean, things do go wrong, don’t they?”

  “We’re going to concentrate on making the best damn chocolate in the state. That’s the only way we’re going to succeed.” She handed Julie her apron. “No thinking about anything else!”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Julie saluted her and laughed. “If we can’t have fun making sweets, then there will be something seriously wrong with us, right?”

  “It’s the secret ingredient, you know,” Sue Anne said. “Happiness. Chocolate could solve all the world’s problems if only leaders would see it that way. Imagine. We could drop truffles instead of bombs on all the countries we’re fighting.”

  A rain of sweet joy would turn hatred into friendship, wouldn’t it?

  When she ruled the world, that’s exactly what she would do.

  “Earth to Sue Anne,” her friend said. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Can you get the trays ready?” They’d cleaned and dried the trays in the days before the anticipated arrival of the machine. Sue Anne’s pulse picked up as she readied the chocolate. They were making the chocolate molds for truffles and would insert the fillings once the chocolate hardened. Any person who bit into one of their confections would have a better day.

  As the chocolate swirled back and forth, heating to the correct temperature, she stared at the paddle, caught between contentment and wonder, the bittersweet aroma tickling her nostrils. Would she be able to make this store a success?

  “Here are the trays.” Julie clunked them on the center table, along with a few pastry brushes. “How’s the chocolate?”

  “Coming along.” After all the rushing over the last few weeks to get the shop ready, making candy seemed too calm a process. They had plenty of time to experiment with different flavors, choosing the ones they liked best before the soft opening in a few weeks.

  “What are we going to do for marketing without Reed?” Julie leaned against the counter as they waited for the mixture to cool. “Couldn’t you have broken up with him but let him run marketing? He seemed to know what he was doing. Besides, he was more eye candy to have around.”

  “You can’t really think that would work.”

  Although, Julie was right about one thing. Reed, with his blond hair, blue eyes, and square jaw, was ruggedly handsome in a Hollywood kind of way, kind of like a perfectly made truffle. But when she’d bitten into the center, the taste had been rancid.

  “I’ll figure it out,” she added. “I took a few marketing classes in school. And I’m joining a businesswomen’s network in town. They’ll help me make contacts. In a town like this, word of mouth is critical.”

  The thermometer indicated a few more minutes. She had time to tackle the issue that was bothering her.

  “Why the fascination with Reed?” She studied Julie.

  Her partner looked away from her stare.

  “You’re welcome to him,” Sue Anne continued, “but he’s pretty controlling in his own way. Problem is, he doesn’t do it in a way that’s easy to figure out.” He used his charms laced with a bit of sarcasm to get his way.

  “Oh, I don’t know. He’s not really interested in me. I guess he thinks you’re the better catch.” There was a hitch in her voice.

  Shit. Was her ex going to cause problems in her shop?

  Sue Anne glanced at the machine. The temperature was perfect. No more minutes for a heart-to-heart right now.

  The women worked rapidly to get the first layer of chocolate in the molds before placing them in the freezer to set. Once they were there, Sue Anne grabbed a couple of mugs and poured coffee from the pot she’d made that morning.

  “I need to let Sugar out. We can sit at the kitchen table while we wait.”

  A thud against one of the front windows startled her, and she almost dropped her mug. Setting it down, she strode into the front room. Two young boys were pressed against the windows, their hands shading their eyes as they peered in. They looked like they were in grade school, but she wasn’t really apt at telling kids’ ages.

  As soon as they spotted her, they backed off, but she grinned at them, held up an index finger, and unlocked the door.

  “What is this place?” the redheaded boy asked.

  “I’m opening a chocolate store,” she said.

  “Sick.” He smiled.

  She’d never understood how “sick” had made it into the vocabulary to mean something good.

  “How come you boys aren’t in school?” she asked.

  “Martin Luther King Day,” the redhead informed her.

  “Oh, yes.” No holidays for business owners. “Would you like a sample?”

  “Yes!” the boys shouted. The kid with brown hair added, “Please.”

  She retrieved a few pieces of fudge and handed them to the boys, along with two of her business cards. “We’ll be open next month. Tell your folks.”

  “Okay!”

  The boys started to leave when the brown-haired kid said, “Sorry about hitting your window with the snowball.”

  She looked over where a streak of icy water ran down the pane.

  “But it didn’t break,” the redhead said.

  “That’s all good, then,” she said.

  She leaned against the door after she closed it. They’d been nice kids—most in Missoula were—the kind of kids she hoped to have someday.

  Sue Anne did want love and a family. Someday. But first she wanted to do something meaningful with her life. Not that a husband and kids weren’t meaningful. They were. But she wanted something bigger first. Then she’d settle down.

  Maybe with someone like that sexy airport guy.

  Nope. Even if she was open to a relationship, which she definitely wasn’t, he was all wrong for her. Too serious. Jeez he was a cop and firefighter, as well as a security guard and medic. Each one of those occupations was intense. Combined, the effect was lethal.

  All she wanted to do was fill the world with joy—one chocolate at a time.

  He needed to strong-arm terrorists and save old people from themselves. From what she’d seen so far, he was far too sober for her life plan, although there had been a few times when it seemed like he had a sense of humor—something a man would definitely need to get along with Sue Anne.

  Her teenage years at home with her mother had been kind of grim and desperate. Her mother had been determined to make her into a Texas debutant. She was equally hell-bent on getting a college degree before even thinking about an MRS.

  Their intentions were so opposite, she could count on one thing every Christmas: nothing on the list she’d written out would be under the Christmas tree.

  When she started college, she’d read a quote by Abraham Lincoln: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

  Right then and there, she’d decided she was going to be happy.

  Somehow, she couldn’t see Zach fitting into her blissful bubble, no matter how wonderful his kiss.

  They were simply not right for each other.

  She pushed herself away from the door and headed back for the kitchen.

  After another layer of chocolate, they put the molds back i
nto the freezer.

  “Are we going to make heart-shaped ones for Valentine’s?” Julie asked.

  “Yep. That reminds me. I need to make a run to the party store and Michaels. We’ve got to start decorating the store and put up a sign announcing we’re opening in February. It’s only three weeks away, and we’re nowhere near ready.”

  Panic fluttered in her stomach.

  In spite of her optimism, would she regret her gamble?

  • • •

  Zach slipped the bar back into the rack with satisfaction. He’d upped his weight and still managed the same number of reps. He sat up and stretched his arms and back. His body felt good, and he liked it that way.

  He was no longer the chubby kid who’d been picked last for gym games, although it hadn’t mattered until he’d reached high school and a fascination with the opposite sex descended on him. Even then, his sweet tooth and shyness had prevented him from doing much about it. If he looked good, then he would have had to act on his desires. It was easier to read a book, a can of pop in his hand and a bag of jellybeans next to him, than to ask a girl out.

  The one time he’d taken the chance, the girl had rolled her eyes with an “are you real?” look and told him she wouldn’t waste her time with him.

  Then his younger brother, Dave, hit high school. Dave was a smart, good-looking Iowa jock, chosen for varsity football in his freshman year. The girls descended on him, including the one who had rejected Zach. In one of the ironies of life, that girl was now his sister-in-law and someone he considered a friend.

  Yeah, Dave had it all.

  But Zach was grateful. His younger brother’s success had spurred Zach to put down the book and pop can and work out. A few months later, he joined the wrestling team and went on his first date. He’d stopped eating sweets, except for one.

  Chocolate.

  He walked to the next available machine and added the weights he needed. Maybe it was time to go back to see Sue Anne, even if she was not like anyone he’d ever dated. Hell, the way her mind worked was quirky. Lima beans? Who would have a discussion with a stranger about lima beans? Then there was the lipstick thing.

  Strange lady.

  But she was someone who really knew how to make chocolate. A rumble in his stomach reminded him of how good the huckleberry fudge was.

  She might be fun for a casual date ... and maybe something a little more. An ache in his groin reminded him how long it had been and how good the girl kissed.

  Long term, though, he wanted a girl like Erin—a stay-at-home mom, like his own had been. With someone who owned a chocolate shop around, he’d be back to chubby kid in no time—not a point in his favor as a firefighter and EMT.

  Plus, he wasn’t staying here. It was a beautiful place, but the pay wasn’t enough to support two people, and there weren’t many chances for advancement. He wanted a place that had opportunities, like LA or Dallas.

  In the meantime, he’d enjoy the fudge and bizarre conversation—in moderation.

  As if conjured from his imagination, he spotted a trim woman with dark curls on the far side of the gym. All the curves he’d been unable to see below winter coats and full-length aprons were revealed in clingy pink workout clothes.

  Sue Anne was a woman in shape.

  The ache grew a little stronger, and he deserted his machine to walk to the one next to hers as she worked out her quads. Bracing herself, she exhaled and flexed, her legs straining as she pushed back the weights she’d loaded.

  He gave a low whistle. There was a good fifteen pounds on each side.

  She saw him then and grinned. Keeping her eyes on him, she did five more reps without the smile ever leaving her face.

  He didn’t move.

  “See something you like?” she asked after she locked the machine in place and stepped out.

  “Uh.” Crap. What was he supposed to say? He’d stood there like a pervert, watching her work. “Um. You have good form.” It sounded like he was asking a question. “Yeah. That’s it,” he added with more confidence. “I was admiring your form.”

  “I’ll bet.” She laughed and looked him up and down. “Yours isn’t bad either.”

  “I’ve never seen you here before.”

  “I just joined. I need something to work off the sugar I’m constantly eating to test the flavors.” She tapped his arm with her fist. “Speaking of testers, how come my number one taster hasn’t been around? We’ve been making truffles. You’re missing out.”

  Once again, words left him. “You’re not my type” didn’t seem politically correct. Neither did “You’re really weird.”

  “It’s okay.” The smile left her face. “I’m sure we can find some other help. In fact...” She snapped her fingers. “There’s a younger guy aching for the job. I’ll ask him.”

  “I’ll be there later.” The hint of jealousy that rose up irritated him. He shouldn’t be attracted to this woman, a woman who lost cars and had strange discussions about lima beans. It didn’t matter who she saw.

  “Are you finished with your workout?” she asked.

  He was now.

  “Yeah. How about you?”

  “I was going to do one more machine, but...” She looked at him inquisitively.

  What did she want? This woman was going to make him crazy with the way her mind worked.

  The sound of a blender gave him a clue.

  “Want to get something at the juice bar?” he asked. A few more moments in her presence would brighten a dull day. She was interesting ... in an odd way.

  “Sure,” she said. “Let me change first. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  She was already seated when he reached the juice bar, handing the fit-looking counterman one of her business cards.

  “It’s going to be the best chocolate in Montana,” she said. “Come by for a taste. We’re opening next week—just in time for Valentine’s Day.”

  “Sounds great.” The counterman gave her a genuine smile. “I’ll make sure to stop by.”

  “I’ll have a banana-blueberry protein,” Zach said as he slid onto the stool next to her. “Are you going to be ready?” he asked Sue Anne. He’d never owned a business. The mechanics of getting started intrigued him.

  “I think so. Right now we’re living, breathing, and sleeping chocolate and accessories to have enough inventory. We’ve got a few more things on order, including a hot chocolate machine. Good on a cold winter’s day, don’t you think?” Her enthusiasm put a glow on her face, and a sheen of pink highlighted her lips.

  Desire tickled him.

  “That is, if we pass the health inspection,” she added.

  “Well, there’s no danger of not passing, is there?”

  The counterman slid the drink to him.

  “Well, I think we’ve gotten everything ready. I upgraded where I needed to—the refrigerator, dishwasher, all our equipment.” She bit her lower lip. “There is one small problem. There was this leak. And I tried to fix it.”

  Was she batting her eyes at him? He could almost hear what was coming next. How was he going to get out of her plumbing problem? Fix one thing for the woman, and he’d be one of her frequently called numbers.

  Then they’d get to know each other too well. She’d depend on him, and when he left, she’d be hurt.

  Her lower lip pushed out in something resembling a pout, but not quite. “The plumber was supposed to come out today, but he forgot. That’s why I came to the gym.”

  “You came to the gym to find a plumber?” How ditzy could this woman get?

  “No, silly.” She put her hand on his arm.

  The touch made his mind, which was yelling “No! No! No!” yield to his hormones, which were saying, “Hot damn!”

  “I came here to work off the stress. He says he’ll come out tomorrow, but what if he doesn’t? The health inspector is due Thursday.”

  “I can take a look at if you want,” he said. Shit, shit, shit! That’s not what he m
eant at all. He needed to concentrate on building a reputation at the airport, not fixing this girl’s plumbing problem.

  Too bad Sue Anne was so damn good looking. Especially now that he’d seen her in her workout clothes.

  “You’re a plumber?” She cocked her head, a half smile on her face, her slightly dilated pupils staring at him like he was her hero or something.

  He was committed now. He’d explain his situation to her while he fixed her pipes. That way everything would be out in the open.

  “Well,” she said, “are you?”

  “Of sorts. I grew up on a farm in Iowa. My dad fixed anything that needed it and taught my brothers and me how to take care of most everything.”

  “Brothers? How many?”

  “Two. One older, one younger.” Family was a good topic. Much better than plumbing. He should invent a girlfriend, too.

  His gaze went back to her lips. What would they taste like a second time around?

  “No sisters?” she prompted.

  “Nope. After the third boy came along, my mother gave up trying for a girl.” He smiled. His mother was his rock. She’d let him pour out his heart about the Denver mess up, then coached him back on the road to follow his dream.

  “Your poor mother.”

  “Nah. She does okay. She has a t-shirt with the saying, ‘She who must be obeyed.’ That’s pretty much how it runs in my house.”

  Sue Anne’s laughter filled him with lightness and transformed her eyes into sparkles.

  “My mother would like the world to run that way, but she’d never tell you directly.” Her smile dimmed. “She’s more of a master manipulator.”

  “Ah.” Sue Anne must be like her mother. Why else was he doing plumbing? “What about you? Any siblings?”

  “No.” The smile was completely gone now, and the conversation seemed on the verge of tanking.

  “What does she do?” He tried to start it up again.

  “Volunteers at high society events. Places where she can be seen, maybe finally pick up a husband.”

  Ouch. No love lost there. Family wasn’t such a good topic of conversation after all.

  “Can you come over to look at it?” she asked.

  “At what?”

  “The plumbing.” The smile was back, all trace of pain gone from her face.