Page 12 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“No.” It wasn’t exactly surprising that he knew that tidbit. She often complained about Martin. “Actually, he’s fine. He’s mostly just annoying with my hours.”

“How so?”

She stopped outside her place and slipped her arm out of Warren’s. “I’m forced to take time off whenever his daughter is home from university because she wants to work in the shop. So in December, and most of January, I won’t be working there at all.”

“That seems unfair.”

“Yeah. But it also works out well because I’m free for the Christmas fairs. And I’m doing some wreath-making workshops this year.”

“It’d be cool to have your own shop with space to offer workshops, too.”

Anna narrowed her eyes. He’d landed directly on her favourite business idea. “It would,” she agreed, then pondered whether to say more. “There’s a building that’s just become available next to the chemist. It would be perfect.”

“You’ve looked at it?”

“No. Just saw the listing online.”

“Are you going to view it?”

She shook her head. “If it were available to lease, I might have done, but it’s for sale.”

“Get Lewis to buy it for you,” Warren said excitedly.

“Just like that,” she said, amused by his enthusiasm.

“Not just like that.” He looked at her seriously. “It’s like you said, you’ve spent years gaining experience in how to run a flower shop. You could do it.”

“I told you I’m comfortable as I am. Setting up a physical shop would be a lot of stress.” That’s the story she told herself, anyway. She was fairly sure that if she examined it too closely, she’d find it was mostly fear holding her back.

Warren took a step back and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Thanks a lot for coming tonight.”

“You’re welcome. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow if you bring your parents to the craft fair.”

“I reckon I’ll have to. I’m sure Mum has her heart set on it.”

Anna glanced over her shoulder. “Do you want to come inside and wait for a taxi in the warmth?”

“No, that’s okay, thanks.” He checked his watch. “I think I’ll wander over to the hotel and see if Lewis is around for a drink.”

“I’d be surprised if he’s still there.”

“I’ll check,” he said, with an odd look on his face.

“Oh!” Anna realised exactly what he was up to. “You just want to check they didn’t burn the kitchen down without you there to keep an eye on things.”

Guilt flashed in his eyes. “I’m reasonably confident there won’t have been any major incidents. I just want to check they cleaned properly, and that things are organised for tomorrow.”

Bunching her shoulders against the cold, Anna shot him an amused look. “Maybe you should have a little more faith in your staff.”

“Maybe if they’ve left the kitchenin an appropriate state, I will.” He scowled jokingly, then leaned to kiss her cheek. “Thanks again for tonight.”

He waited while she opened the front door, and she wished him goodnight before ascending the stairs to her flat, smiling as she went.

Getting out of her comfort zone now and again really wasn’t so terrible.

Chapter Six

The community centre was busy from the moment the doors opened. Some sellers travelled long distances to show their art and crafts at the popular fair. It was a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts, and the clientele it attracted were more than willing to part with their money. Anna rode a rush of adrenaline until lunchtime, when she felt her energy levels drop.