Page 1 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Chapter

One

“Merry Christmas! Now, what can I get—” Leo froze mid-sentence, words dying on his lips as the bell above the door tinkled and the most striking man he’d ever seen entered the Magic Bakery.

The tall stranger’s orange gaze swept over the store. An elegant brow rose. He angled his chin upwards, showing off high cheekbones, a straight nose, and a regal jawline.

Leo gaped.

Light radiated around the stranger. The stranger tossed his brilliant red hair. Golden embers sparked amongst the rich red strands.

Who was this man? But more importantly, was he single? And would he be interested in some late-night activities with a hearth witch baker like Leo?

Leo slid his gaze down the man’s body, taking in his lean torso and fine clothes. Leo bit his bottom lip. As nice as the clothes were, he’d really like to undress the man and see what was beneath.

“I’ll have that one!”

Leo blinked and turned back to the customers at the counter. “Sorry?”

Right. I’m meant to be serving.He smiled at the family of gnomes in front of him.

“You want which one?” Leo asked, but he tilted his head and angled himself so the stranger could get the best view of him.

Leo knew he was quite handsome. And people always said he had a nice smile. So Leo made sure to smile brightly.

“That one! The Christmas tree cookie,” the first child said.

“And I’ll have two snowflake cookies.” The second child held up two fingers.

“You can’t have two!” the first child protested. “That’s not fair?—”

“You can each choose one thing,” one of their fathers said.

The second child pouted. “Just one snowflake cookie, then.”

“I’ll have that cookie.” A third child pointed, finger pressing against the glass. “No, I’ll have that one! No, that one!”

Leo chuckled. “It’s hard to choose when there are so many options.”

She nodded, eyes wide as she took in all the different baked treats.

A heavy sigh drew Leo’s attention. Leo looked towards the striking stranger. The man stood, arms crossed, nose high and brows furrowed, watching the children at the counter with obvious disdain.

Leo frowned. What was his problem?

“I want that cake! That one right at the back!” The third child pressed her face and fingers against the glass.

The handsome man rolled his eyes. Then tapped his foot. And with every tap, Leo found that the stranger grew less and less attractive.

Seriously, what is wrong with him? He can’t wait a couple of minutes so the children can choose their food.

Leo turned to the child and smiled. “This one?”

The gnome nodded, white curls bouncing.

“Christmas fruitcake. Good choice!” Leo plated the food. But he kept casting glances at the attractive man. Now he looked like he’d sucked on a lemon. Apparently, the beautiful exterior did not match the interior. What a pity.

“And what will you two have?” Leo asked the fathers.