Page 27 of Holiday Crush
“Bullshit.”
I snort-laughed. “Fine. I got cut from my team and fired my agent when he told me I was too old and that I should be happy the organization agreed to pay out the rest of my contract. So until I can find a new home, I’m here.”
“Ah, that happened to Daryl, God rest his soul.” She made the sign of the cross and pointed to heaven, adding, “Minus the contract. He was a softy, so I wasn’t as surprised as he was when the ax fell. It tore his confidence to shreds.”
“That’s not helping, Annie,” my mother sang from the front of the shop.
“I’m talking about Daryl, God rest his soul,” Annie yelled. She pursed her pink-stained lips and regarded me safely. “I don’t remember you being sensitive.”
“I’m not,” I assured her. “And I know it’ll be fine…eventually. Did Mom tell you I’m helping out at the rink? I’m coaching Mighty Mites and helping out with the older players too. Maybe it’ll keep me out of trouble.”
“Oh, hooey. Go get in trouble too,” she snorted. “Nothing and no one lasts forever, Court. Have some fucking fun while your bones still allow. And don’t let a setback get you down. You know who you are. No one can take that from you. When you dig deep and put in the work, you end up right where you’re supposed to be.”
Wow. Okay, I’d needed that. I’d forgotten Annie’s funny habit of dropping wisdom in between f-bombs.
I inclined my head and smiled. “Thanks. Do you need anything else while I’m here?”
She pointed at the tray of maple cookies cooling on a rack on the narrow stainless steel table in the middle of the room. “Yeah. I need you to eat a fucking cookie. You’re too skinny.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I rolled my eyes, chuckling when she swatted my arm. I dutifully wrapped two cookies in a napkin, and kissed Annie’s cheek. “See ya, gorgeous.”
She shuffled to the sink, humming loudly in dismissal. I headed into the shop, waving a quick good-bye to my mom, who was busy with a customer. Perfect.
Yellow and orange leaves drifted on a cool breeze like colorful giant snowflakes out front. The ground was covered in autumnal shades and every shop on Main Street was decked out with pumpkins, gourds, and cute turkey decorations. In a couple of weeks, there’d be wreaths on every window, garland on the lampposts and on the pillars of Town Hall.
I’d lived in plenty of other cities that went all out for the holidays, but nothing quite like Elmwood. I paused on the sidewalk with my cookies in hand and let warm sentimental feelings wash over me in a welcoming wave. I’d been home for over a week, yet this was the first time I’d allowed myself to just…relax and appreciate this hiatus for what it was—a mini break from reality.
With cookies.
I patted my pocket and pushed open the door to Rise and Grind.
“Good afternoon. How are—oh. Court.” Ivan froze, tipping the box in his arms sideways. He put it on the counter and straightened his apron. “Hi, what can I get you?”
Was it my imagination or was he blushing? I wasn’t sure why that splotch of pink on his cheeks was so fucking cute, but…it was.Hewas cute.
He usually wore a headband to keep his curls in check, but today they were everywhere. His black tee and apron were spotted and stained, and I’d bet he had no idea he had crumbs on his stubbled chin.
“Let me think.”
I pretended to study the chalkboard menu affixed to the wall behind him, scooting closer to the register to hide evidence of my suddenly interested cock. I couldn’t tell if I had a crush on this guy or if an epic case of blue balls was to blame. And wasn’t thirty-four too fucking old to have a crush on someone? It wouldn’t have occurred to me that it was possible to have one if he hadn’t brought it up the other night or—
Focus, Henderson.
I set my napkin on the counter and opened it slowly and theatrically, folding one side over and meeting his gaze as if revealing a special treasure.
He played along, gasping with his hand on his heart. “OMG.”
“One for you, one for me. So I guess the real question is…what goes best with a maple cookie?”
Ivan beamed. “If you’re a tea drinker, I have a fabulous cinnamon spice blend. If you want to stick to coffee, I’d suggest a strong roast or an espresso.”
“What would you have?”
“Tea.”
“I’ll have that,” I replied. “Or are you closed? I just noticed it’s empty, and it’s never empty in here.”
He peeked at his watch. “We’re open for five more minutes, but once the after-school rush is over, it’s pretty quiet.”