Page 40 of Only for the Season

She nudges me. “I’m serious. What could be better than listening to Christmas music in the background while baking cookies with the scent of sugar and chocolate surrounding us?”

“Baking is the best. If you want to learn more, I’m happy to teach you.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. If I can find someone to help out in the café, I’ll teach you all I know.”

“My friend, Cindy, is looking for a job.”

“I thought she worked atMermaid Mini Golf.”

“Not enough hours in the winter.”

“Okay. If she’s willing to work for your wage, I’ll hire her.”

“Yes!” She whoops. “I’m learning how to bake.”

Her excitement warms me. Most people think baking is for old women or stay-at-home wives. It’s way more. Baked goods can brighten a person’s day. Help you celebrate a special occasion. And comfort you when you’re down.

The bell over the door rings and I nod to the café. “Get the door. We’ll discuss this more later.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

While she handles the customer, I start work on mygingerbeard men.I have plenty of gingerbread dough left over from the gingerbread house competition, so I don’t need a bunch of time to get these finished.

I’m removing the gingerbeard men from the oven when the back door opens.

“There’s no fire here. It’s a bit of smoke, is all.”

A man chuckles, and I freeze. I know that chuckle. I whirl around.

“Jeremy? What are you doing here?”

“I live above the bakery, or have you forgotten?”

I scowl. “I haven’t forgotten, but you weren’t around today. I thought you might have left.”

I ignore how those words burn through me. He didn’t leave. There’s no reason to overreact.

Because he’s not mine to overreact about. We kissed once. One whole time.Slow your roll, Parker.

“I had an appointment in New York City today.”

My eyes widen. New York City? He was here yesterday afternoon and he’s back already. How?

“You were in New York today? Did you leave last night?”

He pulls at the tie around his neck until it loosens. Holy pirates stealing their bounty. How in the world did I miss that he’s wearing a three-piece suit?

Jeremy in jeans and a t-shirt is sexy. Jeremy in a three-piece suit is out of this world sexy. The material clings to his body as if it was made for him. What am I thinking? It probably was.

He smiles and those matching dimples come out and I forget to breathe. If mermaids could walk on land, they’d be beating down my door to charm this man.

“Left this morning. Took the jet into LaGuardia and helicoptered into Manhattan.”

I blink. The Christmas music must be affecting my hearing. He did not say he helicoptered into Manhattan. A helicopter? I swallow. It’s exactly what a billionaire would do.