Page 35 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“A hundred years ago, they would have had real candles,” I say, pointing to the battery-powered ones in the windows. “I work in show business. Everything is big and bright and mostly fake. I’ll make a judgment after I taste the food. Do you know any good breakfast places?”

She smiles. “Just the place.” She hops out her door and nearly trips over a snowdrift. She shoots me a look that warns,Don’t you dare say a word about my boots.

As we step inside the bakery, I’m immediately hit with the scent of warm cinnamon. In a display case, warm apple streusels, decadent caramel rolls, and cranberry orange muffins dripping with glaze tempt me.

Despite wanting one of each, we both order cinnamon rolls and settle at a café table in the corner.

Mia sinks her fork into the roll as she pulls up a document on her phone. “I revised our agenda for today.”

“I thought we agreed on no balloon animals?”

“This list doesn’t include balloon animals. I think you’ll approve.” She shows me a schedule on her phone. “We’ll start with strolling Main Street, then stop to listen to the carolers, and head over to see a demonstration from a woodworker who makes homemade Christmas ornaments. After that, we’ll grab lunch, go on a sleigh ride, and end our day with dinner. How does that sound?”

“Exhausting.” I stare at her for a second. “I bet you’d make an exemplary tour guide. You’re just the right blend of bossy and sweet.”

She frowns. “Isn’t this what you’re used to? Having a timed schedule and a handler who takes you from point A to point B?”

“Yes, and that’s exactly what Idon’twant today. My whole life is running from one meeting to the next.” I take another bite of the sweet roll and close my eyes. I haven’t had a roll this delicious since my grandmother made them. “When I have a day off, I prefer a more leisurely schedule.”

She glances from her tidy schedule to me. “Okay, Mr. Spontaneity, let’s leisure it up today.”

I grin. “I’m not sure that’s the way you’re supposed to use that word.”

“I’m being leisurely about my use of the wordleisure,” she says, her lips curling in amusement. “Whatever makes you happy.”

I point my fork at the roll. “This makes me happy. If the rest of the town can measure up to this...” I lean forward. “I just might havefun today.”

When we finish the cinnamon rolls, we stroll down Main Street and head inside the Christmas market. The sun is finally out, making the snow shimmer, and they’ve plowed the walks, so Mia doesn’t have any problems with her boots. The Christmas market is filled with hand-carved ornaments, fluffy knitted woolens, and homemade fudge that we sample every chance we get. Mia stops at a booth with handmade stocking caps made from soft alpaca wool.

The woman selling them gives Mia a friendly smile. “You’re welcome to try one on.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she replies.

“Why not?” I ask. “Because right now, you look cold.”

Her cheeks are bright pink, and she’s clutching her coffee, trying to warm her hands.

“I’m not that cold,” she argues.

I hand her a hat. “Try it.”

She glances at me with a sigh before sliding it on.

It fits her perfectly, and the teal yarn brings out her eyes. “That looks fabulous on you,” I say. “You should get it.”

She quickly tugs it off. “Thanks, but I can’t.” She places the hat back on the table.

As she walks to the next vendor, I fall in step with her. “Didn’t you like the hat?”

“Yes,” she replies, not meeting my eyes.

“Then I don’t understand. You’re shivering and need a hat. Or do you prefer being miserable instead?”

“No,” she says, pausing. “It’s just...” She looks around, hesitating. “That hat was way more than I could afford. I know it’s handmade, and that lady probably spent hours knitting it. I don’t want to offend her.”

I remember our conversation about not having enough for a hotel room, and I mentally kick myself for making her feel ashamed.

I glance around. “I need to look for a bathroom. You go on without me.”

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