CHAPTER ONE
Elise
“Doesthis town always go this all out for Christmas?” I asked Camille, my boss at my new job in the small mountain town of Appleridge. I only moved here a few days ago, and Camille was nice enough to hire me as a server at her diner. She also helped me find a cheap cottage to rent.
“Girl, wait until you see what they do downtown. This place turns into the North Pole,” Camille informed me as I slipped my winter jacket on and grabbed my purse.
My eyes widened. “I can only imagine. I was never big on Christmas, but it’s kind of hard not to be around here.”
Camille laughed. “You’ll get used to it. But you’re right; it’s easy to get swept up by it all. You might even find yourself enjoying it.”
“As long as I don’t have to eat any candy canes, I’ll survive.” I grinned. “Peppermint is not for me.”
“Noted.” Camille smiled. “Have a good night. And drive safe. We’re due for some snow tonight.”
I groaned. “My old car better behave. She likes to test me a little too much.”
One downside to the cottage was it was a little farther from the diner than I expected, but there wasn’t always a quick way somewhere in a small town, something I was learning.
It was only a downside because my car had seen better days, but I was fairly handy when it came to vehicles. Well…sort of. A tire, a battery, fluids topped off…sure, easy peasy. A blown gasket, though? Probably not.
“Don’t forget who your neighbor is,” Camille said. “I’m sure Ethan would give you a good deal.”
“I know.” Camille told me about the town mechanic, the verysingletown mechanic, a few times now since I started working. I had no interest. “But even with a deal, mechanics are expensive, and usually, I’m able to fix the problem myself. Anyway, have a good night, Camille. See you tomorrow.”
Outside, the snow had begun falling, and the road was already covered in a light dusting. My tires were the least of my concerns, and I prayed that the engine would start without hesitation.
Thankfully, it only took a couple of tries for the engine to roar to life. While it was warming, I cleaned the snow off, then slowly took my time exiting the parking lot.
The roads weren’t too bad, but my car seemed to struggle as I navigated through the barely lit areas and falling snow.
“Only a couple more miles, girl. You can do it,” I whispered to myself over the soft Christmas music playing on the radio. No matter what station I surfed to, it was all Christmas tunes. It was like a Christmas wonderland around here.
After what felt like hours, I finally steered into my driveway, and as I sputtered to a stop, my engine gave up, and my car went dead.
“Fuck!” I blew out a breath. At least I made it home, but what would I do tomorrow when it was time to go to work? The damn thing couldn’t be less reliable if it tried.
I got out of my car, slammed the door, and stomped my feet. “Shit, shit, shit!” I yelled as I stomped some more. My tantrum wouldn’t solve my problem, but it made me feel better.
“Are you okay?” a gruff, deep voice asked, and I looked up to find a handsome man with a smirk on his face, a lifted eyebrow, and even more annoying—a red-and-white candy cane hanging out of the side of his mouth.
My cheeks flushed red. I brushed my hair out of my face and hastily tucked it into my hat. “I’m fine. Bit of a bad day is all.” I started the trek to my front door.Of course, the sexy-as-fuck man saw me have a huge toddler-like tantrum. Just great.
“Sounded like a bit of car trouble. Need some help?”
My stomach flip flopped as it dawned on me.
The sexy, burly man who watched me have a tantrum was Ethan, the town mechanic and also my next-door neighbor.
“Ethan, right?” I asked as I turned to face him, mere inches from my door.
“Yep, the one and only.” He winked, and I held back my eye roll.Did men always have to be so damn flirty?
But if he’s sexy…what does it matter?
“Camille told me you might give me a good deal on fixing my car.” I baited him, taking a step closer.
He nibbled on the candy cane, and I shivered at the thought of the taste.Ew, so minty.“Did she now? Giving away all my good tricks.” He chuckled low and deep, and I couldn’t help but think how much it sounded like a growl. “I can take a look and see.”