Page 4 of One Golden Ring

“I’ll tell you what happened.” I stomp across the street to The Cozy Oven, craving something sweet after dealing with that library barbarian. “He spoke, that’s what happened.”

The bell tinkles over the door as I step inside, and instantly, I feel better, surrounded by the heavenly scent of cinnamon and spices.

“Where are you?”

“The Cozy Oven.” I gaze at the treats in the glass cases.

“I’m on my way. Order me a cinnamon swirl coffeecake and a latte.”

“You don’t have to, honey. I was just calling to vent.”

“Girl, if you think I’m going to miss out on all the spicy details of Drake the Cake, you’re crazy.”

“Drake the Cake?” I snort. “Who calls him Drake the Cake?”

“You’ve seen him up close and personal. The man is good enough to eat, isn’t he?”

“Well…”

“I knew it! You like him!”

“No, no, no. You’ve got this all wrong. Easy on the eyes, yes. But like him? Absolutely not. He’s a savage.”

“Be there in five, doll. I want to hear everything.”

I end the call and can’t help but smile as I picture Drake the Cake, shirtless, wearing a Santa hat and a bow tie.

“What can I get for you this morning?” the girl behind the counter asks.

“Cake,” I burst out laughing. “I’ll have cake. Because who wouldn’t want a slice of delicious goodness?”

Chapter Four

Drake

For hours, Wynter Brody has been moving around the library like she owns the place, her red curls bouncing with every step. She’s all sunshine and sparkles, while I’m... well, I’m a storm cloud.

She’s invaded my sanctuary, and I’m honestly not sure how I feel about it. While my brain is trying to figure out what’s happening, she has my hormones on screech. Everywhere she goes, I can’t stop following her every move like some love-struck idiot.

“Merry Christmas, young man. I can’t wait for the festival.” Mr. Abernathy slides his book returns across the counter. “It’s going to be a very Merry Christmas this year, Drake. Very merry indeed. Have yourself a good day.” He winks.

“You, too.” I wave.

As the door closes behind him, I realize I didn’t return his festive greeting. Oh well, holiday cheer is not my thing anyway. Hell, I’ve never really had a Christmas. My childhood wasn’t filled with twinkling, decorated trees and tons of presents or even the warmth of family gathered around a fire. It was foster homes, one after the other. Always barely scraping by, just keeping my head down and trying not to get noticed in the wrong way. Christmas was just another day. Sometimes worse than others, depending on whose house I was trapped in.

Wynter’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. “Drake, do you think we should hang lights around all the bookshelves, or is that too much?”

Too much? It’s all too much. The thought of turning my quiet, orderly library into a Christmas explosion makes my skinitch, but I can’t bring myself to say no to her. Not when she’s looking at me with those bright, hopeful eyes.

“Uh…” I clear my throat, trying to sound like I’m still in control of this situation. “Lights around the shelves could work as long as you don’t damage anything.”

She gives me a smile that lights up her whole face, and damn, I feel my chest tighten. What is it about her? It’s like she’s got this...power over me. And why does she make everything seem brighter just by being here?

“Perfect!” Wynter claps her hands, practically bouncing in place. “I knew you’d come around, Drake.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Come around? I didn’t realize I’d gone anywhere.”

She laughs softly, shaking her head. “Oh, you’re going places. Just you wait.”

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