Page 37 of A Gingerbread Romance

She shook her head, smiling. “No. Most of them had already kind of figured it out, anyway.”

“Good.” He kissed her again.

They started in on the sandwiches.

“So, we just started serving coffee this morning, too,” said Greta, wiping some red sauce from her face after she’d swallowed a bite of the hot meatball sub.

“First day—that’s fantastic. And on top of such busy counter sales. So, how’d it go?”

She smiled, almost with relief. “Pretty well so far. We had a nice-sized crowd this morning. I think people are hanging out at the tables because Christmas break has started for the local schools, and family members have started to arrive in town for the holiday, so the locals are taking them for walks in town. Lots of last-minute shoppers stopped in, too, excited to see we started serving hot beverages. I was really thrilled at how many people ordered scones and muffins and sat down here to enjoy them.”

“Oh, that’s so great,” said Jonathan. He loved seeing her so happy. Her plan was working. He reached out and gently patted her arm.

“Thanks.” She returned a warm smile.

“Hey, so what are you doing after work tonight?” he asked.

“No plans,” she said, raising one eyebrow flirtatiously. “Did you have something in mind?”

He leaned in and placed a hand on her knee. “Well, I thought maybe you could come to my place for dinner? Now that the real estate deal is final, I’ve got more time on my hands, and I want to cook for you.”

“Really?” she said, delighted. “I’d love to.” She stared at him. “You can cook?”

He laughed. “Of course I can.” His temporary apartment had a nice kitchen, too. He’d only used it a few times.

“What are you going to make?” she asked, grinning.

He had no idea yet, but she didn’t need to know that. He’d planned to stop by the grocery store on his way home. “Does that matter?” He grinned.

“Of course not.”

“Good, because it’s a surprise.”

She smiled. “You’re in luck, then, because I like surprises.”

They chatted some more, but the bakery beckoned for Greta’s attention, so as soon as she finished eating, she promised to see him at six. He texted her his address, then tidied up for her and headed out.

That night, she arrived promptly, looking adorable in a cozy gray and teal sweatshirt, black yoga pants, and snow boots.

“How do you always look so good?” he gushed, then pulled her close, his lips moving over hers.

Her kisses were warm and sweet. She looked up at him, and her smile returned. “You’re too kind.”

“Did you walk here?”

“Sure did.” Her lighthearted mood was infectious.

“Good.” He smiled. “That means I get to walk you home later. Come on in.”

“I like to walk because I love looking at all the Christmas lights at night. The houses look so pretty this time of year. And besides, your place is only about ten minutes from mine.”

“I know.” He liked that they lived so nearby, for now, too. And he agreed about walking instead of driving when he could. He loved this little town, and he loved seeing the twinkling Christmas lights it donned as much as the next sucker with a heart as solid as a bowl of freshly simmered oatmeal.

“And I brought you this, by the way.” She held out a bottle of red wine.

“Thanks,” he said, impressed. “You didn’t have to bring anything, though. You’re the one who worked all day.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” She took off her coat, and he draped it over a chair for her. “Thanks for having me over.” She glanced around. “I like your place.”

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