Page 4 of Gingerbread Hearts

“Yes, I drink it black,” I tell her as I hand over my mug. Our fingers touch for a second and it feels as though time has momentarily stopped.

I stare at my empty hand, pondering how I feel as though I’m missing something. I had arrived in Kastle Harbor earlier this morning and met with my grandmother. After a brief hello she had ushered me out of the house with the task of getting pastries from the bakery. She recommended that I sit and have one with fresh coffee, so here I am.

While nothing seemed too unique or special about it, my grandmother is right, the sweets and coffee are delicious. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, nothing like the hustle and bustle of the busy shops in the city.

Though in a small town, I suppose everything must be a slower pace.

I think about how it’s nice, though unusual, to have a whole day ahead of myself without time dependent plans.

“You’re not from here, are you?” the baker asks as she hands me my warm mug.

“No, I’m just visiting my grandmother,” I reply, my gaze lingering on her lips. I’m eager for her to continue the conversation.

“Ah, you must be Mrs. Barlow’s grandson,” her face lighting up. “She’s so happy you’re visiting her for Christmas. She told me all about it on Saturday.” Her hands are on her hips, giving me just a hint of her figure under the uniform.

“Of course,” I chuckle. My grandmother is quite a gossip. Living in a small coastal town provides her with unlimited joy. “She recommended that I stop in for coffee, although I must say, the view is rather nice as well.” I wink at her and watch as her cheeks become redder with each passing second.

“Interesting,” she replies with a slight smirk as she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “How about you take this lovely view out for dinner tomorrow night? We can meet here at seven in the evening and walk over to the Waterfront Bistro?”

“You know, I think I can move some things around.” My heart skips a beat at the thought of us enjoying a candlelit meal together. Maybe I’d get to see the figure beneath the chef jacket. If anything, a casual date is right up my alley. Plus, my grandmother goes to bed early, so a fun little night out would be better than an evening alone.

“Here, give me your phone and I’ll put my information in it.” She extends her hand. “By the way, I think we skipped the whole introductions bit. My name is Violet Platt. I’m the head baker here at the café.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you Violet,” I reply as I give her my phone. “Clearly you know me, but my name is Jake Barlow. I look forward to our date tomorrow.” She hands me back my phone before replying.

“Enjoy your coffee, Jake. I must get back to work. See you tomorrow night.”

With a wave she heads back to the kitchen area. I stay still for a moment, watching her retreat to the back. My original plans of a relaxing few weeks with my grandmother have suddenly changed. As I return the small café table to sip my coffee, I consider all the events and parties I’m supposed to attend while in Kastle Harbor. They can get quite dull when you go alone. Perhaps Violet would be down for a little holiday fling.

We can enjoy each other’s company with no strings attached.

I can’t wait to see her tomorrow.

FOUR

VIOLET

“Unbelievable Violet,” Bethany shrieks. “I can’t believe you not only have a date, but it’s with Mrs. Barlow’s drop-dead handsome grandson.”

I know, we’re going out tonight. Which is why I need your help picking out an outfit,” I told her. I’m not usually nervous about dates, but there’s something about Jake that makes my stomach feel as though I’m on a roller coaster with a bunch of loops.

“Ah, I get it.” She clicks her tongue. “You like him.” Bethany practically sings the last part. My whole body heats to an inferno. It must be the heater kicking on in my home, I cannot be blushing right now.

“We only exchanged a few sentences Bethany,” I take a deep breath and look at my reflection in the floor length mirror. “Besides,” I continue on, “it’s going to be a casual date. He’s a typical city guy, total bachelor lifestyle. Mrs. Barlow is always complaining about she wishes he’d marry and settle down.”

“Oh, I know, she says something every week when she picks up her book club’s pastry order. It’s always about how he just hasn’t met the right girl yet. But hey, now he’s met you,” she exclaims.

“It’s one date, not a marriage proposal. How’s this dress look?” I give a little twirl in the strapless wine-colored dress. It hugs my hips and breasts well. It’s not too form fitting, but just enough to highlight the slight hourglass figure beneath the satin. “I can wear a sweater and pull my hair back.”

“With that combination you would look like a schoolteacher.” She shakes her head. “And not in a fun way.” Bethany gets off the bed and stands next to me. “Leave your hair down, we’ll curl it slightly. Skip the sweater altogether. And don’t you dare add tights after I leave.”

I laugh at how well she knows me.

She continues, “If you actually want the date to go further than dinner, lean into a sultrier look. Wear the dress, cute heels, and a red lip. That’s all you need Vi.”

With that final sentence, we have my outfit for the evening. I still need to shower, but I promise Bethany I won’t revert to my more modest attire after she leaves. I’m not sure what I want from this dinner with Jake. All I know is that I wouldn’t mind knowing what a kiss from him would feel like.

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