“Not at all. I mean youare, obviously. I was just thinking how I never felt any passion for my jobs in advertising; not like the Doukases feel about Demeter, or you about Coast Roast. I never really ‘got it’ before. I think I do now.”
Ryan smiled at her. “It sounds like the family business has chased you down at last.”
“I think maybe it’s the other way around; I stopped running and let it in. I think that was always the way it had to happen.”
“Careful,” he teased. “You’re starting to sound like your aunts.”
She laughed. “I think I’m more Hallow-Hart than I wanted to admit.”
“So, does this mean you’re done perching?” he asked, moving to take her mug.
She stood and looked into his coffee-brown eyes. “Yes. This bird has officially landed.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that.” He bent his head to kiss her neck, and she let out a sigh of pleasure that made him press harder against her.
“Me too,” she scratched out, before his mouth met hers and she was lost in his kisses.
—
By the timethey’d filmed at Smoke and Soul, and Nonna’s Olive Branch, it was dark. Ryan called Mina and asked if she could stay a bit later at the shop, to film the interview for Coast Roast. Ryan would be in front of the camera, this time.
“You don’t have to do a video for me,” he said as they wandered back through the Christmas market. “I understand you wanting to make amends with other people, but there’s no need for me.”
“I want to,” Fred reassured him. “I want everyone to see what a great business you have. And besides, you’re supplying us with cracker gifts; that makes you a part of Hallow-Hart Crackers, so you must be on our socials.”
“Okay, well, thank you, it can only be good for business, especially if my customers have seen Warren’s article. But we don’t need to do it right now. You’re already going to be burning the midnight oil if you want to get the first video edited and uploaded tonight. We can do it tomorrow.”
“No, I want to do it now.” Fred was adamant. “I’m on a roll, I feel inspired and buzzy, and I don’t want to lose it. Unless you’re too tired? We have been at this all day.”
Ryan laughed. “Oh, I can match your stamina, Hallow-Hart, don’t you worry about me.”
He pulled her in for a side hug as they walked.
A fair few people did double takes at the sight of an elf wandering down the street. London Fred wouldn’t have been seen dead in this getup, she’d have been mortified at the idea of standing out in the crowd, but Pine Bluff Fred was a force to be reckoned with. Plus, she was feeling like there were far worse things than looking a little silly. So, when people stared, she smiled right at them and said, “I work for Father Christmas, he’s got a grotto just down the high street, past the candy cane Christmas tree. All profits go to charity.”
“You are a one-woman advertising machine,” said Ryan, smiling as a couple with two children thanked her and hurried off in the direction of the grotto.
“Oh, I am just getting started,” Fred replied, grinning back at him.
—
Mina did anadmirable job as camerawoman. It was a pity the same couldn’t be said for her two lead actors. Ryan and Fred consistently crumpled into giggles, to the point where they couldn’t even look at each other, and even then, just the notion that the other might be glancing their way was enough to completely derail a take.
“If this is what the two of you were like at school, it’s no wonder you were always in detention,” Mina scolded after a fifth try at the question “What first got you into coffee?” which, despite not being remotely funny, was enough to have them both curled up and squealing with laughter.
At last, after twenty or more tries, and Mina threatening to resign, Fred had her video.
“I’ll drive you home,” said Ryan, after Mina had left and they’d locked up the shop.
“No need, Mum just messaged, she’s left Liam at the pub, and she’ll swing by and get me on her way home.”
“I’m not going to argue. I don’t know about you, but I’m knackered. Early bath and bed for me, I think.”
He pulled her close and kissed her, and she allowed her body to mold against him. When they came up for air, he continued to hold her close. “I didn’t realize how much I missed laughing with you until you came back.”
“I don’t think I’ve laughed like that since I left,” she said, feeling contented in his arms.
“I’m glad we still have that effect on each other. It was always so easy, being with you—you are the bangers to my mash.”
