“You should take a break,” I said quietly when she came back.
She snorted.“That’s funny.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I,” she said.“This season is everything for my business.I need to fill every order I can.I can rest in January.”There was a desperation in her voice.I knew she needed to fill every order and get every dollar she could to pay off her dad’s debt.
I nodded, even though I didn’t like it.“Friday,” I said.“I’ll pick up the gingerbread house around six.Maybe we can go for a drink after?”
She smiled again.“The house will be ready, and—”
“She would love to get a drink with you,” Marcy called.“Owen and I can close the bakery that night.”
Belle glared at Marcy.
Marcy flitted her fingers at her.“Don’t look at me like you’re mad.Have a drink with the sexy biker and try not to think about the bakery for a night.Jessa can come in if we need her to.”
“This is our busiest time of year,” Belle argued.
“And that means you need to take a second to unwind.”Marcy looked at me.“She’ll be ready by six.And so will your mom’s house.”
Belle folded her arms over her chest and sighed.“I guess I don’t get a say in any of this.”
I stepped closer, close enough that she had to look up at me.“You always get a say,” I said quietly.“I just happen to know you’re going to have a good night with me.”
Her mouth twitched with irritation, giving way to something softer.“You’re very confident.”
“I’m experienced,” I said, and that earned me a real smile.“I’ll see you at six,” I added and brushed my thumb along her forearm before stepping back.
She watched me grab my jacket and shrug it on.
Salt rose from his spot near the door, and his little nub gave a slow shake as I crouched.I cautiously scratched his ear, and he slightly leaned into my touch.“You keep an eye on her,” I murmured.His eyes connected with mine like he knew what I was saying.
Pepper barreled over next and nearly knocked me off balance as he shoved his head under my palm.I laughed and ruffled his fur.“And you,” I told him, “try not to get in any trouble.”Pepper’s tail nub wagged like crazy, and he gave my hand a lick.
I straightened, met Belle’s eyes one more time, and tipped my head.“Later, doll.”
Then I opened the door and stepped out into the cold.
I was satisfied with what I had seen today.Belle was not alone in the shop, and I was going to take care of Bill for her.She was working her ass off to pay the debt, and my Christmas present to her was going to take care of it once and for all.
Chapter Three
Belle
By Thursday morning, my feet hurt so bad I couldn’t remember a time they hadn’t.
I stood in the walk-in cooler with my forehead pressed against the cold metal shelving, breathed slowly, and counted backward from ten like my old therapist had taught me back when Cookie Haven was just an idea and not my entire existence.
“You okay in there?”Marcy’s voice filtered through the door sharply.
“Yep,” I lied.“Just having a chat with the butter.”
“Try not to chit-chat too long.We kind of need you out here.”
I pushed off the shelf and rolled my shoulders.“Coming out.”
The walk-in door swung open, blasting me with warm air and noise.Mixers whirred.Ovens beeped.Christmas music warbled something cheerful.
