Page 10 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘I do. You’ve done a good job, both of you.’

‘Thanks.’ Tara smiled. ‘And thanks for rescuing me.’

‘I hate to ask but… What were you doing under the tree?’ He wasn’t smiling but his eyes seemed soft, kinder than when he’d come in the other day.

‘Oh… This, uhm, cat came in here and went under the tree.’

‘A cat?’ he said.

Tara nodded. ‘A local cat called William Shakespaw.’

Seth snorted. ‘Great name.’

‘I know, right?’ Tara laughed. ‘He ran off with one of the decorations, but when I saw he’d knocked another on the floor, I went under the tree to get it.’

‘And got all tangled up.’

‘Yes.’

He frowned, then stretched his arm past her and touched her hair. Tara froze, wondering what he was doing. When he brought his hand back, he showed her. ‘You had a piece of tree in your hair.’

‘Goodness.’ Tara took the twig from him. ‘Thanks again.’

He waved a hand dismissively. ‘It’s no problem. How’re you feeling about the grand opening tomorrow?’

‘Terrified.’ She gave a wry laugh. ‘But also excited.’

He gave a small nod. ‘I’m sure you’ll do really well.’

‘I hope so.’

There was a beat of silence as he held her gaze and she wondered if he was thinking about what a mess she looked. Not that she cared. Not really. Why would she?

‘Right then, I’d better be off,’ he said eventually.

‘Did you want something?’ She realised she hadn’t asked why he’d come into the shop.

‘Oh… Yes. I was just coming to check that everything was sorted now.’

‘Everything?’

‘The toilet. Did the plumber fix it?’

‘He did. Not straight away, as he had to get a part for it, but it flushes fine now.’

‘Excellent. Well, any other issues, give me a call.’

‘I will.’

‘And good luck.’ He paused, and she found herself wondering if his eyes changed to different shades of grey with his moods.

‘You too.’ She broke eye contact then and went to the door and opened it.

‘Me? Why do I need luck?’ He raised his brows.

‘You don’t. Sorry. I just meant… Have a good day tomorrow.’

‘I might pop in if I have time.’