Page 31 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘Thanks.’ He removed a lid from one of the cups and sipped the hot chocolate, feeling instantly comforted.

A few customers came in and browsed then brought items to the counter and he waited to one side, his eyes darting to the door every time someone entered the shop. Finally, Tara appeared and he heaved a sigh of relief.

She was wearing a green wool coat with dark jeans and boots, and her wavy chestnut hair was loosely pinned in a messy bun. When she spotted him at the counter, her hazel eyes lit up, and her smile made his heart flutter. He knew he should rein his feelings in and remain professional but it was hard around such a lovely woman. A woman he admired and liked as well as fancied.

‘Hello,’ she said as she walked towards him. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you today.’

She unwound a scarf from her neck and shrugged out of her coat, and he saw that under it she was wearing a fitted black jumper that hugged her curves.

‘I wanted to find out how things are going and to let you know I’ve spoken to the relevant people and everything has been approved. The council are always keen to hold events that give the community a boost.’

Tara flew at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He froze with surprise as she hugged him tight. She smelt like almond oil and cinnamon. It was a deliciously uplifting combination, and he wanted to keep breathing it in. But then she stepped back and there was a cold space between them where her warmth and soft curves had been.

Her cheeks were flushed and she struggled to meet his eyes. ‘I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.’

Seth was still struggling to sort out his thoughts, so he just shook his head. ‘It’s uhm… It’s fine, honestly.’ His voice was gruff so he coughed. ‘It’s fine.’

‘I am sorry. I was just overcome with gratitude that you sorted everything out so quickly. You’re a star, you know that?’

Seth dropped his gaze to his boots, embarrassment making him twitchy. ‘It was no trouble. Sometimes it’s just a matter of who you know.’

When he looked up, Tara and Sadie were gazing at him curiously, so he pointed at the drinks. ‘I uhm… I got you a hot chocolate.’

‘Oh wow! Permissions granted and hot chocolate. You are fast becoming the best landlord ever.’

Seth turned away and gazed across the shop, feeling like a teenager being praised for helping the teacher. He’d never been comfortable accepting praise and didn’t know how to take it. He just got on with things. It was how he’d always worked. And yet, making Tara happy made him glow inside. He’d want to keep pleasing her if it felt this good.

‘So what are your plans today?’ Tara asked.

‘I’ve got a few calls to make and some admin to do,’ he said, finishing his drink. ‘What about you?’

‘I need to head into London.’

‘Oh?’

‘Darcie Harman told me about a woman who runs a vintage interiors business in Nine Elms. She recently acquired several boxes of Christmas decorations and display pieces through house clearances and is happy to sell them to us. We get first refusal because Darcie vouched for us.’

‘That’s very cool,’ he said. ‘Are you going too?’ he asked Sadie.

‘I can’t. I need to be here. Mum and Dad will be in later to help but they’ve got plans this morning.’

‘Oh.’ He rubbed his chin. ‘I uhm… I have business out that way so I could drive you,’ he said, trying to sound casual.

‘You do?’ Tara asked.

‘Yes. I was going to wait until next week but if you’re going in too, it would be good to have some company, and I can help you bring the stock home.’

‘That would be awesome, thanks, Seth.’

‘Great.’ He tilted his head. ‘What time will you be ready?’

‘I’ll finish my drink and grab my bag from upstairs then we can go, if that works for you.’

‘It certainly does.’ He inclined his head, trying to remain calm. The thought of time in the van with Tara as well as the opportunity to help her out again made his stomach fizz with excitement. Hell, they could even get some lunch while they were there. Make a day of it…

When Tara went upstairs to get her bag, Seth popped outside to make a quick call, then he came back inside and waited by the counter. Sadie was smiling at him like she knew something he didn’t, so he picked up a candle and pretended to read the label.

‘Do you uhm… need anything while we’re out?’ he asked, placing the candle back on the counter.