Merry with a Grumpy Boss: Love Beach Holiday Collection by EmKay Connor

Author:EmKay Connor [Connor, EmKay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-28T00:00:00+00:00

4

The abrupt shift in Haywood’s demeanor unsettled Ginger. She was prepared for the all-business, no-Christmas version, not this candid, curious oh-so-appealing version. He’d even loosened his tie as they walked side by side, the gusty breeze disheveling his hair and adding color to his smooth cheeks.

She pointed out some of the most popular businesses as they strolled through town. Book & Barrel, the bookstore and wine bar where she and her girlfriends attended the monthly Flip and Sip book club. Giancarlo's, an Italian restaurant that served to-die-for veal scallopini. The Driftwood, a dive bar favored by locals. There were bakeries and candy stores and florists and other specialty shops, all of which did a booming business during the holiday season.

“This is a good place to start introductions.” She stopped in front of a shop with a wooden sign suspended over the front door announcing Whittle a While.

Long and narrow, the front of the store had floor to ceiling shelves filled with hand-carved items—bowls, picture frames, cutting boards, decorative wall plaques, figurines. Swinging doors divided the space in two, and from the rear came the sound of power tools and laughter.

“Monty!” She called out to the back of the shop. “Got a minute?”

A tall, well-built Black man passed through the swinging doors, smiling broadly. “Ginger! A delightful surprise on this glorious Monday morn.” His flowery prose and lilting Bahamian accent was a pleasure to her ears.

“Fremont Toussaint, meet Haywood Holloway. He’s doing some work at the showroom.” She lifted her cheek for one of Monty’s effusive kisses.

“Are you taking over for Arthur?” Monty gripped Haywood’s hand in a powerful grip.

“Just until February.” Haywood looked around. “Is this your shop?”

“Indeed, it is!” Monty glowed with pride. “Three years and going strong.”

“Do you carve everything yourself?”

“God has blessed no man with such abundant talent.” Monty gestured over his shoulder. “This is more a classroom than a gallery of craftsmanship. The public high school no longer offers skilled education such as automotive repair or woodworking, and university is not an option for many of our young people, especially in the immigrant community. I learned the trade, thanks to a mentoring program Arthur Calhoun offered years ago. Now, through a generous grant secured with the assistance of Ginger and Marietta, I pay it forward. Three mornings a week, a few seniors from the high school intern here in my shop. Their work is sold in the shop under an equal-share split. They have been working like—how do the Americans say it?—little beavers to stockpile sufficient inventory for the Jingle Bell Festival this weekend. Our booth must be overflowing with beautiful pieces to entice shoppers to spend a little, which then goes a long way.”

Haywood raised his brows and fixed his gaze on Ginger. Her cheeks heated, but she just grinned at him.

“Did our mutual friend here write that little speech for you?”

Monty’s face scrunched in confusion. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“Never mind.” Haywood wandered away, examining the contents of each shelf.

“Has there been a change to the plans?” Monty asked her.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.