The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

Author:Rachael Bloome [Bloome, Rachael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Secret Garden Press
Published: 2019-10-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Cassie didn’t wait for Luke to say hello before grabbing his hand and tugging him through the doorway. “You have to try this!” She pulled him into the kitchen, bubbling with excitement.

“Hello to you, too,” Luke chuckled.

“I know we’re meeting Eliza and Ben at the ice rink, but you have to taste this first.” Rocking back and forth on her tiptoes, Cassie held out a mug brimming with freshly brewed coffee, nearly sloshing it over the rim in her eagerness.

“Don’t tell me you raided more of Frank’s coffee supply,” Luke teased, bringing the mug to his lips.

Cassie placed one hand on her hip, rolling her eyes playfully. “Once again, I didn’t technically steal it. And this time he gave it to me.”

“When?” Steam wafted toward Luke’s face, carrying a rich, heady aroma that seemed to instantly catch his attention. “Wow, this smells good!”

“Doesn’t it?” Cassie couldn’t contain her delight, grinning like an overly enthusiastic elf. “I took him a jar of Eliza’s fudge yesterday, and he invited me inside.”

Her revelation caught Luke off guard, causing him to sputter in surprise as hot liquid shot up his nose.

“Are you okay?” Cassie asked.

“Fine, thanks. Just singed my sinuses.” Luke swiped at the coffee dribble on his chin. “Cantankerous and reclusive Frank Barrie invited you inside? What did he want?”

“He wanted my opinion on one of his blends. Well, two, actually. I tried one at Frank’s. And he sent me home with the one you’re drinking right now.”

“That’s strange.” Luke tried a second sip. And if his expression was any indication, the sultry flavors lingered on his tongue long after he’d swallowed. “This tastes incredible! Even better than the first cup I tried the night of Pajama Christmas.”

“I know!” Cassie beamed, pleased he had a similar reaction to her own. “I’ve been thinking about this all day. You know how I mentioned Frank’s writing a second edition of his book?”

Luke nodded, taking another sip.

“What if…” Cassie drew in a breath, wondering if her thought would sound crazy when she finally said it out loud. “What if Frank is working on new blends for his book? And he wants my help?”

“That would be great…” Luke trailed off, his brow knit together. “But why do you think he’d ask for your help?”

With a heavy sigh, Cassie slouched against the edge of the counter. “Yeah, that’s the one thing I can’t figure out, either.”

Luke set the mug down and reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Hey, if Frank’s half as smart as you say he is, he can probably tell natural talent when he sees it. I don’t even know why I asked.”

“Thanks.” Cassie waited for him to release her hand, but he didn’t move a muscle, except to apply another gentle squeeze.

His touch sent a shiver up her arm, and she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. The heat simmering in his hazel eyes startled her, and she subconsciously parted her lips.

“Cass…” His voice barely above a whisper, Luke leaned across the counter.

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