The Sugar Stop Chocolate Shop: A Cozy Christmas Romance by Nova Walsh

Author:Nova Walsh [Walsh, Nova]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Two Worlds Press
Published: 2024-09-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

As I stepped into my living room a few minutes later, I flicked on the lights, illuminating the cozy space adorned with a few modest holiday decorations. The scent of pine filled the air, the tree’s branches brushing softly against the walls as Sawyer maneuvered it inside behind me.

“Let me just find the tree stand,” I said, heading toward the storage closet. “It’s around here somewhere.”

“Take your time,” he replied, leaning the tree gently against the wall.

I rummaged through boxes of ornaments and tinsel until I found the stand tucked away in the corner. Pulling it out, I turned to see Sawyer surveying the room with a thoughtful expression.

“Your place hasn’t changed a bit,” he said.

Shrugging, I said, “I like it this way. Why change things when you’re happy?” Our eyes met and lingered on one another for a moment before I brought the stand over to him. Could he feel it too? I thought he probably could. Magic really was in the air.

Together we positioned the stand on the tree, adjusting the screws to secure it. As we lifted the evergreen into place, our hands occasionally brushed, each touch sending a subtle warmth up my arm.

“Looks like it’s standing straight,” he observed, stepping back to assess our work.

I stood beside him, tilting my head to one side. “I think you’re right.”

An idea struck me. “Wait here a second.”

I disappeared into the hallway, returning moments later with a box of string lights. “Mind if we at least get the lights on? It feels a bit bare otherwise.”

He grinned. “Not at all. Hand them over.”

We began winding the lights around the tree, weaving them carefully between the branches. At one point, I stretched to reach a higher limb, and Sawyer steadied me with a gentle hand on my waist.

“Careful,” he said softly.

“Thanks,” I replied, my cheeks warming at the contact.

Once the lights were in place, I plugged them in. The tree came alive with a soft, warm glow, casting delicate patterns on the walls.

“Now that’s more like it,” he said appreciatively.

“It’s beautiful,” I agreed, gazing at the twinkling lights.

A familiar melody began playing from the radio I’d turned on earlier—a classic Christmas song that had always been a favorite of mine.

Sawyer glanced toward the source of the music. “Mind if I turn it up?”

“Go ahead,” I said.

He adjusted the volume, and the gentle strains of the song filled the room. Turning back to me, he offered a tentative smile. “Do you remember when we danced to this at the town holiday party?”

I laughed softly. “How could I forget? You stepped on my toes at least twice.”

He held up his hands in mock defense. “In my defense, the floor was crowded.”

“Sure, blame the crowded floor,” I teased.

He chuckled, then grew a bit more serious. “Maybe I could make it up to you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how would you do that?”

He extended his hand toward me. “Dance with me now?”

I hesitated for a moment, surprised by the invitation, but the sincerity in his eyes melted any reservations I had.

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.