My sexy companion

f freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the pumpkin pies they'd baked the day before. Happy customers would soon be enjoying the cozy treats

arranged the pastries on th

ion on the counter, its bright red petals a stark contrast to the dim

." She gave the register a quick glance, making sure it was ready for the rush. "He seemed a little strange

, why does he need a cane, then?" Bev asked, squinting toward

door as well but with less curiosity. "Maybe it's a trend w

inst Summer's teasingly. "I saw the way you looked at him, you were totally digging him. I don't blame you, he's rocking

, closing the register with a gentle snap. "Let's get the shop open for business.

nk, and before Summer could respond, Bev was

e mixing with the holiday cheer. The weather had turned cold overnight, and people were flocking to the shop for a little warmth. Summer had to admit, the festive decorations and the coz

town. Summer quickly found herself running out to the store to restock on milk and cream, her breath visible in the frigid air as she trudged toward her car. The w

what Bev had called him, and though it had been said in jest, the name seemed oddly fitting. He was tall and unbothered by the cold, dressed in a long coat that hung loosel

She had a job to do, and there was no

ding a chill up her spine. It wasn't the wind, though, that made her shiver. It was t

lmost instinctively, an

k F

wballs. A few of the children were ones Summer recognized-regulars whose mothers were frequent customers at her coffee shop. Summer had always found

eaming in the sunlight, as he expertly made snowballs with one hand while clutching his cane under his other arm. The kids were laughing with him,

didn't make sense. And yet, there he was, effortlessly partici

stand out. The way he moved with grace and ease, the way he seemed to be having such fun with the kids-it was like something from a dr

he yelled, waving her mitten-clad hand excitedly. The rest of the kids followed her

led. "Looks like you

her cheeks flushed from the cold. "He's teaching us

p but feel a little envious of their carefree energy. They were all so full of life, so willing to just enjoy t

rs. He gave her a nod, the corners of his mouth lifting into a grin. There was something

of the kids shouted, "Snowball fight, Summer!"

wly avoiding the snowball. She laughed, shaki

rried toward the parking lot. It seemed that, for the