Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
NATE
N ate wanted to kick himself, but he needed one foot on the gas pedal. You don’t have to say every stupid thing that pops into your head, numbskull .
Now, Juliet probably thought he was some chauvinist creep who labeled every beautiful woman crazy. And cute ? Had he really called her cute ?
His face felt like molten lava, and he prayed she couldn’t see the scorch marks beneath his five-o’clock shadow.
Concentrate on something else. Anything else .
He focused his gaze on the road ahead, grateful when the town center came into view.
Four cobbled streets formed a square around a large grassy lawn shaded by an ancient oak tree. Gold rush–era buildings with a mixture of brick, stone, and shiplap siding lined the walkways, each storefront decorated with glittering lights and garlands. Festive greenery wrapped around vintage-style streetlamps, and colorful bunting stretched across the sidewalks.
Nate blinked. Was this town for real? Or was someone secretly filming a Lifetime movie called The Most Christmassy Town on Earth ?
“Wow,” Juliet breathed beside him. “I remember Poppy Creek being festive, but this is a whole other level. I feel like any minute now, Santa and his elves are going to spill out of the shops.”
“I had the same thought,” he admitted. “Do you know where the café—” Before he could finish his sentence, he spotted a white brick storefront with bistro tables arranged on a cozy patio outside. Two twinkling Christmas trees flanked the front door, and someone had painted an impressive wintry scene on the wall of windows facing the street. A warm amber glow emanated from inside, inviting passersby out of the cold.
A couple emerged from the café carrying steaming to-go mugs. The man pulled an enormous éclair from a white paper bag and took a generous bite. Nate’s mouth watered just thinking about all the freshly brewed coffee and baked goods he’d find inside.
“Too bad we filled up on pancakes,” Juliet said as he slid into a parking spot on Main Street. “From what I remember, this place has the best cinnamon rolls.”
“I always have room for cinnamon rolls.” He flashed a half-cocked grin, hoping they could move on from the embarrassment of his earlier blunder. To his relief, she returned his smile as she climbed out of the passenger seat.
With the pound of coffee in hand, he opened the door to the café for Juliet, then followed her inside.
A flood of tantalizing aromas greeted him, from earthy coffee notes to the sweetness of sugar cookies. Walking into the Calendar Café was like stepping into outstretched arms. The warmth and homeyness wrapped around him like a hug.
“Hi! You must be Nate and Juliet.” A pretty woman with long hair the color of nutmeg and the deepest green eyes he’d ever seen waved at them from behind the counter. “I’m Cassie, Luke’s other half. Frank said you’d be stopping by with some coffee for me.” She must’ve spotted the bag he was carrying.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Nate shook her hand across the counter. Her grip was firm but soft. Wow . Luke really did have it all. A great job. A kind and beautiful wife. He bet his daughter looked like the Gerber baby. But he didn’t begrudge the guy. He liked when good things happened to good people.
After the women exchanged a greeting—which included mutual compliments on Juliet’s plaid scarf and Cassie’s snow globe–shaped earrings—Nate handed Cassie the pound of coffee.
She beamed, hugging the tan craft bag to her cheek. “It’s still warm! Doesn’t get much fresher than that, does it? Would you like to try a cup? It’s a new blend. I’m thinking of calling it Santa’s Secret Stash.” She grinned. “It’ll make an amazing espresso, if you’d like a cappuccino or latte.”
“A cappuccino would be great, thanks.”
Cassie offered one to Juliet—who asked for a latte instead—then set to work on an antique espresso machine made of gleaming copper. Her hands moved with skill and precision but also with grace, like a dancer or artist, and she didn’t slow down even as she made small talk. “So, Nate. Luke tells me you’re visiting Poppy Creek to experience a traditional small-town Christmas. How’s it going so far?”
“Great, considering this town is more festive than the North Pole. And we’re heading to pick out a Christmas tree after this, which fits my plan to partake in as many holiday activities as possible while I’m here.”
Cassie’s eyes sparkled as she handed him a to-go cup. “I have something that might help you with that.” Reaching beneath the counter, she retrieved a hardbound notebook. The words Christmas Calendar stretched across the front in gold lettering. “This is something my grandparents made years ago to help them appreciate all the magic of the holidays. Well, not this one specifically. I had copies made so I could share the family tradition.” She set the notebook in his hands as though bestowing a priceless treasure.
“What is it?”
“It’s a Christmas calendar, which is exactly what it sounds like. It lists a different festive activity for each day in December.”
“Sounds fun. Thanks.”
“My pleasure.” Her eyes sparkled again, as if she knew something he didn’t.
Turning back to the espresso machine, she moved on to Juliet’s latte.
While they waited, Nate flipped through the Christmas Calendar, looking for the day’s task. Decorate the Tree. He’d have to ask Frank and Beverly, but it seemed doable. With a quick scan, he noted a few other activities. Bake a Mince Pie. Watch It’s a Wonderful Life . Go Ice Skating. The book definitely had some good ideas. A vision of Juliet bundled in a winter coat, floating across the ice flashed through his mind. He slammed the book shut, dispelling the far-too-appealing mental image.
Today was a one-time event. They’d pick out a tree together, but after that, he’d keep his distance.
Cassie handed Juliet her latte, but before they could say their goodbyes, a petite blonde woman barged through a swinging door that led to the kitchen, her dark eyes brimming with distress.
“Help!” she cried. “We have a code red emergency!”
The panic in her voice shot straight to Nate’s heart. His pulse spiked, pumping too hard and too fast.
Adrenaline flooded his veins, sweeping through his body like a fire blazing out of control, igniting every battle instinct burned into his DNA.
He straightened, hands coiled, ready for action.