Blame It on the Mistletoe by Nicole Michaels Read Free Book Online Page B

needed to get up and get the store open by ten. The hardwood floor was cold under her feet on her way to the bathroom, but by the time she showered and made herself presentable, Brooke was starting to feel less fuzzy around the edges as she made her way downstairs and into the shop.
    She still desperately needed a jolt of caffeine but wasn’t quite the walking zombie she’d been when she woke up. The big antique grandfather clock in the corner of the shop indicated there was just enough time to grab a cup of coffee down the street if she hurried.
    “Never underestimate the lengths humans will go for caffeine,” Brooke told Diva, who was now sitting happily on the store’s counter, before grabbing her coat and unlocking the door. The crisp November air cut through her favorite blue peacoat, making her wish she’d thought to add a scarf or maybe a thicker sweater to her outfit. She quickly ran down Main Street to Callie’s Confections. It looked adorable with its pink awning and a few tables visible through the window.
    This morning she was met with a line of customers perusing the display of goodies. Shit. She really just wanted some caffeine. Right before she decided she couldn’t wait any longer a cute young woman with a blonde ponytail of curls, dressed in jeans and a pink Callie’s Confections T-shirt, came from the back with a fresh coffee urn. An old refinished buffet painted a cheery teal was set up along the wall as a coffee bar. Brooke pulled three bucks from her purse and stepped out of line to where the woman was now restocking sugar packets.
    “Hi … um, I’m sorry to ask this, but can I just grab a cup of coffee real quick? I have to hurry and get my shop open.”
    The woman gave her a warm smile and grabbed a to-go coffee cup from behind the register. “Here ya go, and it’s on me,” she said as she waved Brooke’s money away.
    “Oh, thanks, but that’s not necessary.”
    “You own the cute little shop down the road right? Opal something? I love those giant gumdrops, so original.”
    Brooke smiled, pride filling her chest as she filled her cup. The brew smelled amazing. “Thank you so much, and yes, Sweet Opal Studio.”
    “That’s so cool, I’m Callie by the way.” She put a hand out, and Brooke took it after setting her coffee down. “I’m ashamed that I haven’t been down to welcome you, but you know how it is when you own your own business.” Callie laughed and nodded toward the crowd that filled her shop.
    Brooke laughed in agreement, but the truth was she had no idea what it felt like to be this successful. She proceeded to add way too much sugar and half-and-half to her cup when it occurred to her that Callie might have some new-business advice she could benefit from. Before she could think twice, the words were tumbling out. “Actually, it’s been kind of rough with the roadwork outside my building. I’m the only store past it, and people don’t seem to realize I’m there or they don’t want to mess with crossing the muddy ditch. I’m really hoping this weekend can get—and keep—me out of the red for a while.” That didn’t sound too pathetic, did it?
    Callie cocked her head to the side and put her hands on her hips. “Well, that sucks. They’ve been at that road for a while now. I really should take more of an interest in the city board meetings, but I just really find them all terribly boring.”
    “Huh.” Brooke took a quick sip of her coffee. “Maybe I should look into going to one. I just know that it’s killing my business.”
    “Well, this weekend should be great, and I’ll be sure to tell everyone about your shop … oh, and hold on.” Callie ran behind the counter, laughing with one of her customers and a super-cute employee Brooke thought looked vaguely familiar from high school. He was very handsome, filling out his pink Callie’s T-shirt very nicely. Maybe
he
was the secret to the bakery’s success, as his winks and the women’s giggles might