Page 9 of Christmas Candy

“That’s nice of you.”

“It’s part of the gig. Being a business owner means giving back where you can.”

“In that case, I want to take a page out of your book.”

“Like I said before, there are lots of other places you can spend your time.” I didn’t need him in my life any more than he already was.

He hands me another ball, this time his fingers brush against mine for a little longer than before. It sends a thrill through me, even though I try to ignore it. Why does he have to smell so good? Like clean and masculine with a hint of something sweet from his shop? It’s wrong for a man to smell delicious.

Black licorice, black licorice.

“Can you call that number again, dear?” Mrs. Carmichael adjusts her enormous bifocals. “I couldn’t hear it over my cats. They meow something terrible when they’re hungry.”

I glance around at the cat-free common room. “Sure. I-14.”

“Thank you.” She stares at her upside down bingo card.

“I wanted to ask you something last night, but I couldn’t quite work up the nerve.” His fingers linger against mine again as he hands me the next ball.

“What?” My voice comes out breathy as I call out the number. We should have had a bingo by now, but I’ve learned everything takes a little longer at the senior center.

He leans over, his warm breath tickling my ear. “I was wondering what your favorite candy is.”

Goosebumps break out along my neck and arms as I snatch the ball from his hands and announce the next number.

“I don’t like candy.” I glance at him. He’s watching me, eating me up with his eyes. Problem is, I can’t say the sensation is unpleasant. Quite the opposite.

“Come on. Everyone likes candy.”

“I don’t.” His nearness is throwing me off, and I stutter out the next number.

“You sure? I saw the way you looked at my candy apple.”

I huff out a breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He moves closer, our arms touching. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.” His conciliatory whisper has my heart stutter-stepping. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

I can’t focus on the numbers, not when he’s winding me up like a clock. It doesn’t help that this is the most distracted I’ve been over a man since … Since senior year when I stared at him running track instead of doing my homework. I’ve fallen into the same hole with the same guy, and I can’t seem to get myself free.

“Candy apples.” I keep my voice low.

“What?” God, his voice in my ear sends shivers shooting down my spine.

“I like candy apples the best.”

“I’d like to see you eat one of my candy apples. Extra caramel for you.” He hands me the next ball, his index finger skating along mine. “Something sweet on your tongue.”

My body goes up in flames as our eyes meet, and I call out, “O-69.”

Hank

Ipositionmyself onthe mat and stare toward the platform at the back of the room. The front door opens and Candace walks in. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she unrolls her mat next to mine on the shiny wood floor.

“Fancy seeing you here.” She settles next to me. “You think this might be the way to her heart, eh?”

My eyebrows rise at her words, mainly because she seems to have seen right through me. “I figured it was worth a try.”

She lowers her voice as other students settle in around us, unfurling their mats and sitting cross-legged. “I remember you from school. She sort of had a thing for you.”

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