Page 10 of Sweet Summertide

“I told you I was opening an ice cream place.” She could feel the tension grow as the realization dawned on him. “Well, this is it. So, I guess we’re going to be neighbors.”

“Competitors,” he said under his breath, though she heard him just fine. His brows pinched. “I knew someone had leased that place. To be honest, it was my first choice, but someone snagged it before I could secure my funding. But I thought the name on the lease was Blake. Do you know him?”

Holly raised her hand like she was answering a pop quiz question. “That’s me, I’m afraid.” She put her hand out to shake his. “Blake Holly Hollis. Nice to meet you.”

Teddy shook her hand with the speed of a sloth as he processed the information. “Blake?” He paused. “If I had to lose the bid to someone, I suppose I’m glad it’s someone as nice as you are.”

His response was magnanimous, the way a properly raised man should behave. “I guess I’m happy that we’ll be seeing more of each other. When are you planning on opening?”

“As soon as possible. The challenge is finding workers around here,” he said.

“I know, it’s a nightmare with all the construction going on, the labor force hasn’t really caught up to the need.”

It was no secret anymore that Christmas Cove was having a resurgence. Not long ago, Christmas Cove was the most happening place to visit. But when the lake had dried up, so did the businesses. It was happenstance that Elizabethtown had incorporated the small town and helped the place recover at the same time Holly began looking to spread her wings.

Peering down at Teddy’s white sneakers, it was clear she wasn’t alone in her desire to get in on the action. It was clear that more people than ever were looking to cash in on the town’s popularity all year round. It was the same reason Holly had chosen the location. Growing up in the area, she knew the Cove was the perfect place for her to open her creamery.

“I’m aiming to be open by the Fourth of July,” she said.

“That’s soon. Cross your fingers,” he said and held his fingers up to her. “And I’ll cross mine.”

Holly was happy for Teddy to be her business neighbor. Regardless of their budding romantic connection, having a friend across the street from her could be a big advantage, she could use to leverage her success. She held up her crossed fingers to him. “We’ll both need some luck,” she said as someone walked by and slipped a flyer into her hand. “What’s this?”

Teddy took the paper and read it out loud. “Attention all small business owners. The Elizabethtown Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with a local anonymous benefactor, is awarding a one-time grant totaling fifty-thousand dollars. Open to all shops on Main Street. Must apply no later than June twentieth. Winner will be announced on Independence Day.”

Holly clapped her hands together and bounced on her toes. “A grant? That’s exciting! Are you going to apply?”

“Of course I will,” Teddy said with a smile. “I could use the money.”

“I don’tneedit, but I’m a winner,” she boasted. “Consider it already in the bag.”

Teddy folded the paper and slid it into his jeans pocket. He leaned into her ear. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“Is that a challenge?” Holly did not want a challenge, not from the man who she liked. She had lied about not needing the money, but she would never admit it. Her father had informed her only days ago that her mother was threatening to cut her off again. Her mother’s support always had strings attached, and even though Holly’s father wanted to help financially, Holly knew he would eventually capitulate to whatever her mother wished. Right now, her mother wanted Holly to join her in raising horses. The longer Holly held out and blazed her own way in life, the tighter her mother pulled the strings.

“I’d like to see you try and beat me,” Teddy said. His side-cocked grin and bright eyes let her know he was engaging in playful banter.

“Don’t underestimate my ability to make you regret those words,” she taunted back.

“I’m more motivated?—”

“How do you know my motivation level?” she said, though he talked right past her.

“—than you are to make my shop a success. And I happen to be the most organized person you’ll likely ever meet. I can plan my way through any circumstance.” Teddy’s confidence was showing, and she liked it.

“It’s fifty-thousand dollars. That’s life changing money for a small business. Do you know what I could do with all that?” she said as her imagination sparked with new ideas in her mind. “I could really use it.”

“Well, if we’re both vying for the award, we could make this a little more fun. I propose a wager.”

The suggestion of raising the stakes interested her. “Are you sure you want to gamble against me? I wouldn’t underestimate my ability to win at all costs.” Holly flicked her long mane over her shoulder and aimed to walk away.

Teddy captured her by the hand and wrenched her back to him. She collided with his body and his arms held her against him. “You’re scared?” she teased.

“Of you?” he chuckled low in his throat. “Never.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She squirmed in his arms but not enough to get away. “But if I did, what bet do you propose?”

“If I win, you have to carry my products in your shop for the first month, and if you win, I have to?—”

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