Page 29 of The Clause in Christmas
The bright white screen of an open laptop called to her like a beacon. But as she drew closer, something else captured her attention. A quart-sized mason jar filled with dark, velvety coffee beans. Lifting the jar, Cassie turned it over in her hands, the beans rattling like a makeshift maraca. Why on earth did he have coffee beans sitting on his desk?
Glancing at the laptop, Cassie hesitated. She should keep looking for Frank. But the blinking cursor piqued her curiosity. One quick glance…
Leaning closer, Cassie peered at the title line.
The Mariposa Method: Second Edition.
Shock rippling through her, Cassie stumbled back a few steps, clutching the jar to her chest.
“What are you doing?”
Whirling around in fright, Cassie stood face-to-face with Frank Barrie, his arms laden with firewood.
“I…” Words failed her as she tried to process everything that was happening. “I, uh, heard a loud crash and thought you’d fallen.”
Frank snorted derisively. “You thought I fell into my laptop?”
A guilty blush stung Cassie’s cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I—”
“Not as sorry as you’re gonna be.” His narrowed gaze communicatedget out nowmore clearly than any words could have.
Somehow, Cassie managed to make her legs move and propel her past Frank toward the front door. With only a few more steps until freedom, she had a horrifying thought—she was still holding the jar of coffee beans! Mustering all of her courage, she forced herself to turn around.
Frank glowered in the shadowy hall, arms still loaded with firewood, as if waiting to ensure she actually left. Even from several feet away, his steel-gray eyes bored into hers, sending chills down her spine.
Hands trembling, she held out the jar. “I’m sorry. I just realized I—”
“Take it andgo!” The words erupted from Frank’s mouth with such force and hostility, Cassie didn’t hesitate before bolting out the front door.
And she didn’t stop running until she was safely in her car.
* * *
“You have to try it.” Cassie’s dazzling eyes showcased her excitement as she scooted the mug across the counter toward Luke. An aromatic wisp of steam curled into the air, instantly kickstarting his taste buds.
He raised one eyebrow. “If Ido, does that make me an accessory to your crime?”
“If you’re too chicken, I will.” Eliza snatched the mug before Luke had a chance to protest, closing her eyes to savor the incredible scent before taking a sip.
Luke noticed Cassie’s subtle lean across the counter and the way her lips parted in anticipation of Eliza’s reaction. He couldn’t help thinking about their conversation from two nights ago, and a surge of disappointment shot through him. Their connection had seemed so strong in that moment, sharing their dreams while mince pie filling simmered on the stove. But now, Luke wouldn’t even be here had Eliza not insisted they take Cassie to Pajama Christmas. He was supposed to be distancing himself. But taking Cassie to one of his favorite Christmas traditions felt like the opposite of keeping her at arm’s length.
“Oh, my goodness.” Eliza’s entire body seemed to drain itself of tension with the first sip. “This is amazing.”
“Isn’t it?” Cassie pressed her palms together as if she couldn’t quite contain her enthusiasm. “I’m so glad you both stopped by because Ihadto share this with someone.” She drew in a deep breath before announcing, “Frank Barrie is Richard Stanton!”
Her grand announcement was met with silence.
“Who?” Luke glanced at Eliza, who looked equally baffled.
“Richard Stanton,” Cassie repeated. “He wroteThe Mariposa Method. The magnum opus of the coffee world.”
“Oh.” Luke nodded, although his furrowed brow gave away his confusion. Frank Barrie was Richard Stanton, a famous author? It didn’t make any sense. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Cassie’s entire face radiated delight. “I saw the proof myself. He’s writing a second edition ofThe Mariposa Method.”
“What does ‘Mariposa’ mean?” Eliza asked, taking another sip before handing the mug to Luke.
“It’s Spanish for butterfly,” Cassie explained, her voice filled with admiration. “In the book, Richard—I mean,Frank—equates the coffee roasting process to the transformation of a butterfly.”
