Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
I reached out, placing my hand on his arm. “I was teasing, Shane. I have nowhere to be, and I’m happy to help you pick some things for your family.”
“Your, ah, husband won’t be upset?”
“I’m not married. It’s Miss James, actually. But you can call me Callie.”
“Oh. Boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Um, girlfriend?”
I shook my head, trying not to laugh at how adorable he was.
“Well, it’s 2024. I felt I had to ask.”
“All that is waiting is a casserole in the oven, a bottle of wine, and an old cat named Jake, who does nothing but sleep, fart, and lick his, ah, long-lost mistletoe.” I winked.
A wide smile made his eyes crinkle. “Well then, Miss James, I’m at your mercy. Lead the way.”
As we walked around the store, I pointed out the various sections. “That area is books, both adult and children’s. This section is local artists—I have some lovely leather goods, stained glass, and scarves. My own line of handmade soaps and bath essentials is over there, and at the back are toys and games for all ages. Even pets. Handmade chocolates and goodies are in the far corner. I have a line of custom-made jewelry by the cash register if you’re interested.”
“I’m interested in it all. May I browse for a little bit?”
“Of course. I was going to get a cup of coffee while I do some closing-up items. Can I get you one?”
“That would be most welcome.” He captured my hand again, squeezing it. “Thank you, Callie.”
My cheeks flushed under his intense gaze. “You’re welcome.”
I brought him a coffee, adding the cream he said he liked. I placed a few cookies I’d had out for sampling on a napkin, handed them to him, and then left him to browse. I did a quick tally for the day, trying not to stare at him as he roamed around the store. He was intent, tilting his head, studying things as he sipped his coffee and gobbled down the cookies. He held up the last one.
“Do these come by the dozen?”
I peeked over at the basket. “Yes, there are some left.”
“I’ll take them all.”
I chuckled as I grabbed the last three packages and put them on the counter. Good thing I had set a few cookies aside for myself already. He drained his mug, setting it down on the counter beside mine.
“Who made the stained-glass pieces?”
“I did.”
“As well as the bath, ah, things?”
“Yes.”
“I’m impressed. Did you bake the cookies too?” he teased.
I felt myself blush again. What was it about this man that made that happen?
“Yes.”
He lifted a finger, tracing it over my cheek. “How unexpected,” he murmured.
He moved past me to the books, leaving me to wonder if he meant the cookies, the stained glass…or me.
Shane Foster had to be the most generous man ever to enter my shop. After perusing the books, he returned with a dozen children’s books, then went back, adding three huge tomes to the pile. “This is amazing,” he stated. “You have books my brothers and father will love. Well, one brother and one brother-in-law. And I prefer giving the kids some books. I love reading. What about you?”
“It’s one of my favorite pastimes.”
His gaze was intense. “Excellent to know.” He reached behind me, snagging another cookie. “Now, I need a toy for each of them—and a few games for the family.”
I helped him pick something, listening as he talked about his nieces and nephews. Love dripped from his voice as he described them. Elly and John’s identical twin girls. Alan and Tracey’s three sons and one daughter—who, Shane laughed, “might as well be another boy—she can take them all.” He also added candy for each of them, insisting all gifts from Uncle Shane had to be equal.
“What about the parcels that will come? Shouldn’t you just buy something small for them to open tomorrow?”
“No—I like these better. I bought what their parents had sent me from a list. They can have those as extras later.” He clapped his hands. “Now, the ladies. There, I need the most help. And I think I’ve decided on some of those gloves for the guys along with their books.”
At his request, I made up a basket for each woman of my various soaps, lotions, and bath bombs. He chose a piece of stained glass for his mother, saying how much she would like it in her sunroom, then picked a set of earrings for both his sister-in-law, Tracey, and his sister, Elly. He took his time, choosing carefully with every item. Never once did he look at or ask a price. I kept a mental tally in my head, knowing he would purchase more with this transaction than I had made all month. It was mind-boggling.
Finally, he smiled. “I think I’m done.”
I moved a box out of the way. “All right.”
He looked down, stopping. “Wait.” He tapped the glass. “What is that?”