by Polly Holmes
Alex smiled. You can always count on small-town Australian hospitality to cheer you up. “Thanks, Mrs Tuscon.”
“A little birdy told me you’re working at the Mistletoe Kissing Booth tomorrow,” Caroline said with a giggle. “That should be a lot of fun, hey? Especially with the extra hordes of tourists we have in town this year.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive Hannah for conning me into it.”
Caroline ran her perfectly manicured fingers through her silvery, streaked hair. “Well, you’re an angel to volunteer. After all, it’s all in the name of charity.”
Thunderous applause filled Alex’s eardrums and her head whipped around. She caught Clair’s concerned expression staring straight at her as she descended the stairs. Alex threw her arms around Clair and squeezed her into a sisterly hug. “Congratulations, Clair, it’s amazing.”
“Thank you, Ali,” Clair said squeezing her best friend. “It means so much that you could be here. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.”
“Of course. Where else would I be?” she asked, pulling back to look at her friend. Clair was the only one who called her Ali. Somehow it made her feel like family. “What a great turn out. So many locals here to celebrate your opening and a few tourists too. I just know CC’s Cupcake Haven is going to be a huge success.”
Clair beamed from ear to ear, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks. “I know, I can’t believe it myself. It was touch and go for a while, but Cassidy and her amazing interior design team are the real miracle workers here.”
Clair turned to see a smile beaming across Caroline’s face as wide as the ocean shoreline. “Thank you for coming, Caroline, but do you mind if I steal Ali away for a moment?”
“Of course not, dear. Congratulations again and I’ll see you at the fair tomorrow. I’m looking forward to visiting your stall, Christmas Cupcake Surprise.” Alex stepped aside while she gave Clair a motherly hug and waved goodbye.
“Come with me,” Clair said, dragging Alex by the hand toward the new industrial kitchen.
Clair pulled her through the crowd and her hand suddenly felt disconnected from her arm. Finally settling at the kitchen table, Clair said, “I know my mind has been focused on today, but I couldn’t help notice that you came in rather late from work last night. It wasn’t because of Marcus, was it?”
Alex balked at Clair’s assumption, her gut squirmed at the mere thought. “Gosh no. I told you, it’s over for good with Marcus. Mish called in sick, so Dalton asked me to cover her shift. I was working late. You know I want to be manager of the café and if covering Mish’s shift shows I’m dedicated to my job then that’s what I’ll do.”
Ashton Point Hot Springs was one of the most popular attractions for locals and holiday-goers alike. Tourists had been visiting the hot springs for as long as Alex could remember. They said the hot water pools had healing properties, and she’d have to agree with them. The busier the hot springs became, the busier The Springs Café got, which was a win in Alex’s eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Clair said. Embarrassment clouded her expression. “I just worry about you. Marcus… The no good piece of scum hasn’t exactly left you alone since you moved into my place. It’s like he has one agenda. Get you back at all costs.”
Alex swallowed the lump in her throat as Clair’s words seized her chest like a lion pouncing on his prey. Marcus had done his darndest to try and win her back, but she was stronger than he gave her credit for. “You don’t have to worry, I am not going back to Marcus. I’ve learned my lesson. I promise.” Alex stood, forcing the image of Marcus from her mind. “I’d love to stay, but I have to get back to work. Dalton hates lateness. He’s really happy with how your cupcakes are selling at the café. Says Charlotte’s designs add a spark of light and laughter into the café. Was she able to make the extra mistletoe cupcakes I ordered?”
“Of course,” Clair said moving over to the stack of green and red boxes on the island bench. “Since when has Charlotte not wanted to cook cupcakes?” Both girls giggled. “Would you like me to help you take these out to your car?”
Alex flippantly brushed her hand as if shooing away a fly. “Pfft, I’m sure I can manage. You should be back out there chatting with all your guests. I’ll see you tomorrow at the fair?”
“A snowstorm couldn’t keep me away. After all, I’ll have your supply of mini mistletoe cupcakes to go with each kiss,” Clair said straining to keep her laughter from erupting.
Alex hugged her best friend, grabbed the boxes and headed out. “You’ll keep.”
Alex’s face fell and her gut cramped as she glanced up through the glass cake cabinet. What the… No, no, no. A familiar figure headed in her direction. The day had been long enough. Mish had called in sick, for the second day in a row, and she volunteered to take her shift. Again. So much for getting some beauty sleep before the fair tomorrow.
Marcus strutted toward her as if he hadn’t trampled her heart, as if his lies hadn’t ripped their relationship apart. Alex saw red as she mechanically finished wiping the inside of the cake cabinet.
“Alexandra, can we talk?”
The deep timbre of his voice called to her heart once more. He was the only man who spoke her full name with such desire. She shook the thought from her mind. I will not be played again. “I’m sorry, Marcus, but we have nothing to say to each other. Now, if you would please leave.”
His gaze darkened. “No, I’m not leaving until you speak to me.”
She gasped at the audacity of his demand. Alex threw her sponge on the counter and folded her arms across her chest. “You do not get to come into my work, throwing demands around like you own the place. Now leave or so help me I will make you, if it’s the last thing I do.”
“Please, Alexandra, I just want to talk,” he said, his voice softening.
The sudden sadness in his tone caught her off guard. “No, Marcus, the time for talking is past. Now, please leave.”
“Alex, is everything all right?” Dalton’s voice called from the other end of the café near his office.
She opened her mouth to respond, but Marcus beat her to it. “Yes, everything is fine. Alexandra and I were just in the middle of a private conversation.”
Dalton was now standing within an inch of her body. She tensed as his protective stance almost hugged her. “It didn’t look like Alex was interested in a conversation with you at all. I think it would be best if you left.”
“Okay,” he said, sighing in defeat. “I’ll leave, but only if I can have just a few minutes alone with Alexandra. Then I promise to go, if she still wants me to.”
Still want you to? Of course I do. “Will you promise to go at once if I speak to you?”
Marcus nodded. “Promise.”
“Fine,” she said.
Dalton frowned. “Alex, you do not have to speak to him. I’ll get security to escort him out. Better yet, I’ll do it myself.”
She shook her head, her gaze rooted to Marcus. “No, it’s okay. It will be a short chat anyway.”
Nervous tension flared between them as they moved to the other side of the café. Clair’s words played on repeat in her mind. No good piece of scum. No good piece of scum. “What do you want?”
Marcus withdrew a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. Her brow creased. “What’s this?”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but for what it’s worth, I do love you.”
His words pounded her heart like a closed fist. “Love… Love? You don’t treat someone you supposedly love the way you treated me.” She held up the folded paper in her hand. She asked again. “What’s this?”
“I know you don’t see a life with me anymore, I get it, but I feel I should get some compensation for what I put into the relationship. That’s a list of the items I would like as part of our mutual separation.”
“Compensation… Mutual separation?” she asked through gritted teeth. Rage seized her body
, her heart now pulverising her ribcage in anger as her gaze scanned the scrappy piece of paper. The stereo, recliner chair, CD collection, microwave. Refusing to read one more word, she glared at him through slitted eyes, her voice raising an octave with each word. “Are you serious? You’re lucky you got your clothes back. As far as I’m concerned, you can take a long walk off a short pier.”
She hadn’t even registered Dalton’s presence until his icy hands fused with her shoulders, moving her out of the way. “That’s quite enough, Marcus. I’ll not have you upsetting my employees a moment longer. Now get out.”
“You can’t make—” Amid scattered babblings from Marcus, Dalton had Marcus’ arm twisted behind his back, escorting him forcefully toward the exit.
Alex stared dumbfounded at the scene before her. Dalton made quick work of ridding Marcus from the premises and handing him over to security.
“Alex, are you all right?” he asked returning to her side.
“Um, yes I think so,” she said rubbing her forehead. “Thank you.”
“I’ve told security not to ever let him past the front gate, but you know you really should get as far away from Marcus as possible. If you need help, I happen to have a spare rental home not far from here that’s just been vacated. You’re welcome to use it free of charge ‘til you get back on your feet. I’ll even help you move in.”
A shiver bolted up her spine and she sucked in a deep breath. Alex returned to cleaning, shaking off the unnerving sensation rifling through her body. “Thank you for the offer. That’s very kind of you, but there’s no need.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve stored most of my furniture in my parent’s garage and I’m staying with Clair McCorrson. She has a spare room and it’s kind of nice being around female company again.”
“Sounds like you have it all sorted then,” he said with his hands firmly on his hips. “Now, where would you like me to start?”
Alex’s back stiffened. “Start?”
“Closing up?”
Did he think that she couldn’t do her job because of Marcus? “That’s not necessary. I’m okay. Thank you for helping with Marcus, but truly I’m fine with closing up.”
“You sure?” he asked grabbing his jacket off the hat stand in his office.
She nodded. “Yes. I could do it with my eyes shut.”
He picked up his briefcase and headed out. “Okay, then. I’ll see you at the Christmas Fair tomorrow.”
Alex froze mid-sweep. She could have sworn he said, “At the kissing booth.”
Oh no, I can’t kiss my boss, not even for charity.
Chapter Two
ALEX STEPPED OUT of her car and sucked in a deep Sunday morning breath of fresh salty air. Her eyes widened as she took in the main street. It was magical. Christmas had arrived in Ashton Point. It was as if their town had turned into the world’s biggest Christmas fair overnight. “Wow, this is amazing,” she said, electricity buzzing through her veins.
She hiked her box of goodies up against her hip and continued towards the location of the kissing booth. “Caroline was right, Hannah has really outdone herself this year.”
“Why, thank you,” Hannah said, sidling up beside Alex, clipboard under her arm. “You really think it’s enough?”
“Hannah, it’s truly amazing. Ashton Point has never seen so many Christmas stalls or shop decorations in one place before. Our main street looks like a scene straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.” Pride bubbled up from Alex’s belly and she never felt prouder to be a member of the Ashton Point community than she did in that moment.
The set up was spectacular. Her gaze scanned up and down the street: cake stalls, Christmas cake competition, candy prize wheel, sweet treats, handmade Christmas gifts, face painting, fairy floss, blind date with a book, fashion parade, the list was endless. Not to mention the Ferris wheel, petting farm, and Santa’s village, complete with photo booth. But what impressed Alex the most was the brightly-coloured, gigantic Christmas tree in the middle of the roundabout right smack in the centre of the street. It was made out of recycled tyres.
“How on earth did you manage that tree, Hannah?” Alex asked, astounded by the height. “It must be at least twenty metres high.”
Hannah sighed, hugging her clipboard to her chest. “I had to pull in a few favours and I didn’t think it was going to be possible, but Kurtis over at AP Tyres came through and I couldn’t be happier. I just hope people will donate presents for the homeless to make their Christmas a special one this year. They have so little and we, in Ashton Point are so lucky to live in such an amazing community.”
“I’m sure they will.” A twinge of guilt snagged Alex’s heart. And here I am complaining about my little stint in the kissing booth. She mentally added purchasing extra gifts for the tree to her shopping list. “Mr Hutson would have been so proud of you.”
Hannah paled and her eyes glassed over at the mention of her late boss. “This was his dream. To draw the tourists to Ashton Point. He wasn’t a bad man, just made some bad decisions later in life. The least I could do was make it a huge success in memory of him.” She sniffed back tears and glanced at her watch. “Oh gosh, is that the time? I’ve so much to do before we open at ten o’clock. Thank you again for joining in the festivities. Have fun at the kissing booth.” She giggled and hurried away.
“Fun? You’ve got to be kidding,” Alex mumbled as she finally found her stall just past the Christmas tree. She busied herself making it look the part by hanging mistletoe across the top of the stand and putting the “Kissing Booth” sail sign Hannah had made for the stall out front. She stood back and surveyed her handy work.
“Looking good there, young lady.” Alex spun, surprised to see Mavis Stevenson behind her sporting a huge, cheeky grin. “I can see which store is going to be the most popular at the fair this year can’t you, Mr Pendleton?”
Alex’s breath caught in the back of her throat as her gaze shot to the man standing behind Mavis holding a box of cakes. Kayne Pendleton. Tall, dark and handsome. The new town policeman. He was as hot out of uniform as he was in. Her words stuck in the back of her throat and all she could do was smile. What is wrong with me? It’s not as if I haven’t been in the presence of a handsome man before.
“I’m sure you’re right, Mrs Stevenson. Although, your cakes might give Alexandra a run for her money,” he said. His lips turning up into the sexiest smile she’d ever seen and Alex felt a prickle of interest.
Alexandra. The way he said her name. Alex felt her name ringing in the base of her belly. His mysterious charm was drop dead gorgeous. Mavis spoke, reality instantly slapping her in the face. She turned, pretending to check the metal pole holding the sail sign up. A warm embarrassing blush worked its way up her neck settling in her cheeks.
“Oh, you are the charmer. Come on now. Let’s get those cakes to the stall before the patrons arrive, shall we?” she said.
“As you wish, Mrs Stevenson,” Kayne said with a smile as they walked off.
Her heart deflated. He’d barely even noticed her. Alex peeked her eye around the sign and her stomach did a little flutter. “Now that is a cute butt,” she said under her breath, watching Kayne’s toned backside snugged tight in his light-brown cargo pants. Each step caused it to sway from side to side.
“Why, Alexandra Cohen, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you have the hots for our new policeman.”
Mortification flooded Alex’s body as if her parents had sprung her mid-kiss on a first date. She spun to see Clair and Cassidy standing behind her arms filled with cupcake boxes. “How long have you two been standing there?”
“Long enough,” Cassidy said smirking as she placed her boxes on the booth table. “A delivery of mini mistletoe cupcakes. One cupcake with every kiss.”
She gasped and her mouth made an O shape. “I do not have a crush on Kayne Pendleton. I just happen to think he has a cute butt, that’s all.”
“Riiiiiiight,” Clair said, handing her cupcake b
oxes to Cassidy. “You keep trying to convince yourself of that, but we know better, don’t we?” Clair winked at Cassidy and both burst into fits of laughter. Alex stiffened as Cassidy pulled her into a warm embrace.
“If you could see your face right now, you’d be laughing too,” Clair said. “Come on, Cassidy, time is short. Let’s get the rest of the cupcakes from the car and then we have to head back to CC’s Simply Cupcakes to get the stock for our stall. We’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Alex stood watching their sisterly banter as they moved out of sight. Clair’s teasing remarks caused Alex’s cheeks to warm. She felt only love in her heart for the McCorrson sisters. While small-town life wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, she loved living in Ashton Point. She believed they had the best beaches on the central coast of New South Wales and judging by the hordes of tourists that had rolled into town this week they agreed with her. Alex’s head turned toward the clatter of noise drifting from the carpark. Town folk started to flood in, preparing their stalls for the busy day ahead.
“Alexandra?”
She froze, her happy thoughts vanishing. Alex’s stomach squeezed heavily with dread. Refusing to turn at the sound of her name, her heart leaped into her throat. Marcus. Oh no, not again. “What do you want?” she asked, her pulse racing.
“I can’t believe you are going through with this kissing booth nonsense,” he barked.
“It’s none of your concern.” She turned, shocked by the battered image of Marcus. “What happened to you?” He brushed her concern away just as he did her love. Pain stabbed her heart.
His brow creased together. “Don’t change the subject. You’re just doing this to make me jealous, aren’t you?”
“Jealous? Ha.” Alex could almost hear her heart thrashing inside her chest as he stood there staring at her. “There’s nothing to be jealous about. You and I are done, although I would like to know who decided to use your face as a punching bag.”
“If we’re done as you say, then it’s none of your business. I just came to ask you again for my stuff. I need it.”
