Falling For Christmas: an Angel's Lake novella

by Jody Holford

  “Didn’t think you would. We help our own around here. It’ll take some time for people to adjust to another new store, another new person but they will.”

  Georgia turned to face the store owner. He ran Special-Tea a couple of shops down from Sweet Georgia. His black hair was peppered liberally with white. Lines around his eyes and mouth added to his character. He’d been nothing but nice to her since she arrived.

  “I appreciate your help.”

  “I’ve got a daughter about your age. It’s hard to start over.” He patted her shoulder and walked back to his shop.

  Georgia stared after him. She thought she kept her feelings close to the vest so why did it feel like the few people she had met in this town could see right through her? Maybe Anna had shared some of her story? You only told her the bare minimum. Not that there was much to tell. She’d let herself be swindled, lost her job, left town with a couple of suitcases, all of her savings, and one, teensy, tiny stolen item. He couldn’t have found you. There’s no way. He wouldn’t.

  “Won’t take much thought to guess who did this,” a familiar voice said.

  Georgia turned. Yeah, she recognized his voice. It had this soft cadence that warmed her skin in a way she did not want to enjoy.

  “Santa?” It was better than the alternative.

  The officer—she wasn’t calling him Cam—gave a wry smile. “That would be my bet.” He stepped onto the planked walkway that lined the shops. The center of the square was actual cobblestone which charmed Georgia to no end. Right now, it held a light dusting of snow. This town was basically the set of a Hallmark movie.

  She caught the scent of Officer Brown Eyes’ cologne. Something woodsy and crisp. Like the air. It wrapped around her, trapping her in its grasp.

  “Can I start scrubbing it off or do you have to take pictures or something?”

  “Pictures or something,” he said. “First I’ll take a statement.” He pulled out the notepad from the other night.

  “You do like to do that.”

  His lips seemed tempted to smile. It wasn’t wise but she wondered what it would take to make him smile freely, without reserve.

  “What time did you arrive and was it like this when you got here?”

  “Actually, I came in through the back. I rent the apartment upstairs so its easier. Mr. Lee was sweeping the walkway and saw it.”

  “What time?”

  “He must have called you right before he told me because it’s only been twenty minutes.”

  Nodding, he tucked his notebook away and pulled out his phone. He took more pictures than she could count, from every angle.

  “I’ll talk to Mr. Lee, get his statement, then help you clean this up.”

  Georgia sucked in a breath. “You don’t have to do that. It’s not your problem.”

  Officer Andrews tapped the badge on the front of his vest. “I like taking on other peoples’ problems.”

  Georgia was a weak woman. She couldn’t be expected to spend time with a sweet, good looking man and not wonder if this time it could be different. She knew, it was never different. New city, new people, new place to land—didn’t matter. She still made lousy choices, seeing in people what had never really been there. She was here to start fresh. She’d play auntie to her cousin’s children, which would offset the loneliness of being alone.

  “I don’t like sharing mine.”

  What looked like indecision crossed his face. Tucking his phone in his pocket, he stepped closer to her until her puffy jacket and his thick vest were nearly touching.

  “Do you like to do favors?”

  Georgia’s eyelids widened. It felt like they went right up into her forehead. See! It’s always the same. She was about to blast him, tell him where he could stick his ‘favors’ when his cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. She’d never seen anyone blush so vibrantly. Definitely not a man. She bit her lip to keep from laughing because really, it wasn’t funny. But it was kind of freaking adorable.

  “I did not mean that like it sounded,” he said, backing up.

  No. He definitely didn’t. He was going to walk himself into a wall if he kept trying to escape. Georgia reached out, grabbed his hand to stop him. His eyes widened in response and though the heat of his fingers touching hers made her stomach trip, she forced herself to keep the connection.

  “I know you didn’t. That’s very evident in your cheeks. You look good in pink.”

  Officer Andrews ducked his head, making Georgia’s heart stutter. She stepped closer. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease.”

  He looked up through lowered lashes. “It’s okay. Trust me, I’ve heard it before. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that.”

  She smiled, more hopeful than she wanted to be that he’d offer one in return. She wanted to put him at ease. Best not to examine that desire. “What were you going to say?”

  He tugged his hand back. She was tempted to pout at the loss of contact. She might know what was best for her—veering clear of relationships of any sort—but she missed simple touches.

  “Uh, well, the guys at the station are giving me a hard time. I was grateful to get the call.” He shook his head, lifted his hands in defeat. “Not grateful that someone vandalized a shop. Just happy to get out of the station for a bit. If you let me help you, I don’t have to head back right away.”

  She felt her heartstrings loosen, like they wanted to let him in. Stop it. Taking a deep breath of cold air, she reminded herself there was a difference between avoiding relationships and keeping herself isolated.

  “I’ll go get a bucket of water and some tools. I’d appreciate the help.”

  His cheeks were almost back to their normal color. His lips quirked up, like they were hesitant, unsure. Then they flexed their muscles, turning up into a whole smile. Georgia’s chest constricted. She was in big trouble. He was giving her the kind of smile she could get addicted to. The kind she could see wanting to be the sole reason behind. He’s just helping you out. You don’t need a man in your life. Especially one with a badge.

  Chapter Three

  Cam tried to think of something to say that would generate more than a three-word-conversation. His uniform was failing him. Usually, in cop mode, he didn’t think much about anything else. Apparently, Georgia Meyers had super-stealth-disarming powers that pushed him into his regular guy shy zone.

  He’d borrowed a scraper from Mr. Lee and was working on getting the rude letters off the window while Georgia followed behind, scrubbing the glass. It wasn’t that he couldn’t talk to people. He could. When it came to a woman he might be interested in, though, his words dried up, along with his courage. He just knew his cheeks had been the color of apples earlier. Even thinking about it now warmed his face.

  “So. What were the guys at the station razzing you about?”

  He closed his eyes, took a deep breath then returned to his task. If he didn’t look at her, think about how her pretty brown eyes were clouded with secrets he’d like to uncover, maybe he could focus.

  “There’s a staff party coming up. I’m not bringing anyone. Most of the guys are happily married so they think they’re relationship gurus.”

  Georgia’s quiet laughter left him feeling overheated. He pushed harder on the glass, scraping off the ‘B’. God. It made him so mad that some ass had done this to her shop. Focus on that. Not on how she smells like cinnamon and sugar. He’d be chatting with Davey personally after this.

  “Most people think they’re experts on all things that don’t involve them.”

  She said it with the quiet authority of someone who’d been given her share of unwanted advice.

  “Everything okay?” Corrine Westchester, who owned the small, used bookshop, stopped in her tracks. She’d just pushed her door open, dragging a sandwich board sign onto the walkway. She let the door shut behind her and wandered down toward them. “Oh no. Did any of the other shops get tagged?”

  She looked around to see for herself.


  “Nope. I’m special,” Georgia said, wringing out a cloth.

  Cam disliked the way she said the words, like the opposite was true. He thought she was special. What had happened to make her feel like she wasn’t?

  Corrine had to be pushing eighty but refused to slow down. She opened her bookshop every day of the year except for Christmas. She never closed early, gave talks at the library every week about the importance of books and reading. Cam knew she’d been battling a terrible cold last month but she looked healthy enough now.

  “How you doing, Ms. Westchester?”

  “I’m good, Cameron. How are you?”

  “Aside from the petty vandalism, I’m doing well.”

  “Your mom was in last week buying books for your nieces and nephews. When’s it going to be your turn?”

  He heard Georgia snicker beside him.

  “No time soon, ma’am.”

  She clucked her tongue. “Don’t make my mistake, young man. I put all my energy into books. Watched my sisters get married, have children, build lives for themselves. Now, I don’t regret it because I’ve got my book boyfriends who I can tell you are a heck of a lot more exciting than any of my brothers in law but the single life isn’t for everyone. Especially not for a handsome young boy like yourself.”

  If she patted his cheeks, he was going to die right here on the spot. Boy? He was thirty-one years old.

  “How about you, Georgia? We were having our monthly business lunch, talking about you. No one knows your story, dear. Makes us curious and wary in equal parts.”

  The scraper made a grating noise against the window. Cam lowered his hand, turned to the elderly book seller. “Now, Ms. Westchester, it’s not very welcoming of you to tell Ms. Meyers that you’ve been talking about her behind her back. Perhaps if anyone wants to know her story, they should ask.”

  When he glanced at Georgia, her gaze showed surprise. That he’d stuck up for her?

  The bookseller crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m just an old woman. I can’t be expected to chase around finding out about everyone. Seems to me, if someone is new in town, it’s up to them to reach out, make connections.” She eyed Georgia. “It wouldn’t hurt to bring some of those lemon drops I’ve been hearing about, either. I could recommend a few book boyfriends for you.”

  Georgia laughed. “You’ve heard about my lemon drops?”

  Ms. Westchester nodded; her gaze serious. “I have. Heard about those, your holiday suckers, and your deadly aim.”

  Cam chuckled. “I can say for sure, that last one is no rumor.”

  Setting the cloth in the bucket, Georgia walked closer. “These monthly business lunches? How does one get an invite to that?”

  The older woman smiled, unfolded her arms, patted Georgia’s shoulder. “I’ll put you on the list.” She turned to head back to her shop. Over her shoulder she called, “Cameron, you get too lonely, I’ve got some books for you, too.”

  He groaned, pressed his head against the cold glass.

  Georgia patted his shoulder. Sparks leapt under her touch. “Chin up, Deputy. It’s good to know we have options. Even if they’re fictional.”

  Without his help, Georgia wouldn’t have been able to open her shop almost on time. Not that she had a line-up or anything but more and more people were hitting the local shops for Christmas goodies. She wanted in on that holiday action. Turning the sign from “Sorry we missed you” to “Come on in”, she hefted the bucket inside of the shop.

  “I can grab that,” Officer Andrews said.

  “I’ve got it. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.”

  What she didn’t appreciate so much was the easy way her senses slipped into overdrive around him. She felt…hyper aware. He wasn’t like most of the guys she’d known. Definitely nothing like her exes. He didn’t try to make inane small talk, didn’t hit on her, didn’t try to turn on the charm. Nope. He’d just worked, answering direct questions, making her more curious with every passing moment.

  She wondered what his story was—why were his colleagues and the quirky bookstore owner so interested in his love life. Small towns, sure. But he was a good-looking guy, sweet, good job. Why didn’t he have a girlfriend? A wife?

  When she turned from dumping the water down the sink, he was surveying the sweets. His gaze flickered up, locked on hers, and her breath caught in her throat. Whether he knew it or not, and she suspected he didn’t, he had a potent stare. One that made her wonder how her life would be if she wasn’t always choosing the wrong guy.

  “Could I get a dozen of the raspberry bursts?”

  “Sure.” She took off her coat, washed her hands, pulled her apron on, like a cloak of armor protecting her heart, and grabbed the treats. She’d hoped that Sam could finish installing the ‘Serve yourself’ shelves where she’d set up bins. The boxes of candy were ready to go in the back but he’d been so busy with Seth and his job, Georgia didn’t want to bug him. She should offer to hang out with Seth for an evening, take him out so Sam and Anna could have a night off.

  Cam hooked a thumb over his shoulder, toward the wall that had the shelving brackets.

  “Sam doing construction for you?”

  She nodded, placing the raspberry candies in a small pink box. She kept her creations in the display case but if she wanted to generate steady business, she needed to carry all sorts of items.

  “He is. My cousin, Anna, is on bedrest. You probably already know that, though, right? Everyone knows everyone in a small place.”

  His half smile appeared. “Not quite everyone. Angel’s Lake is bigger than you think but yeah, I know Anna and Sam. How’s she feeling?”

  “Good. I haven’t been over as much as I wanted because I’ve been setting up here.”

  “Is Sam finishing this up for you soon? The holiday shoppers are already out. It’s only going to get busier from now until Christmas.”

  She glanced down, focused on closing up the box. “I told him I’d take care of it. He’s got his hands full.”

  Officer Andrews—okay, maybe she could refer to him as Cam in her own brain—didn’t hide his surprise.

  “You know how to build those? Install the bins?”

  Her back stiffened. “I can handle it. Despite letting you stick around this morning, I’m more than capable and used to handling my own problems.”

  He stepped back, arched a brow. “Defensive.”

  She sighed. Yeah. She was. She put the candy on the top of the counter, slid it across. “On the house. Thanks for your help, Officer.”

  “Cam,” he said, his voice low.

  “I need to get some stuff from the back. You’ll let me know after you’ve questioned Santa?”

  He nodded, took his candies. “I’ll be in touch.”

  The friendliness in his gaze was gone now. Instead, all she saw was a cool, detached stare. It made her heart muscles cramp.

  She planned to be careful about the attachments she formed but there was no reason to be such a Grinch. Especially not to someone as sweet as he’d been. She just didn’t trust her own judgement. A guy like Cam Andrews? Georgia would break his heart into pieces.

  Later that evening, well after the shop had closed, Georgia was about to turn off the lights, head upstairs. A knock on the front door turned her head. The moonlight and streetlamps cast enough of a glow to combat the interior lights, revealing Sam standing on her doorstep.

  She unlocked the door, smiling. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

  He had his toolbox in one hand and held it up. “Wanted to help you finish those shelves so you could get everything out. Sorry it’s taken me so long.”

  Her brows furrowed. “You don’t have to apologize. You have more than enough going on. I told you I’d take care of it.”

  Guilt tugged that he was here instead of with his wife. He looked toward the wall where the brackets he’d attached sat exactly the way he’d left them. He looked back at her, grinning.

  She shrugged. “I’ve been busy. Seriousl
y, though. You have other things to do. Is Seth in bed? I thought Anna wasn’t supposed to be out of bed at all right now.”

  Sam’s eyes warmed, just from the mention of her cousin. It made her heart jump with longing. Down stupid heart. You don’t need that in your life.

  “You know I wouldn’t be here right now if I didn’t have someone with her. Seth is asleep, though he hasn’t been staying in his big boy bed as often as we’d like so he’s probably cuddled up with her by now.”

  “Who’s with her?”

  Her skin itched with suspicion.

  Sam set his tools down, turning his back on her.

  “Uh, her friend Kate.”

  Kate. Had she met a Kate yet?

  “Aarons? The dress designer?” No, she hadn’t met her but she’d walked by the dress shop a couple blocks over from the square more than once. She had beautiful clothes.

  “That’s the one.”

  There was something he wasn’t saying. She locked up, walked over to him and stood with her hands on her hips.

  Sam glanced up, then busied himself. “What’s wrong? This won’t take me long. You go get those bins ready. Anna said to tell you to come by for dinner next week, too. She wants to catch up.”

  “Kate just happened to come by tonight.”

  He chuckled, shot her a glance. “She has friends. She’ll introduce you to some of them, I’m sure.”

  “Interesting. See, someone dropped by today, asked about the shelves and now, all of a sudden, you’re here finishing the job.”

  Sam stood, turned with another grin. It was easy to see why Anna had fallen for his charm. “Yup. Life is like that. Full of coincidences. I left the rest of the wood in the back. Did you stain it?”

  “Of course, I did. I don’t like coincidences.” She trailed behind him, past the counter, through the doorway that led to a kitchen and into a storage room. She held her arms out while he piled the sleek looking shelving into her arms.