by Marta Perry
Sort of like any chance of them being able to rekindle their friendship now. Allie had spoken a total of three sentences to him the first two hours they worked together. When he offered her coffee, she had said thanks and gone silent. Then she’d asked where the restroom was, and later on, she requested that he turn up the thermostat.
Jordan studied the way her curly dark hair grazed her cheek as she furiously scribbled on her project. She’d changed since high school—for the better. She seemed stronger now, not the clingy girlfriend she’d once been. Her smile, however, hadn’t changed a bit—it could still brighten a midnight sky and send bolts of lightning through his body.
Too bad she wasn’t smiling at him more often. He’d recognized that familiar spark of hers once today, earlier in the morning when she finished the filing and shut the closet door with a satisfied gleam of accomplishment in her eye. But the moment her gaze had landed on his, she’d stiffened and busied herself with the next task on her list. Despite her earlier claims of their partnership not being weird, it obviously was.
Regardless of what was going on in Allie’s head, and the awkwardness between them, Jordan couldn’t keep sitting here staring at her—even if the view was the best he’d seen in a long time. “Need anything?”
She shook her head, not even bothering to glance up.
He tried again. “You’ve barely touched your lunch.”
She shrugged. “Wouldn’t kill me to lose a few pounds.”
“I think you look great.”
Allie looked up, one eyebrow arched.
Jordan mentally kicked himself. It was hardly professional to be doling out compliments, even if they were true. He frantically backpedaled. “You know what I mean. No signs of that infamous ‘freshman fifteen’ from college life.” He mentally kicked himself. Good one, man.
Allie’s lips pressed together. “It was actually twenty pounds, but thanks for bringing that up.”
Heat burned his cheeks. “I’m sorry, I just—”
“I’m kidding.”
He breathed a sigh so heavy his breath fanned the pages of Allie’s list. Then he slumped in his chair.
Allie’s eyes narrowed. “So you actually believed I gained twenty pounds since high school? Do I look that much bigger to you?”
Panic seized Jordan’s senses. “No, not at all, I—”
A smile broke through the storm clouds on Allie’s face and she laughed. “Got you again.”
Jordan clutched his heart through his shirt. “Funny.” About as funny as a heart attack, but he forced a smile for Allie’s sake.
“Now let me finish what I’m doing before I lose my train of thought.” She bent back over her paperwork.
“Yes, ma’am.” He walked over to the window, breathing a relieved sigh as he gazed over Main Street. If Allie was teasing him and making jokes, then perhaps she felt more comfortable in his presence. Maybe, given time, there’d even be hope of friendship again.
He glanced over his shoulder at Allie, still hard at work, and whispered a prayer toward the heavens. Lord, if You’re still in the miracle business, then Ginger Falls could really use one. And so could I.
Allie clenched her pen as she tried to concentrate on her list, but her stomach growled in protest. She quickly finished the last of her chips and then threw the empty bags away before sitting down. She forced a smile, despite Jordan’s turned back at the window. “The filing is done, your desk is clean and I’ve made a list of advertising ideas for the upcoming fund-raisers.” Hopefully those ideas would work better than the plans she’d created for the bookstore that closed. She quickly opened the laptop on Jordan’s desk. Even though she’d probably not gotten her loan, eventually she’d show everyone what she could do.
Jordan turned from the window. “Great. Let’s see what you have.”
“Do you want to look them over while I type these notes into a spreadsheet?” She handed Jordan the blue folder full of papers. “That way everything will be done today, and we can start work on the Gingerbread Festival tomorrow.”
Jordan took the folder from her outstretched hand. “Sounds good. The festival is definitely the most pertinent. If it doesn’t raise some money and glean interest from the surrounding communities, then we’ll have to change tactics for any events we host next year.”
“I’ll do my best to help make it a success.” The last thing she needed was any more failures on her record.
“Of course. I have every faith you will.” Jordan smiled and began to flip through the notes, his brow furrowing as he read. “You’ve got some good stuff here. A few of these ideas I’d thought of as well, like going door-to-door in the community and telling shop owners in person what we need from them. But ordering pens and buttons with the Gingerbread Festival dates printed on them is a great idea, and so is asking the local merchants to contribute giveaways for door prizes at the festival.”
Allie wished his compliments didn’t matter so much. But her heart soaked them in like cool rain on a hot, dusty field. “Great. I’ll try to come up with more.”
“This gives us a good head start. In the meantime, we need to start discussing ideas for a finale for the end of the festival.” Jordan tapped the notebook with his finger before tossing it on the desk. “Something really catchy and newsworthy, to get extra publicity for Ginger Falls.”
“Sounds good.” Allie jotted a note down on a piece of paper. “I’ll start thinking about that.”
“Why don’t we go brainstorm together over some ice cream—my treat.”
Surely he didn’t mean this as a date? “Ice cream? It’s practically snowing outside.”
Jordan plucked his coat off the hook behind the door and shrugged his arms into it. “Random dessert trips are a perk of the job. Did the agency forget to mention that when they hired you?” He grinned. “Come on. Grab your jacket. Maybe something genius will strike us after we’ve had sprinkles and brain freeze.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.” Allie slid into her coat and followed Jordan out the door into the cold.
But her heart felt a little warmer already.
Chapter Four
“Dad, you didn’t have to wait for me.” Allie followed her father’s boot prints in the snow as they trudged through the maze of Christmas trees on her parents’ property. The December air nipped at her cheeks. “I know you and Mom usually put your tree up right after Thanksgiving.”
“Your mother insisted, and I agreed. We missed you last Christmas. This one needs to be extra special. The more traditions we can share, the better.” Her father adjusted the ax on his shoulder and peered back to study a tall spruce. “What do you think?”
“It’s a beauty. But all your trees are first-class.”
“Is it green enough?” He frowned.
“It’s perfect.” Like her ice cream trip with Jordan earlier that afternoon. She kicked the crusty snow at her feet while her dad began to chop at the tree’s trunk. It’d be easier on her heart if Jordan was an arrogant snob who couldn’t care less about her anymore—like the man she’d pictured he’d become after all this time. But he’d looked into her eyes over a sprinkled cone of vanilla crunch and really seemed interested in what she’d been doing in the years they’d been apart. And, rather reluctantly, she found herself caring about him in the same way.
“How was your first day on the job?” Her father grunted as he swung the ax a third time. Sweat broke out on his brow line below his knit hat.
“Productive.” Allie stepped aside as the tree began to lean toward the path. “I’ll be busy these next few weeks, especially with the Gingerbread Festival coming up. I think it’s going to be really fun this year.”
“Good. I always liked that event.” The ax swung faster. “Your mom told me Jordan is your new boss.”
Allie stared at her gloved hands. “It is a little awkward.” That was an understatement—like saying snow was a little cold.
“I’m sure if your mother had realized who the director was, she would ha
ve warned you the other night.” Dad straightened before giving the trunk a final blow. The tree crashed to the ground, its branches wobbling and scattering tidbits of ice on impact. “But it seems like it’s turning out okay.”
She briefly closed her eyes before forcing a smile. “Right.” If “okay” meant emotional exhaustion from trying to remind herself she and Jordan were long over, then sure, things had turned out “okay.” “It’s just that…” Allie broke off, rolling in her lower lip.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She’d never been comfortable talking to her father about boys as a teenager, and somehow this didn’t seem the best time to start.
He shoved his hat back on his head and squinted. “You’re not going to let this ruin your Christmas again, are you?”
“No, Dad.” Allie sighed. “I didn’t the first time, and I won’t this time either.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear my advice doesn’t go stale over the years.” Her father huffed as he dragged the tree onto the sled he’d built for that very purpose. He handed Allie one of the two long leather straps and grinned. “Now pull.”
Wednesday morning, Allie parked her car on Main Street and sighed. As much as she enjoyed their impromptu ice cream run yesterday, Allie hoped Jordan planned to keep things more professional today. Somehow, she had to keep the emotions he provoked deep inside and find a way to be his business partner—and maybe eventually a friend again.
If only her memories would cooperate.
Allie’s door opened before she could even reach for the handle, and Jordan smiled down at her from the street. “Good morning.”
“Hi.” She allowed his assistance from the car, wincing as she stepped on his loafer with her boot. “Sorry.”
Jordan handed her a red thermos full of coffee. “Just the way you like it. Or the way you liked it yesterday at the office, at least.”
“Thanks. This is unexpected.” She took the thermos and inhaled the steam escaping from the lid. Maybe the caffeine would give her strength to get through the day and keep her goals close at hand.
“You’re very welcome.” Jordan gestured toward the town as Allie took a long sip. “I thought today we’d go door-to-door on Main Street and make sure the existing shop owners know about the upcoming Gingerbread Festival and are willing to participate. We also need to spread the word about the big finale you came up with yesterday.” Jordan smiled. “That was a really good idea. I can’t wait to see the picture.”
“A picture taken from a plane of the townspeople standing in the shape of a gingerbread man?” Allie laughed nervously. “I think maybe I had too much sugar yesterday. Are we sure that’s going to work?”
“Of course. I’ve already made some calls to some local pilots for prices. I think it’ll be a great draw for families. What kid wouldn’t want a chance to be part of the state’s largest gingerbread man and get a free picture?”
True. She’d have loved to do that as a child.
“So don’t doubt yourself. It was a great idea.”
“Thanks.” She smiled, her shoulders loosening as she drank in the gratitude in his eyes. Then she caught herself and looked away. Jordan’s opinion of her shouldn’t matter so much. But she couldn’t stop the warm glow in her stomach.
“Shall we?” Jordan gestured toward Theo’s Diner across the street.
“Sure.” Allie shivered as a gust of wind tickled her hair. “Just let me grab my scarf. I’d forgotten how much colder it is here than in Kansas City.” She set the thermos of coffee on the roof of her car, then took her favorite blue-and-green scarf from her purse and wrapped it around her neck.
Jordan laughed. “Trust me, after spending some time on the West Coast for my business, it was definitely culture shock coming back.”
“I can imagine.” Allie studied Jordan from the corner of her eye as she retrieved her thermos and fell into step beside him. She always knew Jordan would be destined for great things. Despite his family’s support, he had always doubted himself in high school, and their senior year, he almost didn’t even fill out applications for college. Did he remember she was the one who talked him into going for his dreams?
A lot of good that did her. Jordan had gotten success, the town had gotten a potential legend and she’d gotten a broken heart.
“Here we are.” Jordan reached behind Allie to open the door of Theo’s Diner, the tinkling bell jarring her from her dismal thoughts. She quickly stepped over the threshold, determined not to let memories overcome her this early in the day.
“Theo, are you here?” Jordan called over the counter. Allie’s stomach grumbled as the aroma of eggs, bacon and buttered toast floated from the kitchen. The diner had a total of three customers for breakfast. What a shame. If the hearty smells were any indication, Theo was still as good a cook as he’d been the last time Allie stopped by over a year ago.
“Jordan! You want the usual, kid?” Theo’s balding head popped through the opening. The top half of his apron was already covered in grease.
“Not today, Theo. We can’t stay. Maybe some powdered doughnuts to go? I just need to talk to you for a minute.” Jordan placed his hand on Allie’s shoulder. “You remember Allie?”
Theo beamed as he made his way around the partition and through the swinging door to the counter. “The James girl! Who could forget?” He slapped the counter with both hands. “You want doughnuts, too?”
Allie opened her mouth to answer, but the weight of Jordan’s hand on her arm robbed her of speech. She nodded, her cheeks burning almost as hot as her shoulder.
Theo shot Jordan a confused look before reaching for a paper bag and the pastry tongs.
“Allie is my new employee. We’re heading up the Ginger Falls Community Renewal Program, starting with the annual Gingerbread Festival. You game this year?”
“I always loved that festival.” Theo folded the top of the white sack and stapled it. “Count me in. What do you need?”
Jordan casually moved his arm away from Allie, and she breathed for the first time since the conversation started. “Just your sponsorship and support. Local establishments will get free publicity in exchange for donating to the event. Any snacks you could provide during the week would be appreciated, and if it’s all right, we’ll need to post some flyers in here for advertising.”
Theo’s chest puffed as he handed over the bag. “Not a problem. I’m happy to do my part.” Jordan reached for his wallet, and Theo waved him off. “On the house. Think of it as my first act of sponsorship.”
“Thank you.” Allie chimed in, wanting to participate in the conversation at least once before they left. “That means a lot.”
Theo’s cheeks tinged red. “Anything for my town—even if it’s only feeding two of its nicest people.”
“Thanks again.” Jordan gave Allie the doughnuts and swiped several napkins from the container on the counter. “We’ll be in touch with the details and the flyers.”
Theo waved as he headed back into the kitchen. Allie hurried toward the door to open it first and avoid another ungraceful moment of ducking under Jordan’s arm. Her shoulder still burned from his contact. She hated that after all this time his touch still affected her. She’d tried her best over the years to forget her first love, but now circumstances were making it even harder.
“That went well.” Jordan hummed an upbeat tune under his breath as they walked. “Don’t you think?”
Allie quickly fished a doughnut from the sack and took a big bite, nodding. She handed Jordan the bag, brushing the white powder from her fingers onto a napkin. He obviously hadn’t felt the physical spark she’d felt inside Theo’s, and it was definitely for the best. Until she convinced herself the past was still in the past, she’d better keep her mouth shut—or risk handing Jordan her heart for a second time.
Jordan walked down Main Street beside Allie, hoping she couldn’t hear the heavy pounding of his heart. They’d hit three other businesses since Theo’s, and yet his hand still ached to touch h
er again. The move inside the diner had been purely automatic, and it wasn’t until he felt the softness of her sweater that he nearly stumbled over his words. But Allie’s tense silence indicated what she thought of his reckless action. Would she bring it up and lecture him on keeping professional distance, or let it go?
Beside him, Allie walked with her head down, fiddling with her gloves. He needed to find a way to break the ice fast, before she decided this job wasn’t worth the awkwardness after all and find work elsewhere.
“Jordan?”
Allie’s soft voice snapped him back to the present, and Jordan whipped his head to face her. “Yes?”
“Didn’t you say we were going into the post office next?” Allie pointed to the doorway he’d walked right past. “Or should we keep going to Greta’s Gifts?”
“No, the post office is next. Sorry about that.” He reached to open the door, but Allie quickly beat him to it.
“Were you daydreaming about the festival? It seems like we’ve gotten a good support base so far. Everyone seems excited about participating.” They stepped inside the post office, and the official quiet of the lobby wrapped around them like a cozy quilt.
Jordan struggled to keep his mind on Allie’s question and not on the way her plaid scarf made her eyes a darker blue. “I think so, too.” Her eyes drew him in, and he took a sharp breath before turning his gaze away.
“You okay?” Allie’s voice dipped in concern as she un wound her scarf from her neck. “We probably came out of the cold and into this heat too fast.”
Jordan forced what he hoped was a casual smile and nod before motioning for Allie to lead the way to the clerk’s counter. What was he getting himself into? Things were getting heated, all right—and it had nothing to do with the temperature inside the post office.
