The scent of cardboard was overpowering, and Memory was ready to get out of the stock room. She felt like she’d spent the last two days in there—opening boxes and repackaging ornaments to ship out. When the order had come in Saturday afternoon, she’d been thrilled. The handmade ornaments she’d purchased from a local crafter almost two years ago had been taking up space in the storage room for far too long, and now, they’d be decorating a tree in Buffalo that had lost a lot of ornaments in a recent snow storm. Still, she’d be happy when she was done boxing everything up so she could get the ornaments in the mail and get back to enjoying the season.
The sound of the bell on the front door let her know her first customer of the morning had arrived—at least, that’s what she was assuming from her view of cardboard and bubble wrap. While part of her was glad to be leaving the cramped work space for a few minutes, she would be done in an hour or less if she could just stay there and work. Nevertheless, she pulled herself up and stretched her back, wishing it was any other day but Monday.
It wasn’t a customer, though. Or at least, she didn’t think he was there to buy anything. Dak was standing by the counter, a coffee cup in his hand, his brown eyes asking her questions she didn’t have answers for and reminding her that she hadn’t made any time for him in almost two days. “Hi.”
“Hi.” A smile broke across her face as he extended the cup to her. Even a few paces away, she knew it was the latte she loved from the café. The aroma punctured the other Christmas scents of the shop and washed away the stench of cardboard from her lungs. Her fingers grazed his as she took the cup, electric pulses flooding her arm. “Thanks.”
“Sure. I was in the neighborhood.”
Memory laughed, remembering that he was using the space next door as an office while he was in town. She took a sip. “This is awesome. I didn’t have a chance to stop this morning.”
“Still working on boxing up ornaments?”
She knew he’d had lunch with her family the day before without her and assumed Kirsten had told him more than he’d ever wanted to hear—about anything and everything. “Yes. I’m almost done.”
“Can I help you? I am great at bubble wrap.” He had his hands deep in his coat pockets, like he was either cold or uncomfortable, and Memory assumed it was the latter.
“That’s okay,” she said, waving at him with the hand that wasn’t holding the latte. “I’ve got a system. I’m almost done.”
He nodded. “I can take them to the post office for you when you’re finished.”
“Ellie’ll be here by then—I think.” She checked the time. As far as she knew, Ellie was planning to come in at 10:00, like she had been. It was hard to believe it had only been a week since she started working there. It seemed like she’d known her a lot longer.
“Aren’t there lots of boxes? And aren’t they heavy? Or at least awkward?”
He had a point. “Yeah... but the post office is less than a block away. I’ll just load them up in my car and....”
“And not let someone help you who obviously doesn’t mind doing so and could give you time to do something else?” Once again, his eyes were saying more than even his words could convey.
Memory pursed her lips together. He had a point. It was hard enough for her to accept help from Ellie, but the woman was persistent. She took a deep breath. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t have volunteered.” He gave her an encouraging smile. “I have a few listings to check out this morning, but I can be back before lunch.”
“Okay—thank you. I can have them on the dolly at the back door, so if you want to park in the alley.”
“Sure.”
“I printed out the shipping labels already, so all you have to do is drop them off. Selia is expecting them. She said she’d come out from behind the counter and meet me when I got there so that I didn’t have to stand in line with all the people mailing presents who haven’t paid postage yet.”
“I know Selia. I met her at the coffeeshop the other day. I’ll let her know they’re your boxes.”
Relief washed over her as she realized that was one less hassle she’d have to go through. “Thank you.” It seemed like Dak already knew half the town, which was a good thing if he did end up buying property here. Not that she was condoning that.
“No problem, Memory.” His hand came out of his pocket, and for a moment, she thought he might actually reach for her. But then, the bell over the door dinged, and actual customers came in. Memory sucked in a deep breath, Dak’s hand went to his hair, and she searched deep inside to find the cheery greeting that didn’t want to come out of her mouth.
“Good morning. Merry Christmas!” She recognized the couple and their granddaughter from around town. The little girl was a year or so younger than Lorelei and immediately ran to the area of the store where Memory kept the toys as the grandparents greeted her.
“I’ll see you in a few hours.” Dak smiled at her and then brushed her arm with his fingertips as he headed for the door. The gesture was gentle, and she would’ve likely not even felt it if it hadn’t been his hand that did the touching.
“See you,” she finally managed to call. “Thanks again.”
Dak was at the door, but he turned and grinned at her. “Thank you for not saying ‘thanks a latte.’” He winked at her and stepped out into the cold, leaving Memory stifling a giggle and shaking her head.
Memory moved over to ask her customers if they needed any help, but she had a feeling she would spend the next few hours counting the minutes until she saw Dak again.