Page 27 of Christmas Magic

The noise came from the front of the shop. A person outside was rapping on the door.

The squire hissed. “The store hours are posted on the door. We don’t open for ten more minutes.”

“Maybe Molly forgot her keys at home? When I dropped her at the post office a little while ago, she likely thought her keys were in her purse and she’d have no trouble getting in.” Lucian pushed back his chair and rose. “I’ll check and see.”

He glanced out the doorway.

Cora. She had an object in her hands: A plate.

Dread warred with the part of his brain that reminded him she was one of the store’s best clients. Her purchases alone likely paid the monthly bills.

Crap.

She tapped again.

“Don’t tell me it’s Cougar Cora.”

“I won’t, but you’re right.” Lucian squared his shoulders. “I’d better go see what she wants.”

Cora tapped again on the glass. Lucian had to be inside. According to her sources at the bakery where he bought coffee most mornings, he always got to Black Cat Antiquities a bit early so he could answer emails and take care of any necessary jobs before opening.

Movement inside the store alerted her to Lucian walking toward her.

Her stomach somersaulted. She’d rarely felt such giddiness; only with Lucian and the young man, many years ago, she’d thought she was going to marry.

Mentally pushing aside thoughts of her teenage beau, she waited while Lucian unlocked the door. He smiled. “Good morning.”

As usual, he looked as though he could have stepped from the pages of a fashion magazine: tousled dark hair, long-sleeve burgundy polo shirt that hugged his muscled chest, and slim-fitting black pants. Gorgeous. Soon to be mine.

“Good morning to you.” If the sprinkles worked as they were supposed to, it would be a good day indeed.

The fluffy cat—always around, like a nosy sidekick—appeared beside Lucian and meowed at her, as though demanding to know her business.

“We’re not open yet. Would you like to come in for a moment, though?” Lucian asked.

Oh, yes, yes, yes!“I would. Thank you.”

She stepped inside and waited while he secured the door.

“So, how can I help you?”

“For you.” She held out the plate of sugar cookies decorated with Royal icing and the special sprinkles. She’d put the treats on one of her best plates too. That meant he’d have to see her again to give it back.

“Wow. Did you bake these?”

“I did. I used my famous recipe. I won a baking contest with it, but you weren’t living in town then.”

Lucian took the plate. “These look like they were made by a professional.”

Pleasure washed through Cora. “That’s sweet of you. I’m making cookies for all of the people I’ve worked with or who have helped me this past year.” Only Lucian’s treats, though, had the twinkling decorations. “It’s my way of saying thank you.”

“That’s really nice of you.”

“It is the holiday season.”

He smiled again. Such a sensual mouth. He’d be an extraordinary kisser. Soon, hopefully, she’d be able to find that out herself—

“—anything else?” Lucian was saying.