My sexy companion

pte

I hate winter. If the tw

voice playful. « Jack Frost nipping at your nose, icicles ha

enza, death rods, and Christmas' number one ca

orations, just not the snow. Now let's get bac

l, it's not snowing yet. But you're right, let's get back.

crunching over the ice. « That is if we don't sk

« You're dramati

ick grin. « I've ear

ainst the early morning light, but Summer kept her focus on the icy road ahead. It wasn't just the snow and the ice that made her uneasy-it was the fact that it seemed li

a bakery and a bookstore. The warm glow of the shop's lights and the scent of

nts, and Summer unlocked the door

tomers arrived for their morning caffeine fix. Summer moved behind the counter and started preparing th

ngled, signaling the arriv

at's you

ack

d plaid shirt standing at the counter. He was tall, his broad shoulders

hen your order is ready, » she said w

ter. The girl seemed hesitant, her hands wrapped tightly around her purse as she glanced up at

poke softly, her v

counter to make her feel more comfort

ver the options as if she were trying to decide. « U

ght up, » Summer said as she wrote it down. She p

ing, p

elf. The girl blushed as she glanced at her boyfriend, who seemed just as nervous. Summer smiled to herself. It wasn't the fir

ur orders when your drinks are ready, » Summ

ir drinks, pouring the hot milk into the cups and stirring in the cocoa powder. She topped it off with whipp

om, her hands on her hips as she surveyed the sh

s, it's the least I can do with the ice storm threatening to ruin everyth

eyes. « You're

mas, » Summer replied with a w

ffee or lattes, and newcomers who were just trying to escape the chill outside. The small chatt

ing at them both as he pulled off his gloves.

reaching for the dark roast beans. He was a regul

spered, « I think he ju

d back, amused. « He's pr

stomer. Despite the cold outside, the shop grew warmer with each passing hour. Christmas music

s bustling, but Summer made sure to call their names out cheerfully. The

y! » Summer cal

glanced at Bev, who wa

Christmas does have its charm. But I still say it wou

head. « You'll survive.

e warmth of the shop she'd built with her best friend. Maybe Bev was right-maybe magic was found in the small things: the smile

ow, that