Chapter One

Snow

Christmas music filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sway a little to the beat. The last tray of sugar cookies was baking, and the kitchen smelled warm and buttery, reminding me of home, the holidays, and everything good.

Kelsi had the large mixer whipping up royal icing with a determined focus on her face. I gave her a grin as she glanced over with a smudge of powdered sugar on her cheek.

“Hey, hottie alert,” Kelsi suddenly called and nodded over my shoulder with a mischievous glint in her eye.

I rolled my eyes but, just as predictably, couldn’t resist looking. The large kitchen window over the three-bay sink overlooked my neighbor’s garage, where I had a clear view of Bones’ Custom Bikes. Sure enough, there he was, leaning over one of his bikes with a wrench, his focus intense. He didn’t notice me peeking—at least, I hoped he didn’t.

Kelsi nudged me with her elbow. “So, have you talked to him yet?”

I shook my head and managed to tear my eyes off of him. “Negative. I’m plenty busy in here as it is.”

“That’s insane. He’s lived next to you for a whole year, and you haven’t even said hi?”

“I’ve nodded to him before,” I protested and bit back a smile. “At least, I think I have. You know, in passing.”

“Oh, a nod. Well, that’s practically marriage,” Kelsi teased and rolled her eyes as she scraped down the sides of the bowl.

“Hey, I’m running a bakery here, and he’s got all those motorcycles to do… things to. We’re both busy,” I pointed out.

“Sure, but you know his name is Bones.” Kelsi laughed. “That’s more than a lot of people can say about their neighbors.”

“Well, yeah. I mean, his business is called Bones’ Custom Bikes, so that has to be his name, right?” I tried to sound casual, but it was hard to hide the blush creeping up my neck.

Kelsi’s giggle filled the kitchen. “Girl, I think you need to get your butt out of this kitchen and say hi to your neighbor once and for all. Just think how much more interesting your holiday season could get.”

“Maybe after Christmas,” I said with a chuckle. “But then it’s New Year’s, and then Valentine’s Day is right around the corner…”

“Uh-huh, I see how it is,” Kelsi replied, smirking. “How about August? Got any plans then?”

“Perfect,” I agreed and laughed. “I’ll pencil him in for August.”

“You’re hopeless, Snow.”

I just shrugged and gave her a grin. I wasn’t hopeless; I was just focused on building the best bakery I could, and that took priority over getting tangled up with neighbors—no matter how nice the view might be.

The oven timer beeped, and I quickly pulled out the last tray of cookies, setting them on the cooling rack. They were perfectly golden, and I couldn’t help but feel a spark of pride as I looked over the trays of cookies we’d managed to crank out today. The countertop was packed with perfectly formed stars, bells, trees, and stockings, all ready to be iced and decorated.

Kelsi scraped the last of the icing into a container, set it aside, and wiped her hands on her apron. “I’m almost done here. I’ll wash up, and then I’m heading out.”

“Thanks, Kelsi. Tomorrow, we’ll start icing these beauties,” I said and ran a hand over a fresh tray. I felt my shoulders start to relax. Tomorrow’s plan already included hours of careful icing work, and I was looking forward to getting a head start.

Kelsi tossed her apron in the hamper by the back door and leaned against the counter while eyeing me with a smirk. “Hey, why don’t you come out with us tonight? Tom and I were going to get drinks with some friends.”

I shook my head with a little laugh. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ve got an early morning, and I want to plan out the orders for the next two weeks. Not to mention that kringle order for Mrs. Porter—she’s been reminding me about it for weeks now.”

“Alright, alright,” she replied, holding up her hands. “But you know, you’re too dedicated, Snow. I don’t think you even really need me here at this rate.”

“Oh, trust me. I need you. And Tom,” I added with a pointed look. Kelsi had been helping me for three years now, and Tom pitched in with holiday deliveries whenever she needed backup. The two of them made it possible to get through these December rushes without completely losing my mind.

“Sure, sure,” Kelsi said with a grin. A horn sounded from outside, and she perked up. “There’s Tom now. See you tomorrow, okay?”

“See you, Kels,” I called and waved as she left. With the kitchen mostly empty, a familiar calm settled over me. Christmas was a beautiful, bustling time of year, but these quiet moments afterward were the best.

Once I finished tidying up, I put the kettle on for a cup of tea and leaned against the counter to gaze out the window again. Snow had started to come down now, layering the ground in a clean, white blanket. Across the yard, Bones was still at it, focused on a bike frame. The overhead lights in his garage cast a warm glow, illuminating his steady, methodical movements. He had recently installed glass garage doors that let me see right into his shop—and, well, him.

Not that I was spying. I was…observing. It was a small neighborhood, after all.

The kettle whistled, and I grabbed my mug and poured the steaming water over my tea bag. My gaze drifted back to Bones just as he glanced up and caught me looking. I froze, feeling my cheeks heat up as I quickly turned back to my tea and pretended to be entirely focused on stirring in a dollop of honey.

Way to be subtle, Snow.

I took a long sip from my tea, looked up, and noticed that Bones wasn’t looking my way anymore. Relief fluttered through me, and I let out a small breath. I really needed to be more careful about sneaking glances in his direction. The last thing I needed was for him to think I was some creepy neighbor with nothing better to do than stare at him all day.

The truth was, there was just something about him that pulled my attention. Maybe it was the way he moved, calm and confident, as if he had no need to prove anything to anyone. Or maybe it was his quiet, brooding demeanor that made me wonder what he was thinking behind that stoic face.

And I had gotten all of that from just staring at him out my window.

It was likely that if I actually spoke to him, I would instantly fall in love.

Argh.

I just needed to focus on the next two weeks and keep my eyes on my kitchen and not on Bones.

Focus, Snow. Focus.