Chapter 5

chapter

five

S tepping into Blissful Bites the following morning, a small bell signals my arrival. My senses are immediately bombarded with the nostalgic scent of gingerbread.

Ulgan waves to me from behind the display case that’s overflowing with delectable treats. The delicately decorated Yule log cakes bring a smile to my face. Thankfully, I missed the early morning rush and silently cheer that I don’t have to wait in line. It’s a Yuletide miracle.

“Hi, Ulgan! I cannot thank you enough for helping me out with the cookies.” I look over all of the yummy pastries in the case, contemplating what I’d like to order. The past few days have been stressful as hell and I deserve something sweet.

Ulgan leans his arms on the counter and smiles down at me. He and I have bonded the past few months over our mutual love of baking. “No worries,” he replies. “I’m happy to help and support the library.”

“Ada really must have made it worth your while, huh?” I tease. His green cheeks instantly darken. This big orc makes it way too easy to tease him.

“She certainly did.” He chuckles. “So, what can I get you this morning? I just pulled a fresh batch of gingerbread loaf out of the oven. Want a piece?”

This man already anticipates my answer. He places a golden brown loaf on the counter and cuts off a large slice, arranging it on a piece of wax paper.

“You know I do! Can I also get a peppermint hot chocolate?” He hands me the gingerbread loaf and laughs as I dramatically sniff it, overwhelmed by the sweet and spicy aroma.

“Coming right up.” He turns to start my order.

“Actually, can you also make me a cup of whatever Declan usually orders?” It’s the least I can do for all of the help he’s given me. The roof is almost finished, and he really eased my anxiety around my seemingly never ending to-do list.

“Ordering for Declan now, are we?” He wiggles his eyebrows up and down, and gives me a knowing look.

I guess it’s his turn to tease me now.

“Don’t make a big deal out of it. I’m just repaying the favor since he got me a hot chocolate the other day.” I try to play it off like it’s nothing, but to be honest, it kind of is a big deal. Last night I decided in the shower—where I do my best thinking—that I wanted to give it another shot with Declan. He’s been so sweet towards me recently. Why not flirt a bit to see if the spark that we had earlier might still be there?

I munch on the gingerbread loaf, and finish my piece while Ulgan quickly makes our drinks. He passes the drinks to me, and the warmth of the cups feel nice in my cold hands.

“Declan is going to pick up the cookies tomorrow morning and drop them off in time for the event. Is there anything else you need?” Ulgan asks, carefully slicing the remainder of the loaf and adding it to the display case for other lucky customers to purchase.

“No, the cookies are more than enough. Thanks again, Ulgan. Stop by with Ada tomorrow if you can get away from the bakery for a little bit.”

“Will do. Have a great day, Hannah.” He waves to me before turning towards a new customer that’s just entered the shop.

I zip up my puffer jacket, bracing myself for the chilly air outside, and head towards the library. I’m ready for another day of setup—albeit without Mable’s help—and hopefully more flirting with my big green troll.