Jenna Mindel - A Soldier's Valentine

“Okay, it’s a deal.” Ginger slipped off her mitten and held out her hand. “But we have to shake on it.”

“What?”

“Make it a true agreement between shop owners. Unless you’d rather put it in writing?”

“We don’t need to go that far.” He grabbed her hand for a quick pump but didn’t let go right away. Her skin felt soft. And something about the way her slender hand fit within his own made him feel protective of her. “We good?”

She pulled her hand away but wouldn’t look at him. “We’re good.”

Hopefully, he’d get more work done. And with Miss Sunny-Smiles working his customers, hopefully he’d make more sales, too. Which meant hired help or an apprentice might not be far off. Down the road, he’d like to take over the whole building so he could accommodate bigger orders. That would mean even more help.

He glanced at Ginger looking out her window. Snow fell fast, keeping his speed low. He’d give her plenty of notice to move her shop when the time came. Unless—would she consider working for him? She was great with his customers, but then she’d be even more off-limits.

There might come a day when he wouldn’t renew her business part of the lease. But if he hired Ginger Carleton, he’d have to give up any notions of cuddling on her couch.

Chapter Four

“Ginger, what a nice surprise.” Helen Zelinsky’s smile grew wider. “And you came with Zach.”

“His Jeep has better clearance than my car, and the snow’s really coming down out there.” Ginger handed over her snow-dampened coat as if proving her appearance with Zach was about the weather and convenience. Nothing more.

She’d brushed off the snow as best she could on the front porch before coming inside. She’d helped Zach do the same and it had taken effort to keep her mitten-encased hands from lingering on his broad shoulders.

What would Zach have done had she hugged him for his offer to pay for her window display? After their mutual and rather awkward agreement about not dating, it would have been a stitch to see the look on his face. Still, she had the better deal, as waiting on his customers in addition to hers would be a snap this time of year.

“You know each other?” Zach gave his mom a kiss on the forehead. A soft show of respect.

And Ginger’s heart twisted. In her family there was so little of that. They’d grown up learning to avoid conflict at all cost. As a result, respect and honesty were lost in an attempt to keep the peace. But there’d never been real peace at the Carletons’.

“Ginger helps with the church blood drives every quarter. She makes sure the volunteers get fed lunch.”

“You make them food?” He cocked one eyebrow.

Ginger shook her head. “No, no. I pick up and deliver is all.”

“Don’t let her fool you. Each year, she organizes the downtown restaurants that donate, then picks up and delivers.”

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