Chapter 2: Flour, Frost, and First Impressions

I watch as Sebastian heads out of the bakery, his figure disappearing through the door. "Thanks again, Selina," he says, giving me a nod. "I really appreciate the shower offer. I’ll be on my way now, but I’ll see you soon."

I’d offered him a chance to take a shower after he spilled flour all over me, a gesture I now realize was a bit forward, but he’d accepted without hesitation. Maybe it was because I didn’t really mind the company, even if he was a bit rough around the edges at first.

And, I won’t lie, there was something about him. Something magnetic. The way his dark hair fell just slightly over his forehead, his sharp jawline, and those striking eyes. I shake my head. There’s no way I’m getting caught up in this right now. Especially with everything going on.

But, God, he’s attractive. I can’t deny that. I try to push the thought aside as I straighten up, wiping flour from the counter, but I can’t seem to shake the image of his smile. Confident, yet almost soft. And when he said “thank you” earlier, it wasn’t in that stiff, formal way most people do when they’re trying to be polite. It felt real. Genuine. Like he actually appreciated it.

It’s probably nothing. He’s probably just the type to be charming with everyone.

The doorbell chimes, and I snap out of my daydream. I glance over and smile when I see Celine walking in, her eyes already scanning the bakery. There's just something about her presence that lifts the mood.

“Hey, Sel!” she calls. She walks straight over to the counter and hops onto one of the stools. “How’s it going?”

“Good, good. Just another chaotic morning.” I pass her a cup of coffee and slide a plate of cookies in her direction. “Made these this morning. Figured you could use a little pick-me-up after everything going on with the holidays.”

She picks up a cookie and bites into it, her face lighting up. “You really know how to spoil me, Selina. These are perfect.” She pauses, her eyes drifting to the door where Sebastian had just walked out. “Wait a minute, did that guy just leave? The one who was in here earlier?”

I nod, trying to keep my smile to myself. “Yeah. That was him. He’s here for the Winter Wonderland project.”

Celine raises her eyebrow. “No wonder he seemed familiar. I think he’s the architect my boss hired. I saw him in the picture that my boss showed us. I couldn’t place him at first. He’s... handsome. You know, in a ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ kind of way.”

I laugh softly, rolling my eyes. “I know, right? He made my whole morning a mess, and then just walks out of here looking like he belongs in a movie or something. Can you believe it?”

Celine leans forward, a teasing grin spreading across her face. “I don’t know, Sel. You’ve been talking about him a lot. Maybe he’s your new found love. Or your soulmate?”

I feel my cheeks heat up, but I try to play it cool. “Please, I’m not looking for a new guy right now, especially not after that flour explosion this morning.”

She takes another bite of her cookie, clearly enjoying herself. “Uh-huh, sure.” Celine leans back, looking like she’s piecing something together. “Well, if you ever change your mind, I’d say you’re already off to an interesting start. You’ll have to tell me more about this ‘flour accident.’ Sounds like a funny story.”

I chuckle, remembering just how ridiculous it was. “Oh, it was. He was so apologetic afterward, but then he just left me standing there, covered in flour. I just thought, ‘Really?’”

Celine grins. “I bet he felt guilty, though. Honestly, you should’ve seen the way he looked at you when he left. I think he’s already got his eye on you, Selina.”

I wave her off, hoping she won’t see the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “You’re imagining things. Besides, he’s got his project to focus on, and I’ve got... well, this.” I gesture around the bakery, hoping she’ll drop it.

She just grins wider. “Hmm, busy with the bakery. But you’re also busy with your heart, I can tell.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re impossible. It’s nothing, Celine. Seriously.”

But then she shifts the conversation to something more serious, though still lighthearted. “In all honesty, I think you should think about helping with the Winter Wonderland project. I know decorating Christmas trees and everything was always your thing. And it might be a good way to take your mind off... well, everything.”

I hesitate, the mention of decorating hitting me harder than I expect. Mom always loved Christmas decorations. We spent hours picking out ornaments and putting them up together. It was our thing. But now, it feels like one of the hardest reminders that she’s gone.

“I don’t know, Celine. It’s been tough,” I say while looking down at my hands for a moment. “Christmas doesn’t feel the same anymore without her.”

Celine gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I get it, Sel. But maybe this project could help. It’ll give you something to focus on. Something that’ll make you feel close to her again. I know she would’ve wanted you to carry on the tradition.”

I take a deep breath.  “Maybe you’re right.”

“And hey,” she adds with a wink, “you’ll get to work with the architect, Sebastian Frost. Who knows? Maybe you two will bond over a shared love of Christmas decorations.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the smile that creeps up. “You’re impossible.”

“I’m serious!” she laughs, obviously enjoying this a little too much. “It could be fun, Selina. You’re really good at it. Everyone loves the way you decorate. I think this could be a perfect way for you to get involved.”

I sigh, the idea of doing something productive tugging at me more than I expected. “Alright, fine. I’ll help with the project. But no promises about getting close to Frost.” And then, just to tease her back, I add, “Especially after the whole flour incident.”

Celine bursts out laughing, clearly not buying it. “Oh, trust me. I’ll be right there with you, watching this all unfold. I’m telling you, Selina, he’s interested. I can see it.”

I laugh at how ridiculous she is. Maybe Celine was onto something. As much as I tried to push the idea away, something about today—about him—stuck with me. It felt like more than just a coincidence. I hadn’t planned on getting caught up in anything, especially not with someone like him. But the way our paths had crossed, the way he looked at me felt like there was more to it than just chance.

Something about him lingered in my mind, sending a little flutter through me that I couldn’t quite explain.