Chapter 4: Strings of Flirtation

Selina's POV

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, its glow cutting through the dim light. Groaning, I grab it. It’s a message from Celine:

“Good morning, bestie! Time to sparkle! Meet me in town at Winter Wonderland by 9 to kick off the project. Don’t be late!”

Her cheery words bring a small smile to my face. Typical Celine. Bright, bubbly, and impossible to say no to. With a sigh, I toss the covers off and force myself out of bed. Despite my initial reluctance, there’s a spark of excitement brewing. Maybe today won’t be so bad.

After a quick breakfast and bundling up in layers against the cold, I head out. The bakery will run itself for the day, thanks to my capable staff. For now, it’s time to dive into the town’s Winter Wonderland project.

When I reach the square, the festive energy is already palpable. Volunteers are busy setting up lights, arranging wreaths, and stringing garlands. The sight is almost enough to make me forget my usual Christmas blues.

“Selina! Over here!” Celine’s voice cuts through the buzz of activity. She waves from a pile of boxes, her cheeks rosy from the cold. As I approach, she thrusts a steaming cup of coffee into my hands.

“You’re welcome,” she says with a grin.

“Thanks,” I murmur, taking a grateful sip. The warmth seeps through my gloves, and I allow myself a moment to enjoy it.

Before I can comment on the sheer number of decorations, the low hum of a car engine draws my attention. A sleek, silver car pulls up, and out steps Sebastian Frost. Of course, he looks effortlessly dashing, his dark coat and scarf a perfect contrast to the wintry backdrop. My stomach does a little flip. Calm down, Selina.

He strides toward us, his confidence radiating as always. Celine smirks, elbowing me playfully. “Look who’s here. Someone’s got perfect timing.”

“Morning, ladies,” Sebastian greets, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. His eyes meet mine, and the corner of his mouth lifts in a flirtatious smirk. “Selina, looking radiant as always.”

I roll my eyes, though my heart skips a beat. “Don’t you have better things to do than charm volunteers?”

“Not when the company is this delightful,” he counters smoothly. His gaze lingers just a moment too long, and I feel my cheeks warm despite the chilly air.

Celine snickers. “I’ll leave you two to strategize. Call me if you need anything.” She winks at me before scurrying off, leaving me alone with Sebastian.

“So,” he begins, picking up a strand of tangled lights from a nearby box. “What’s the plan?”

“Untangle those and try not to be a distraction,” I reply, trying to sound indifferent. But my voice wavers slightly, and his smirk deepens.

“As you wish,” he says, his tone teasing. He steps closer, his fingers brushing against mine as he takes the lights. The brief contact sends an unexpected jolt through me.

“By the way,” Sebastian says, breaking the silence as he starts untangling the lights. “How’s the bakery? Still recovering from that flour fiasco?”

I can’t help but laugh, remembering the chaos. “Barely. I think there’s still some flour in places it shouldn’t be.”

He chuckles, his smile wide and genuine. “You were quite the sight, you know. Covered in flour, looking both adorable and ready to murder someone.”

“Adorable?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow. “That’s a first.”

“Oh, absolutely,” he replies, leaning casually against a post. “It was a masterpiece. A flour-dusted goddess in her natural habitat.”

I shake my head, trying to suppress a grin. “You have a strange sense of humor, Frost.”

“And you have a great laugh,” he counters. “We make a good team.”

The ease of our banter surprises me. For a moment, I forget my usual reservations and just enjoy the lighthearted exchange. It feels nice.

Throughout the morning, Sebastian is everywhere. Offering to help, cracking jokes, and throwing in just the right amount of charm to keep me flustered. At one point, I’m balancing on a ladder, trying to hang a decoration, when his hand steadies me from behind.

“Careful, Selina,” he murmurs, his voice low and close. I nearly drop the decoration.

“I’m fine,” I manage, though my heart is racing.

“Of course you are,” he says with a grin, his hand lingering just a second longer than necessary before he steps back.

By the afternoon, the square is coming together beautifully. Twinkling lights wrap around lampposts, garlands frame shop windows, and the centerpiece tree stands tall and sparkling. It’s magical, even to someone as Christmas-cynical as me.

Sebastian appears at my side, his hands in his coat pockets. “Not bad, huh?”

“It’s nice,” I admit, my voice softer than I intended.

“Nice?” he repeats, feigning offense. “Come on, Selina. Give yourself some credit. You’ve got an eye for this.”

I glance at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, the playful flirtation is gone, replaced by something warmer.

“Thanks,” I mumble, looking away.

He doesn’t let the moment linger, though. “So,” he says, his voice turning playful again, “how long are you going to pretend you’re not enjoying my company?”

I blink, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, come on,” he teases, leaning casually against a lamppost. “I’m charming, witty, and, let’s face it, incredibly good-looking. Admit it, Selina. You’re at least a little impressed.”

I laugh despite myself. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And yet, here you are, laughing at my jokes,” he points out, stepping closer. His proximity sends my pulse racing.

“I’m laughing at how ridiculous you are,” I retort, though my voice lacks its usual bite.

He grins, clearly enjoying himself. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Maybe, just maybe, I don’t mind his company as much as I pretend to.