In the picturesque town of Winter Grove, the tenacious Alicia Whittaker faces off against her best friend's snobbish brother, Zeke Brighton, when his disapproval of his sister's boyfriend threatens to upend their Christmas.
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Tenacious college stud...
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Zeke
The festival wasn't for another couple of hours, but Zeke couldn't stay in the hotel. He would go crazy if he sat alone in his room for any longer. In his room, he was in dangerous proximity to a freshly stocked mini bar, and he worried he would reenact 'The Shining' if he didn't get out of there.
As he walked the streets, he blew on his hands. The sun was nearly gone from the sky, far too early for his liking, and the air was bitter cold. If he had to go to this festival—whether he liked to or not—he would need gloves.
Zeke picked up the pace, looking for a shop. Fortunately, there was one right on the corner. One benefit of this town being so damn small...
The shop was set on the corner of a rustic brick building that looked like it could've been as old as the town. The shop did, too, though it was very well kept. Inside, it was all dark wood and shiny brass, with carefully arranged displays and orderly shelves. And on the window, in gold swirling letters painted directly on the glass, was the shop's name: JENSEN & SON'S, FINE MEN'S WEAR.
Perfect.
Zeke stepped in, greeted by the clear ring of a real brass bell.
"Welcome, sir," said a gentleman in a thick English accent. He was standing over by a set of mirrors, in the midst of measuring a suit on a gawky kid barely in his teens. "I'm nearly done here, so please feel free to browse. I'll help you in a moment."
"Just tell me where your gloves are," Zeke said flatly, "and I can help myself."
"Suit yourself," the man said with a grin. "They're in the corner, by the window."
"Thanks," Zeke said and headed that way.
It was right where the shopkeeper said it'd be, but Zeke couldn't help but frown. It was an entire display of mittens, scarves, and hats... but they were only in bright red and patterned with a flurry of snowflakes and trees.
The exact opposite of what Zeke was looking for. Where were the simple scarves, the plain leather gloves?
He looked around, but everywhere he looked was more Christmas—Christmas sweaters, Christmas ties, hell, even Christmas boxers. Zeke couldn't help but pick up a pair with a lewd joke about jingle bells. He scoffed and rolled his eyes. Was there anything in this town that wasn't Christmasfied?
The shop's bell gave another ring.
Zeke looked over and then did a double-take.
It was Alicia.
She stomped off the snow off her boots and strode inside. She didn't notice him, just swept through the store, like a woman on a mission. Zeke abandoned the holiday display and followed after, just a few steps behind.
