The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 8) Read online

  “Well, goodnight.”

  What? That was all he was going to say?

  “Bye.” Chantelle forced the word from her dry throat.

  He turned and walked away.

  She half expected him to look back.

  He didn’t.

  Guess he wasn’t a player and was doing a nice deed. The way a big-brother type or a good guy would.

  Her shoulders dropped.

  Why was she so disappointed about that?

  *

  The next morning, York stood outside Copper Mountain Chocolates while Dakota unlocked the front door. This was his first day of on-the-job training, and he looked forward to spending time with his sister. Being surrounded by chocolate was a bonus.

  When she opened the door, a bell jingled. “Ready?”

  “Sure,” he said. “This will be fun, especially if there’s an employee discount.”

  Shaking her head, she stepped inside.

  He followed, closing the door behind him.

  York glanced down at his button-down shirt in an indigo-blue color and dark jeans. The same thing Dakota wore. “I just can’t believe I’m dressed like my sister.”

  “I know, but Sage likes us to be in uniform.” Dakota’s pink cheeks suggested she wasn’t totally comfortable with it, either. “I have a feeling Mom would be all over this. I think the last time we matched was that Christmas Eve when she bought us all matching pajamas to wear.”

  “Red-and-white striped long johns,” they said at the same time and then laughed.

  He shook his head. “Don’t forget the matching caps.”

  “We looked like life-sized candy canes.”

  “Mine and Dad’s had the back flaps that opened if we had to go to the bathroom.”

  A case of the giggles hit Dakota. “I’d forgotten about that.”

  Sunlight streamed in through the large front window. The shop looked different from last night. Some of the round tables had been removed, and two rectangular display tables had been brought in. No wonder York had arrived home before Dakota. She’d had work to do after everyone left. Though Walt had helped, she’d said.

  The aroma of chocolate filled the air. York inhaled the delicious scent. “It smells like someone is already working.”

  “Sage always arrives first, and she leaves after lunch unless it’s busy.”

  “Good to know there’s backup.”

  Dakota removed her coat and motioned for him to follow her into the back area of the shop.

  Sage stood by a silver vat of some sort. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and she wore an apron. “Welcome, York. I’m busy right now, so I’ll let Dakota give you the tour and teach you what to do.”

  He had no idea what all the equipment in this back section did, but the kitchen area looked like a mini-chocolate factory. “Sounds good.”

  “When you arrive at the store, come back here.” Dakota motioned to a row of cubbies against a wall that were next to a rack of copper aprons. “You can leave your personal items in one of these. That includes your cell phone. Clock in here.” She showed him where to punch his time card. “And remember to put on a clean apron.”

  York removed his wallet and cell phone, placing them in a cubby. A time card with his name on it was waiting for him. Not surprising since Sage seemed like the organized type.

  He punched in. Next came the apron, like the one he’d worn the other night.

  “Now what?” he asked.

  “A quick tour, and I need to show you where the supplies are kept.”

  The shop was small, so it didn’t take long.

  As he joined Dakota behind the glass display counter, he noticed a copper pot of hot chocolate simmering on a countertop burner. That must be why the shop smelled so good. No wonder Dakota liked working here. The aroma couldn’t be beat.

  After a lesson on the cash register and credit-card machine, he practiced swirling a tower of whipped cream on a mug—though his cup was full of water instead of hot chocolate—and how to greet customers as they walked in the door.

  “Let’s try it,” Dakota said. “Jingle, jingle, jingle.”

  “Welcome to Copper Mountain Chocolates,” he replied.

  “Good, but be sure to smile.”

  He tried again. “Welcome to Copper Mountain Chocolates.”

  “Better. Again.”

  He continued until Dakota was satisfied. “Never knew you were such a taskmaster.”

  “I’m not, but Sage has high standards.”

  The implication was clear to York. His sister didn’t want him to mess up. He wouldn’t let her down.

  “All this seems easy enough.” The change from being underground in an air-conditioned room with monitors and computers was welcome. He looked forward to interacting with people, too. That hadn’t happened in his old job unless talking to coworkers counted. “What do I do if there aren’t customers? Stand here and look pretty?”

  “Ha-ha.” Dakota pulled out a three-ring binder from beneath the counter. “There’s a list in here. If Sage has anything special for us to do, such as price markdowns or packaging items, she’ll add a note. There’s usually a table to clear, and you can always clean if there’s nothing else to do.”

  “Now you sound like Mom.”

  “Please don’t say that.”

  “It’s true.”

  Dakota stuck out her tongue.

  “There’s also a list of the chocolate that will be the daily sample.” She put on gloves, pulled out a white plate, and removed chocolates from the display counter. “Today’s is the dark chocolate hazelnut bark. Put out a few pieces so they’re ready and add to it as needed. And these are samples for the customers.”

  The way she emphasized the last word made him laugh. “No eating while on duty. I’m familiar with that rule.”

  “You’ll do fine.” Her smile widened. “Just remember, some customers will be talkative, but others want to get in and out with saying as little as possible.”

  “I’ll pay attention to how customers come across. I get along with most people.”

  “You and Chantelle Cummings seemed to hit it off last night.”

  No way did he want to have this discussion with his sister. He shrugged even though he’d been thinking about Chantelle since last night. “Forced proximity.”

  “According to Walt—”

  “You mean Mr. Wannabe Matchmaker?”

  Dakota laughed. “You’re right, but you were checking her out.”

  “Looking never hurt anyone.”

  “Attracted to her?” Dakota asked.

  “She’s pretty, but no,” he said quickly. “And even if I were, give me some credit, sis. No matter how I felt about her, I wouldn’t hit on a woman who is writing a review of your boss’s chocolate.”

  Dakota’s lips parted. “A review? Really?”

  “Chantelle mentioned that last night.”

  His sister rubbed her hands together. “A review would be fantastic. Did she say anything about coming by the shop today?”

  “No.” And York hoped she didn’t. He wanted to focus on his new job and not be distracted. Speaking of which, he glanced at the clock. “It’s ten.”

  Dakota walked to the front door, unlocked it, and flipped the sign from closed to open. “Remember, no tasting the sweets during work hours.” A mischievous gleam filled her eyes. “That includes chocolates and pretty customers.”

  He shook his head. “After work hours?”

  Dakota winked. “Help yourself.”

  Uh-oh. She was becoming as bad as Mom.

  Chapter Five

  The time passed quickly.

  Customers came in and out, some for a sample and others to purchase chocolate. York struggled to keep up.

  Dakota helped him, as did Portia when she showed up later, but he still got things mixed up. He gave one person the wrong piece of chocolate. He’d forgotten to offer a sample to another. He couldn’t remember the name of the dark-haired girl who Dakota said came in
every week day around lunchtime to write or sketch and worked for the shop’s marketing firm. And he couldn’t quite get the knack of tying a neat bow on a bag. His fingers just weren’t that good at tying ribbon.

  Portia, who had been working at the shop since October, kindly assured him those types of mistakes were normal and reminded him the young woman’s name was Gretchen Zabrinski.

  Maybe, but he wasn’t used to feeling so…incompetent.

  He was used to computer keyboards, not a cash register. Who knew customer service with a smile could be so…challenging? Thankfully, things slowed after lunchtime.

  A customer sat at one of the tables as he waited for his hot chocolate. The guy looked like a cowboy with jeans, boots, and a hat on an empty chair.

  York carried over the mug and a small napkin.

  If only the guys at the base could see him now…

  A good thing they couldn’t because they would be laughing their butts off.

  With care, he set the drink in front of the man. Nothing spilled.

  Progress. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” The man looked at him. “Filling in for Rosie while she’s away?”

  York nodded. The customer must be a regular. There seemed to be a lot of those given this wasn’t the first time he’d heard the question. “I’m Dakota’s brother. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  As York returned to the counter, Portia came out of the back with a restocked plate of the day’s sample.

  “Hey, Eli,” Portia said.

  The cowboy studied her. “Looks like you’re ready to pop.”

  Somehow, Portia kept a smile on her face. Yes, she looked as if she had tucked a beach ball under her shirt. The apron didn’t quite fit due to her large pregnant belly, but unlike Eli, York knew better than to say that aloud.

  She blew out a breath. “You sure have a way with words.”

  Eli grinned. “That’s what all the ladies tell me.”

  “Oh, the mama cows talk to you?” Portia winked.

  Eli laughed and raised his glass to her. “I probably deserved that.”

  Not probably, York thought.

  “When are you due?” Eli asked in between sips of his cocoa.

  “End of the month.” Portia joined York behind the counter. “Here’s more of the dark chocolate bark. Dakota’s washing dishes. Sage left early to go to Savannah’s school, and she told me to tell you that you did a good job today.”

  Pride filled him. Selling chocolates was about as far away from what he normally did as possible, but he’d had fun. It wasn’t just spending time with Dakota; he also liked talking to the people who came into the store.

  He took the tray from Portia and placed it on the counter near the cash register. “Thanks.”

  Portia rubbed her lower back.

  “You okay?” he asked her.

  “I’m not sleeping much. I think this baby is going to be a gymnast or a soccer player. Since you and Dakota are here, I’m probably going to cut out early.”

  “Leave whenever you want. Dakota’s in the back, and I’m here so you don’t have to be.”

  York knew nothing about pregnancy or babies, but being young, single, and expecting a baby had to be rough. Both his sisters were worried about Portia, and he understood their concern. No one knew if she was planning to keep the baby or not. Dakota said a young man with a bouquet of flowers had been by the shop once to visit Portia, and flowers had arrived on Valentine’s Day, but she still hadn’t mentioned who the father was to anyone.

  Portia didn’t have a big brother, and York would gladly be a surrogate if she needed one. He walked to the closest table and pulled out a chair.

  “You’re tired. Sit for a few minutes before you go.” He tilted his head toward their one customer who was drinking hot chocolate. “It’s quiet in here. I can hold down the fort for a few minutes or ask for help if I need it.”

  Portia slowly lowered herself into a chair. “Thanks.”

  As York stepped behind the counter, the bell on the door jingled. “Welcome to Copper Mountain Chocolates.”

  “Hello,” a woman said.

  Not just any female voice. One he recognized from last night. He needed to concentrate on doing his job and not let her distract him. “Hi, Chantelle.”

  Greeting customers was part of his job.

  As she walked toward the counter, Eli checked her out from behind. Not that York blamed the cowboy. He imagined that view was nice given the sway of her hips, but York’s view of her front was great, too.

  Her skirt swooshed above her knees and made her legs look long, even with slip-on flats. No heels required. She had a jacket tucked over her purse, which hung from her shoulder. Her short-sleeved shirt showed off pale but toned arms.

  She looked at the chocolates in the display case. “I thought I’d stop by to see what the place looks like in the daylight and try a hot chocolate.”

  “Welcome.” York realized he’d already said that, so he picked up the plate of samples. “I’ll make you a cup. Would you like to try our dark chocolate hazelnut bark in the meanwhile?”

  “I’d love a piece.”

  He managed to hand her the sample on a napkin without dropping anything. York didn’t know why her arrival brought a sudden rush of anxiety. Maybe because he wasn’t expecting her to show up.

  Or look so good.

  She raised the chocolate to her glossed lips.

  Look away.

  York should, but like a moth about to dive bomb a lit candle, he couldn’t. Truth was he didn’t want to. Something about the way she ate chocolate drew him in.

  Okay, turned him on.

  As if she could read his mind, Chantelle faced away from him. “The shop looks different. Last night’s table arrangement isn’t typical?”

  “I—” He looked at Portia. “This is Chantelle Cummings. She wrote The Chocolate Touch.”

  Portia’s lips parted. She used the table to push herself up. Her movements were slow and awkward, but she was soon standing.

  “Hi, I’m Portia.” She shook Chantelle’s hand. “I’ve enjoyed reading your articles on chocolate.”

  “Thanks.”

  Grateful Portia was there to answer questions, York went to work on Chantelle’s hot chocolate. He pulled a white mug off the shelf.

  Stirring the hot chocolate simmering in the pot, he pictured the most perfect cup of cocoa possible.

  That was what he wanted to make Chantelle.

  And not just because he wanted to show off his new skills for the attractive woman with the chocolate touch. Well, maybe he did a little. But he also knew her visit was important to the shop itself.

  He spooned the creamy mixture into the cup. Carefully, with the steady hand that would be the envy of hot-chocolate makers everywhere, he added a swirl of whipped cream the way Dakota had taught him earlier today. She’d been right that it got easier each time.

  Portia started talking to Chantelle. “You wanted to know about the table arrangement. During our monthly events, we move out everything that isn’t bolted down. We then bring in additional tables and chairs based on what we’re doing and how many tickets we’ve sold. Sage hired a marketing person, Krista Martin, in December. So far, most of the events she planned have sold out. Our Valentine one lasted for days, so we had to work around the extra tables that were needed for the competitors to use.”

  York sprinkled shaved chocolate over the whipped cream. He could only see Chantelle’s back, but he’d been correct about that view.

  Stop leering.

  “Competitors? What kind of events do you hold here?” Chantelle asked.

  “Wine tasting and chocolate pairings. Truffle making. June will be a series of speed-dating events. During February, we teamed up with a local wine shop and feed store to sponsor The Valentine Quest, which was an adventure-type race. York just got back from his vacation in Fiji, which was the grand prize.”

  “You participated?” Chantelle asked.

  �
�No. I was in Maryland when this happened. I was just the lucky recipient of the grand prize thanks to my younger sister’s boyfriend Dustin.”

  She gave him the once-over. “That explains your tan.”

  Nothing in the way she said the words told him if that was a compliment or not.

  Chantelle’s gaze scanned the shop again. “Is this your typical retail setup?”

  “Yes. The decorations change each month.” Portia took a step toward one of the tables that displayed boxes of chocolate, but then she doubled over in what looked like pain. “Oh.”

  York ran to Portia.

  Eli was at her side in an instant, too.

  Dakota rushed out of the back. “What was…Portia?”

  Fear filled the young woman’s eyes. Portia grimaced. “I…”

  York and Eli helped her back into the chair.

  “Is it the baby?” York asked, feeling way out of his element here.

  Chantelle’s face was pale. She held onto her cell phone. “Should I call 911?”

  Portia shook her head. “No, it can’t be the baby.”

  “Rachel Vaughn had her baby a little early, and everything turned out just fine.” Eli kneeled next to Portia. His voice was full of confidence, and York envied the cowboy’s coolness. “My older sister had false labor for days. The hospital kept sending her home each time she went in to be checked out.”

  Dakota’s gaze hadn’t left Portia. “Why don’t we go to the hospital? They can tell you what’s going on.”

  Portia shook her head. “It’s too soon. I’m not…ready.”

  “That’s okay. Let’s go anyway.” Dakota’s voice was calm and her tone light. York had never been prouder of his sister. He knew by the way she kept flexing her fingers that she was trying not to freak out, but she didn’t let Portia see it. “After you’re released, we can have a good laugh and go out to dinner. You can add this to your baby-book memories.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” Eli said before Portia could answer. “I’ve got my truck parked right outside. I can drive you there.”

  York nodded. “I agree.”

  “Me, too,” Chantelle chimed in.

  “Everything will be okay.” Dakota held Portia’s hand. “Eli will drive, and I’ll go with you, too. We can call your aunt and mother on the way, okay?”