♪ On the fifth day of Christmas, Mr Jack Frost gave to me,
- Five crazy words
- Four dirty smirks
- Three subtle hints
- Two tiny smiles,
- And a big shocker to my panties... ♪

•

'For your 'friend' – Merry Christmas.'

Summer stared at the card for a long time before she opened the little bag that had been placed on her doorstep sometime during the night or early morning. She had stumbled upon it on her way out, on her way to work.

Glancing into the bag, her eyes widened as she saw a red lingerie piece folded neatly in there, the one she had been looking at yesterday, but decided not to purchase. Obviously he had had different plans. From what she could tell, even the size was correct. She didn't know exactly how to feel about that. Was it a lucky guess or... observation?

She shook her head and shoved the card into the bag before putting it away. Obviously she'd have to go return it and give Jack the money back. She didn't know exactly where he thought he'd go with this, but this – buying her lingerie and asking her personal questions – this was considered 'courtship' in her book and Summer didn't do courting, aka dating. She'd have to tell him there was no chance, but that she was flattered at his attempt. She simply just didn't have the time for it.

Besides, he was only in town for business. What happened when he left again? Another friend to send letters to? Which would be love letters in this case. No, she wasn't doing that Dear John crap, ergo she was shooting him down. Politely. It was Christmas, after all.

Wrapping up in her many thick layers, Summer then headed out and drove to work. Bev had already arrived and opened the shop without her, which was fine since she was late. Quickly changing into her apron, she began helping her fill out the orders that were piling up. Monday's were always busy.

"You're late today," Bev stated as she brewed the coffee, pouring more coffee beans into the giant brewing machine. "You're never late. I was about to call Oprah for advice."

"The road was slippery, so I drove a little more carefully," Summer lied. She didn't want to tell her about the lingerie thing. That would only spark a conversation she really didn't want to have. "No need to bring Oprah out of retirement yet unless you want to recruit her for shoveling snow."

They worked for hours, hardly sitting down, only for a brief fifteen minute lunch break which they held separately. Then it was back to work again, manning the desk, brewing coffee, slicing cakes and warming the pastries.

At 5.45pm the shop was closing up. Summer said goodbye to Bev who gave her a quick hug before she headed home, yawning tiredly. It had been a long day.

Summer was wiping down the last tables when she heard the door go, the jingles alarming her. Without turning, she spoke over her shoulder, "Sorry, we are closing."

"Did you get my present?"

Even before he spoke, the air had shifted and she had felt a chill go up her back. Turning around, she looked at Jack who stood by the door, both of his hands resting on his cane, but eyes resting on her. For eyes so icy, they looked so... warm.

"I did," Summer replied, thinning out her lips. "And I don't know what to say. I mean I obviously can't accept it, but I—"

"Why not?" He broke in and rose a brow, then took a few steps towards her. "Did it not fit?"

"It's not that," Summer elaborated. She looked down, then sighed. "I appreciate it and I'm flattered that you bought me that, uh, gift, but it's just..."

"Yes, Summer?"

God, the way he said her name. "It's just that if you think it'll lead somewhere, I'm going to have to kill your hopes."

"Summer—"

"It's nothing personal," She quickly continued, now walking up to her bar, laying down her rag and taking off her apron. "It's just I'm not looking for a relationship—"

She hadn't even heard him move, but suddenly he was just there behind the bar with her and had curled his hands around her slender waist and pulled her close to him. "I never said anything about a relationship," He whispered, leaning down to her. She was forced to put her hands on his chest to create some distance when he invaded her personal bubble. "I just don't want you to be lonely this Christmas. And for the record, you could never kill my hopes."

She blinked, but then snapped into motion. She gave his chest a push but he didn't budge. The knob of his cane pressed against the small of her back where both his hands rested, keeping her there. His determination didn't scare her, he didn't show any sign of obsession. Only persistence that she would have to rid him off. "Listen, I'm not lonely, Jack. I don't know where you've gotten that idea from, but I'm perfectly happy. I don't need someone to keep me company, and more importantly, I don't need some man to comfort me."

"I'm not just some man, I should probably tell you then," He said, leaning closer again. He lowered his voice; "And you are lonely, Summer, deny it or don't. Doesn't change the fact that I want to keep you... warm this winter."

"Warm?" Summer snorted lightly. "Jack Frost wants to keep me warm. There's a new line."

"I could nibble at your nose," He whispered and leaned down and breathed warmly on her nose which made her shiver. "Or at your ear..." He leaned in to her ear and she felt his lips graze the shell of it, making her breath falter, "or at your lips..." Summer couldn't breathe when his lips now traveled down and met hers, just the lightest peck she had ever felt. The whole room was spinning when he drew back, meeting her eyes. "Or... I could nibble you right here."

She jumped when she felt his hand cup her between her legs and she let out an involuntary gasp when she felt just how warm he was. His hand was strangely cold, yet somehow burning hot. For the briefest second, she felt scorched.

But then he withdrew completely and took a step back, then another. He licked his lips as he walked up to the door again, keeping eye contact with her, never breaking it.

"I'm a man who knows what he wants, Summer. Question is, what do you want?" When she just blinked, his lips twitched in a dangerous little smirk. "Something to think about. Merry Christmas."

And then he left.

Summer stood left behind in shock. She had never felt this hot during winter.

• • •

Making gingerbread treats later today with my sister and my mom. December fifth tradition in our family. Do you guys have any traditions?