For a moment, Christina was speechless. Andy was so very much there, tall, handsome, and to her confusion, casually dressed in jeans and a down ski jacket. Oh, she realized, his good wool coat was probably still drying out. She flashed on the moment he’d raced into the geyser, his strong arms lifting her out and up, cuddling her close to him for warmth, striding into Mimi’s.

And she flashed on Anastasiya standing there, watching…and giving Christina her warm fur hat.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you,” Christina said. “Yesterday sort of knocked the stuffing out of me. I came back to the store in the afternoon, and it was a madhouse. When I got home, I pretty much collapsed.”

“Are you okay now?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t mean to be so histrionic, but the burst pipe was so shocking, so disorienting…and there you were with Anastasiya.” She lowered her head. She couldn’t meet his eyes. She didn’t want to let him know how much it mattered.

“Did you listen to my messages?”

Christina nodded. “I did.”

“So you know that Anastasiya and I aren’t together in any way. She’s engaged to Wonk. She and I are only friends, and nothing more. You believe me, don’t you?”

“I…I do believe you.” She wanted to rise up on her toes and kiss him passionately. Instead, she said haltingly, “There’s something else. You should know this. Maybe Oscar has already told you.”

“I haven’t spoken with him, except to say good morning. What has he done now?”

“It’s what I’ve done.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Andy folded his arms and leaned against a shelf. “Tell me.”

“I barged into his house today and interrupted his breakfast. I dared him to stay in my shop for one full hour. If he remains for the entire hour, I’ll pay the rent increase. Of course, I don’t think I can, but that’s another matter. I’m willing to bet he’ll realize the rent shouldn’t be increased.”

“What did he say?”

“He’s coming here tomorrow. At one o’clock.”

Andy laughed. “Christina, I think you’ve just made him a very happy man. My father loves a challenge.”

“I hope the temperature falls and the wind rises,” Christina said. “The weather’s been so mild, he’ll think it’s fine in here.”

Andy put his arms around Christina’s waist and pulled her toward him. “You make my temperature rise, you brilliant woman. I hope you know that whatever happens between you and my father tomorrow, it won’t change how I feel about you. What I hope to have with you.”

“What do you hope to have with me?” Christina asked quietly.

“A future. I hope to have you in my life forever. Christina, I know. Isn’t it the same for you?”