Dylan Hughes owns a small bakery. He's doing what he loves and business is good, but he's lonely. After a bad relationship, he's been keeping to himself, and things are worse during the Christmas season. Then there is his unrequited crush on Aaron Tyler. Aaron is a successful event planner. He and Dylan met more than two years earlier and, after tasting Dylan's baking, Aaron proposed a collaboration. They've worked together ever since. Not willing to risk their friendship, Dylan has kept his feelings under wraps. But a secret admirer begins to send Dylan thoughtful gifts twelve days before Christmas. The cute, clever gifts keep on coming and he's flattered, but they couldn't have come at a worse time. Aaron has finally asked him out. What happens when the secret admirer’s identity is revealed on Christmas Day? Will Dylan's blossoming relationship with Aaron survive?

Twelve Gifts

“Hey, guys. I’m Dylan, from Dylan’s Bakery next door. I’ve brought some sandwiches, stir-fried vegetables with piping hot rice, some sweet and sour chicken, and a few other things. Better dig in now while everything is still warm.”


They all thanked him and quickly grabbed the paper plates and utensils he had also provided. Aaron had moved closer to him, carrying along two plates of food for them.


“Thanks for the food, Dylan. I can’t accept all these without paying you though.”


“Send more of your clients my way and we’ll be even.”


They ate in silence for a few moments before continuing their conversation.


“We’re actually in the last stage. The team only needs to finalize everything before we finish the decorations tomorrow. The venue is almost ready anyway.”


“None, thank goodness. That would be disastrous. The party will begin the day after tomorrow.”


Chapter 6