A Frost spirit who runs a coffee shop. A Cupid who works as a divorce lawyer. And magic in the air ... Raine’s never been a conventional Cupid. He likes organization, his job as a successful lawyer, and black coffee, and he dislikes messiness, physical and emotional. He tries hard not to use his powers, because he’d rather not manipulate anyone’s desires, and he’s not planning to fall in love himself -- and he wouldn’t trust it if someone fell in love with him. But the owner of Raine’s favorite coffee shop is endlessly patient, kind even in the face of sarcasm, and an artist with flavors and window decorations ... and he could even challenge Raine’s resolutions about love. Don enjoys his life. Even though he’s a Frost, he finds comfort in giving people warmth: good coffee, a cozy refuge from the rain, holiday decorations, and overall cheer. But one gorgeous Cupid seems immune to Don’s cheerfulness -- and he keeps coming back, day after day. Fortunately, Don’s always liked a challenge, and now he’s determined to make Raine smile at least once ... and he’s discovering that Raine’s sarcasm hides a generous and lonely heart, keeping the world at bay. And if Don and Raine can learn to trust each other -- with new coffee flavors, with their hopes for the future, and with their hearts -- the Frost and the Cupid just might find their own magical happy ending.

Frost and Raine

He hoped that, if dinner wasn’t going well, Raine might slip a hand into that pocket. Might touch a piece of self, the person who loved punk rock shows and fearless joyful surrender, and find an anchor. Might find even more of an anchor, maybe, in the memory of this moment, shared, and all their own.


Don did drive up to see his own parents and John, just for the day. His parents told him that he looked happy, and asked whether he’d met someone, and when they could meet the person in question.


Don laughed, said, “It’s complicated, but, um, soon, I hope?” and accepted hugs and hot cocoa. Then he went outside and threw snowballs at his brother for a while, dodging in turn. They joined forces when some of the younger cousins arrived, and surrendered, snowy and sweaty and laughing, in the end.


He sent Raine a picture of a demolished snow fort. Raine answered with, If I’d been there to assist with strategy, you might’ve won.


Chapter 36