Hot Chicken by LM Fox

Matt
Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-eight.
But neither was Ellie Albright.
This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store could make this holiday grump want to grovel?
Because this girl is all I can think about.
And I’m not wasting my chance this time.

Ellie
It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key.
However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing on my wishlist.
Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush turned firefighter who’s come back home.
July is tourist season for our little beach town.
The entire community enjoys a lift in sales as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.
Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business is a run-down gas station.
But I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.