Christmas in Sugarcreek Read Online Free PDF Page B

cookbooks.
    “These are made by people in the community. Perhaps they’d make perfect gifts for your friends and family?”
    The younger woman looked starstruck. “Oh, yes, they would, indeed.”
    With a wink in Judith’s direction, he said extremely courteously, “Please let me know if I can help ya further.”
    After the ladies simpered, Ben practically sauntered back Judith’s way. But instead of returning to stand near her behind the counter, he stayed on the other side. Resting his elbows on the wood and looking completely satisfied. “How am I doing, Boss?”
    His pride would have been shameful if she hadn’t been so impressed. “Ben, I think they’re buying a dozen cookbooks between them. And four baskets, too. It’s amazing.”
    But instead of gloating, his expression turned solemn. “ Gut . I’m glad you’re happy with me.”
    He caught her off guard. What did he mean by that? Had she been so difficult to please?
    Or . . . was he simply trying to get her gander up? Again? “I didn’t mean to sound surprised . . .”
    “But you are surprised, ain’t so?”
    Because he was still staring at her intently, she nodded. “Helping customers is good. Encouraging them to buy more than they intended is something that’s difficult for me.”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know. I guess I don’t want to push things at them.”
    “But you’re not forcing them to buy, just suggesting—”
    “Like I said, you are far better at this than I am.”
    “I doubt that, Judith.” His gaze had softened. His voice had lowered. He’d leaned a little closer and made her want to lean closer, too. Which, of course, made her pulse quicken.
    Luckily the English ladies approached.
    She cleared her throat while Ben backed up with a jerk. “Did you find everything you were looking for?”
    “We did. Well, we did over in this section,” the older of the pair said with a laugh. “Could we set these puzzles and candles on the counter?”
    Judith nodded. “But of course.”
    “What else may I help you with?” Ben asked.
    “Baked goods. Do you have any rolls?”
    “We do. Made fresh this morning.”
    The Englischer smiled. “I want some of those. I’m so glad we came in today. I found everything I needed.”
    Judith checked out two other customers, greeted a newcomer, and then eyed Ben in amazement as he stacked one, two, three, four containers of rolls, one block of cheddar cheese, and three boxes of cinnamon rolls and cookies in her arms.
    How did Ben do that? He was a true salesman, able to encourage customers to buy things that Judith could only dream about. She couldn’t help but be slightly envious of his accomplishments—during the three days that Ben had worked, store sales had greatly risen.
    Two hours later, when she was locking up after the last customer left, she felt obligated to give Ben the praise he deserved. “You’re a gut worker, Ben Knox.”
    He looked at her for maybe a little longer than necessary, then shrugged. “Danke.”
    She felt embarrassed. It was faint praise for everything he’d did. Plus, even to her ears it sounded vaguely condescending. “I’m sorry. You are more than just a good worker. You sell real well—and you’re good with the customers, too. You seem to be a natural fit. Everyone’s noticed. My daed is real pleased.”
    “Is he?” He crossed his arms over his very broad chest. “And what about you?”
    “What about me?” Now she was feeling even more out of sorts. The way he looked at her made her imagine they were the only two people in the world.
    “Are you pleased with me, Judith Graber?”
    That deep tone of his sent a little shiver down her spine. “Yes. I mean, I just told you I thought you worked hard. That . . . that I thought you did a gut job . . .” For heaven’s sakes. She didn’t know what she was saying!
    “And that is all?”
    His tone wasn’t harsh. It wasn’t critical. No, instead it sounded . . . sad? Disappointed?
    No matter how it