Chapter Six: A Kiss of Cider - Wax Melt

The rain softened, its steady rhythm fading into a mist that clung to the edges of the courtyard. Lanterns glowed brighter against the damp air, their golden halos flickering over slick cobblestones. She stood shivering, not from the cold, but from the way his gaze still held hers, unwavering, as though the storm itself had only been a prelude to this.

He stepped closer, close enough that the warmth of him banished the chill. The air around them shifted, scented with apples sweetened by spice, the brightness of orange peel cutting through the damp. Somewhere nearby, a kettle steamed, and the fragrance of mulled cider rose to meet the night, ripe peach folded into cinnamon, wrapped in the soft hum of musk. It was intoxicating, a blend of comfort and fire, of sweetness and heat, and she breathed it in as though it were part of him.

He lifted a cup from the table, steam curling between them like an invitation. When she reached for it, his hand covered hers, holding it there just a heartbeat too long. The cider warmed her palms, but his touch warmed her deeper still. She raised it to her lips, the taste bursting across her tongue, sweet apple, a spark of citrus, the quiet burn of spice. And yet, even as she drank, she felt his eyes tracing her every movement, as though the real sweetness he craved was something else entirely.

She set the cup down, her breath mingling with his in the lantern glow. For a moment, neither moved. Then he leaned in, slow as the season itself, until the space between them dissolved. His lips brushed hers, soft, searching, a question and an answer in one. The world blurred; there was no storm now, no market, no night beyond them. Only the warmth of cider, the taste of spice and apple still on her tongue, and the undeniable truth of the kiss they had been circling all along.

And there, in the heart of autumn, with firelight flickering and rain cooling the world beyond, she understood: some seasons are not meant to be read slowly, but savored sip by sip, kiss by kiss, until the last page lingers forever.

ABOUT OUR SOY WAX MELTS
Each of our wax melts is hand-poured with care in small, thoughtfully curated batches, using pure soy wax and premium-grade fragrance oils. From creation to packaging, every step is lovingly undertaken in our humble workshop nestled in Missouri—a quiet haven where craftsmanship and scent come together in perfect harmony.

WAX MELT CARE
- Store your wax melts in their original clamshells or containers to protect them from dust and fading. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these can affect the wax quality and fragrance.

- Always store wax melts in a cool, dry area to maximize their longevity and scent retention. High temperatures can cause them to melt and lose their fragrance.

- Place 1-2 cubes of wax in a wax warmer—either electric or tea-light based. Ensure that the warmer is on a level, heat-resistant surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

- Do not leave the warmer on for more than 3-4 hours at a time. This helps prevent overheating and potential accidents.

- Always keep an eye on your wax warmer while in use. Do not leave it unattended, especially around children and pets.

- Avoid adding water to your wax warmer as it can cause the wax to splatter, creating a messy and dangerous situation.

- Allow the wax to cool before handling the warmer and use caution when changing the wax after melting to prevent burns or mess.