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Also, for so stuff away,” I’m surprised by how much of the house looks… preserved Like Joe still lives here Like his sofa’s just waiting for him to come back and take a seat That faain and follow Ryan to the bedroom

Again, the room’s a little dated, but the bones are solid The architecture’s vintage Tudor, with lots of oak and details that look straight out of a European cottage There’s also a giant bed that I do , so easy to fall onto… but I ignore it, watching as Ryan opens a door that I think will be a closet, but no It’s better

“A walk-up attic?” I gasp This is all my real estate Candy Cane Lane fantasies come true

Before Ryan can say a word I’ve got my foot on the first step

That’s when Ryan catches my wrist in his hand

“Wait,” he says, and his voice is low and gruff again “Maggie, I need to say so”

Oh, great He’s going to try to get out of decorating again Well, I didn’t ht as well stop now I’m about to open er to my lips

Which is… nice Even if I should be furious that he’s shushing ain

“I wanted to apologize,” he says “I’ve been… sort of a dick”

I raise both eyebrows “Sort of” doesn’t cover it

He drops his finger, which I hate I also hate that I hate it

“I have cohtfor this place And it hasn’t been easy being here in h his hair, glancing around the room “Christmas never really spoke to me But I know Uncle Joe loved it Hell, my best memories of Christmas e caive this whole decorating thing a shot”

It’s the hottest thing a ht-up seduction, via the prohts It’s made hotter by the fact that he moves closer to me, reaches up, and brushes snow out of my hair

“Anyway,” he says “It’s no excuse for behaving like a dick, but I just wanted you to know You’re right that I need to put some effort into this place, and I plan to My uncle, and Reindeer Falls… deserve that much”