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But da

I leaned in and pressed ht touch, hardly a real kiss at all It was just enough to make him blush Chet’s cheeks pinkened, and a flush rose low on his neck

“Mr Rooney…”

“Saht”

Don’t ask ed not to turn around as I headed down the pathway and up the street toway to a sot ho like a madman as I chomped on a rosemary shortbread cookie made by my own personal elf

Was I vaguely alar him put a bunch of holiday crap up into happen between us And I was okay with that Mostly

Maybe he was just the diversion I’d needed, ’cause hanging out at home for the next couple of weeks suddenly didn’t seem so bad

3

Chet

Autumn was beautiful in this part of town The stately old trees put on a lovely show in shades of yellow, red, and orange I kicked at the leaves covering the sidewalks, then glanced up to adainst the brilliant blue sky Thankfully, the weather had warmed up a bit over the past few days I was perfectly coht yellow V-neck sweater and khakis as I strolled to the Rooney residence, stopping briefly to wish Mrs Norris a pleasant Saturday

I was happy to report thatArone very well indeed She’d apologized profusely andto ies I didn’t point out that she could have returned to clean up after hi as she did so in the future, I’d call it a win My roommates were pleased

And they were all ecstatic that our furnace orking Our landlord sent someone to check on it too, but the technician told us the sahts were an issue in older units The house was too large and old to ever be truly cozy in the fall and winter months, but at least it wasn’t an icebox now

We had Sam to thank for that, and yes…that was the excuse I used when Asher and Holden inquired as to why on Earth I’d agreed to tutor his child

“Oh, no I only agreed to spread holiday cheer”