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“You do?” He blinks like I’m lying or something.
“I’m not a monk.”
His throat clears. “Of course not.”
Doggone, he’s looking at me like I said I didn’t steal the cookie from the cookie jar. I pick up the pen and tap the desk. “You finished what you came for?”
“Yes, sir.”
Sir. Good—even if we are now more peers than boss and subordinate.
“Alright then. I’m checking out. Avery made pot roast.”
“Good for you.” I’m back to my computer screen.
“Oh, and uh…” I hear a smile in his words, a warning. “Looked for you Saturday night. The reception was awesome. Sorry we missed you…and your date.”
The door closes in the nick of time, saving Walker’s face from connecting with my pen.
Chapter 4
John
I am going to regret this.
How do I know? Because I already do.
There’s a bright autumnal wreath on the front door—does this tiny garage apartment even have a back door? The fall colors are premature around these parts, although today of all days, the décor feels almost appropriate.
Hollie’s place is an upstairs unit above a three-car garage belonging to a well-maintained Victorian in the historic part of old Chandor. Some might call the place charming.
I clear a pesky scratch out of my throat.
A gust of wind sweeps across the narrow landing the moment I raise my fist to knock. A second attempt finally brings footsteps, and the door swings open.
Kind of feels like my breath clogs up in my lungs, but probably the odd sensation is only the wind snatching it away.
Most of Hollie’s hair is caught up behind her head, yet enough has come loose to create a chaotic swirl of rich strands around her high cheekbones. Her creamy skin is pink-infused, like she’s been exercising or something.
Her eyes expand. “You.”
I stand squarely. “Me.”
“What are you doing here?” Her knuckles whiten on the door’s edge.
“You invited me. Seven o’clock, remember?” I tap my watch face for effect.
Her face pinches. “I never gave you my address.”
“Yeah, I noticed that. Sorry your plan didn’t work.”
“Plan?”
“To get rid of me.”
“There was no plan.”
“If you say so.”
