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“Going down,” she giggled. When her butt hit the floor softly, Declan grinned at her.
“You look like a drowned raccoon.”
More pounding, and Declan got a better grip before hauling Holly to her feet.
“You go answer and I’ll clean this up. Towels?”
“Hall closet. That way—” She pointed, shuffling across the floor. By the time she opened her front door, Holly found Theodore James on the other side poised to knock again.
“Hi,” she puffed, out of breath from laughing.
“Are you all right?” Mr. James glanced over her shoulder into the house. “I was on my back porch and I heard screaming.”
“Yes, I’m fine. I just got some onion juice in my eye and was trying to wash it out. Then I slipped on water in the kitchen and I’m just a hot mess tonight. But I appreciate the concern.”
“Violent crime doesn’t often happen in Mistletoe, but we should be ready for everything. You’re sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, just a little wet.”
The older man turned as if he was going to leave then paused. “I noticed Declan Gallagher over here earlier messing with your display.”
“Yes, I hired him to put it up for me.”
“Why?”
“Because the company who usually does it cancelled and everyone else was booked.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but as head of the HOA, I don’t want you to get stuck with sub-par work.”
Holly cocked her head to the side. “I don’t know why you’d think Declan wouldn’t do his very best, but I assure you I trust him to set up my display better than it’s been done in years.”
“You’ve always taken a lot of pride in your home, Holly. I just don’t want you to regret it.”
“I think we’ll be okay, even after someone got into my shed and messed up how I’d packed away my display. You haven’t seen anyone skulking around my house, have you?”
Something flickered across Theodore’s face before his brow snapped into a scowl. “With the exception of Declan Gallagher, I can’t say that I have.”
“Well, I guess the new cameras I installed will tell me if anyone is messing with my cut-outs and I’ll let the police know.”
“Cameras? I didn’t see you put in a security system.”
“It’s very discreet. I’m thinking of putting in one of those camera doorbells too. Have more electronic surveillance than the CIA,” she said with a chuckle. “Thank you for checking in on me. Have a good night.”
“You do the same.”
Holly closed the door, and when she turned around, Declan was coming down the hall.
“Hey, I don’t know if you heard that, but I think Theodore James is the one—”
Before she could finish her sentence, Declan towered over her, his warm palm cupping her cheek. “Why did you do that?”
“What?”
“Defend me?”
“Because it’s true. I do think you’ll do a great job. I have three grand riding on it.”
Declan’s thumb ran along her bottom lip and her body jerked with awareness as a shock of desire followed the length of his touch.
