Page 35 of A Christmas Mystery

Nothing.

Sorry if I was weird and awkward this morning. Everything’s fine. I had a good time yesterday and really appreciate your help. I’ll be happy for your help tonight too, but don’t go out of your way or anything.

There. Not the most graceful of responses but it sounds nice and genuine but basically causal. I hit Send before I can second-guess myself.

I see the three dots on the screen indicating he’s responding almost immediately.

I want to help, and it’s not out of my way. Greg is usually at the gym after work, and Vince sometimes is as well. We can try there first if that sounds okay?

That sounds good.

I’ll pick you up at 6:15.

Great, thanks!

When I look up, both Tee and Daniela are watching me with varying degrees of smiles on their faces. “Am I really that amusing?”

Tee leans over so she can give me a one-armed hug. “We’re not laughing at you, mija. We’re really proud of you.”

Seven

THEO PULLS UP BESIDEmy tiny house at exactly 6:14 that evening.

I’ve been watching for him at my front window, so I step out onto the deck as he parks and gets out. I fussed for way too long over what to wear. He said he’ll be coming straight from work and will change into workout clothes at the fancy health club at the Green Valley country club, so I’m wearing regular clothes and will change at the gym too. A soft, thick green sweater dress that is cozy rather than particularly flattering and my favorite boots.

After much debate, I decided to keep it purposefully casual so that it doesn’t look like I’m expecting a date.

Theo is smiling as he walks around his car to stand at the steps up to my deck, handsome and rumpled in a dark gray suit—slightly wrinkled from a day of working—and a dark red tie. His eyes run from my face to my boots and back up. “You look really nice.”

My cheeks get hot. I was trying so hard to not make this feel like a date, but now it definitely does. “Thanks. I’m all ready.” I’ve got a bag hooked over my arm.

“Can I meet Claude and Ed?” he asks, coming up the steps to stand beside me.

When I say my deck is small, I mean it’stiny. With both of us standing here, there are only a few inches between our bodies. My breath catches in my throat. “Sure.”

I brush up against him as I turn back toward the door. He’s only a few inches taller than my five-nine, but he feels a lot bigger somehow. His shoulders are broad, and his body seems to generate heat. It makes me want to snuggle up against him.

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