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✨EXCERPT: FALLING FOR XMAS by @carlyphillips releasing November 12th!
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My new neighbor is hot.
“Can I help you?” he asks.
And he has a nice, deep voice too.
“Uh, yeah,” I say, suddenly remembering that I came here for a reason, and it isn’t to ogle the man. “I just wanted to introduce myself and welcome you to the neighborhood. I’m Holly.” I hold out the container of cookies, and he takes them with a small grin that somehow makes him even more handsome. “They’re shortbread.”
His eyes open wider in appreciation. “Wow, thank you. I’m Clay.” He extends a hand, and when I slide my palm against his, his large hand swallows my own. Callouses brush my fingers and his skin is warm. “So, you must live nearby, right?” he asks.
“Right next door, actually.” I gesture toward my house and his expression shifts from friendly to displeased in seconds.
“Oh, the Christmas house.” He grits out the words, his disdain obvious.
“Well, yes,” I say stiffly. “It is the season. I think it’s beautiful.”
He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “I guess … if you’re into that sort of thing.”
I narrow my gaze. “Who isn’t into Christmas?” Decorations, presents, Hallmark movies, giving to charity and all the scents and smells of the season.
“I’m not into it. No offense, but all that decoration? It’s really a bit much.”
Does he really think saying “no offense” cancels out the insult?
“You are planning to take it all down right after Christmas, aren’t you?” he continues.
“You have a problem with joy and warmth?” I ask in a sharp voice.
He frowns. “Not everyone feels warm and fuzzy about Christmas.”
I reach out and grab the Tupperware container still in his hand. I’m not sharing my delicious shortbread cookies — made from a recipe passed down from my grandmother — with this cheerless, rude Christmas grump.
#carlyphillips #holidayromance @theauthor.agency
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