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Tyler clears his throat and quickly interrupts. “Archer coaches boxing.”

They give each other a puzzled look, then shrug. “Will it help me with self-defense?” the redhead asks.

“Well, yes,” Tyler replies politely.

“Then boxing it is,” she cheers.

Tyler takes them to the front counter and introduces them to Constance who helps get their paperwork started.

“You might be booked with students for the next two years.”

“All who’re gonna try to hook me up with their daughters and granddaughters. Something I absolutely don’t want.”

Unfortunately, one woman has caught my eye since I’ve arrived.

Tyler laughs, patting me on the back. “Might have to start paying you commission then.”

We wait as they sign the contract and pay their first month. I have a feeling this is just the beginning. Being single in this town seems to be a crime, and no one’s gonna be happy until you’ve been set up.

“So ’bout tonight, I think I need to give you a little warning.” Tyler gives me a look that implies a big warning.

“About decorating?” I ask, confused. Everleigh said she’s putting up her Christmas decorations, but I’m not sure how that’d be a big deal.

“Yes, and I’m sure Everleigh just said you’d be putting up a tree, but it’s more intense than that. Imagine the North Pole this time of year. Her house will look like that but worse. She likes to downplay things, especially if you dunno better, and leaves out the fine details. So just be aware.”

Now, I’m chuckling. “I honestly expect nothing less, especially after the photo shoot when she didn’t tell me I’d nearly be stripping down to my underwear. I think I have her personality pegged.”

“You probably do, but I can’t stress enough how crazy she gets ’bout Christmas. I think it’s because when we were kids, we didn’t have huge holiday celebrations, so she’s doing everything in her power to make up for it now. Ever since she got her own place, she’s had a tradition every first of December. Decorations explode throughout the house, and she bakes dozens of cookies and blasts music. Oh, and you can’t forget the cranberry wine. I’m sure there’ll be several bottles available.”

“Somehow, I have a feeling you’re not joking.” I imagine Everleigh singing and dancing around, which causes me to smile.

“Nope. You’ll see what I’m talkin’ ’bout soon.”

“Thanks for the warning,” I tell him with a smirk. “I’m sure it will be a jolly good time.”

“That’s one way to put it.” He chuckles, then is called away by Smith, one of the guys who do monthly maintenance on the building. I go to the boxing area to wait for my second student. As soon as he shows up, we start with basic techniques, and the time passes quickly.

Eventually, my shift is over. After I disinfect everything, Tyler offers to give me a ride home. When we’re in the car, I check the time and see it’s just past six. Before he pulls into the driveway, I scan up and down the street for that Escalade.

“Tell her we’ll be over within the hour to help. Gotta get Gemma and the baby.”

“Sure will,” I say, grabbing my bag.

As I’m walking up the sidewalk, I hear the music blaring and Everleigh singing at the top of her lungs. Taking a deep breath, I enter, and she rushes toward me with a wineglass. Her other hand is holding something red and green.

“Archer! I got you a Christmas sweater!” By the squeal in her voice, I can tell she’s already tipsy. “You gotta wear it.”

Boxes upon boxes of decorations are stacked on the floor along with a massive tree. Sassy comes trotting into the living room, and I notice she’s wearing a jingle bell collar and reindeer antlers. Then I realize her sweater matches Everleigh’s.

“Oh, you poor thing,” I say, petting her head.

Everleigh playfully swats at me when I meet her eyes.

“So, putting this on is a requirement, I assume?”

“You bet your ass it is.”

“Okay, okay. Whatever makes you happy.” I shrug, aware that it’s gonna look ridiculous on me.