Hot Revenge Box Set 2

Chapter 37

The four men exchange wary expressions, none of them exactly moving, but all shifting in their seats.

Michael caves first. He fills his lungs then, pulling the creation over his head, tugs it into place. The pullover is a perfect fit on chest and arm and only the Let It Snow logo looks in any way out of place.

As he moves, James, Richard and Larry unfreeze, donning their joke-wear.

All sit, refusing to meet each other’s eyes. Finally, Richard says, “Well, at least we know the worst is over.”

Mitch’s mouth twitches and she whips something from her pocket, aiming at him: a small control panel. She squeezes a button and Santa’s nose starts flashing in time to the tune of Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly…

Charlotte and Beth both crease up laughing. Mitch extends the controls again to James and his sweater bleeps out Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, then Michael’s bursts into Frosty The Snowman…

Larry turns, raising a finger… “No…” But it’s too late. His own woolly launches into Let It Snow…

James erupts from his seat. “Absolutely not!”

He makes to take off Rudolph, but Mitch clicks again, and the jingle stops. Then she paints on an expression of fake contrition. “I’m so sorry, Ryan. If I’d known you’d be here, I’d have made one for you too.”

Ryan inhales. “I’ll live.”

*****

“What else have we then?”

Michael delves into the heap of gifts, this time extracting another small neat package. He glances at the tag then offers it to Mitch.

She, in turn, looks at the label then turns eyes on Larry.

His voice neutral, “I hope you like it.”

of the box inside. “Oh, Larry, they’re beautiful. Thank you.” She takes out some small object then

comb, made

Platinum?

pinning back long red tresses; a match to the silver and emerald collar she

close. “They’re very unusual. Where

wanted but couldn’t find it. So,

he’s given

*****

the kitchen door. James is there ahead of me at his workspace, be-aproned, sleeves rolled up on the Christmas sweater, trimming

Beside her, Mitch wraps bacon around sausages. Between them on

help?” I

looks up, smiling. “Absolutely you can help. You can peel

onions, breadcrumbs and judging by the smell, garlic. “Isn’t

than one kind. This is going to be sage and onion. Those are for the chestnut and cranberry.”

apron, “I

my eyes below his worktop. Archie wags his tail and gives an ingratiating grin, displaying more

That helper. He volunteered his services around the

a

nuisance? I’ll get

stayed with us before. He knows how to stay out of the way and still

kitchen, takes one look and tries to reverse

you don’t,” says James. “Grab yourself a peeler. You can help too. Parsnips, potatoes, sprouts. Take your pick. We want plenty so I don’t have

deep inside Michael. “I was planning

blandly enquiring, but he doesn’t look

clearing snow from

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