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conversation with him while I put away the gift of

music. Then we left the house and I took him toward

the pond.

"This is my favorite place here," I said "I used

to spend time with my uncle Peter here."

Chandler nodded, gazing around. "Very

peaceful. pretty."

"Sometimes I sit on the dock and dip my naked

feet in the water. Minnows swim around my toes." "Let's do it," Chandler said, and sat to take off

his shoes and socks. I laughed and did the same. "Wow, that's a lot colder than I expected," he cried when his feet hit the water. "I think my ankles are going to turn blue. How come it's not bothering

you?"

"I guess I'm just used to it," I said with a shrug,

"All I've ever been in is a heated pool."

He closed his eyes to endure it, then finally

surrendered and brought his feet out, curling his legs

so he could rub his ankles. I laughed and helped,

rubbing the chill out vigorously.

"You must have steel flowing through your

veins to enjoy that," he said.

"Feeling better?"

"Yes, thanks."

"It's refreshing. It wakes you up,' I said. "I was awake, thank you!"

I brought my feet completely out and he rubbed

mine, too.

"In some countries, we'd have to get married

now." he said. "Touching someone's naked feet is

very intimate."

We looked into each other's eyes, locked in the

warm flow of our gazes. I knew he wanted to kiss me

and I wanted him to kiss me. I spun around and