So sorry I haven't written in a while. But I'm sure you haven't been waiting. I can tell by how many reviews I get that this story is interesting, but no one really cares when I update. (Please ignore my mood, I read a very exciting book, but it left me feeling quite empty and now I'm just not sure about myself.)

So I'll continue on with the story. The last few chapters have been a bit longer than I've expected, so if this one's short, it's because I'm feeling lonely.

The Obsession With Candles, Fire, and Josh Groban

Chapter Nine: We Meet Again, But You Don't Know That

By Celebrytie Aris Channas

Hermione arrived at work the next day and smiled when Mark entered the kitchen.

"Draco's coming in today. I hope that won't be a problem." He told her.

Inwardly, Hermione shivered and couldn't help worrying about her disguise. But for Mark, she smiled and said,

"I just hope my cooking's good enough for him."

"Well, I don't know about Draco, but I know I loved it." Mark said, winking at her.

Hermione smiled faintly. "Thanks. What time is he supposed to arrive?"

"In about an hour. I won't be here. I have to go in for a meeting and am just leaving. But you know where his room is and so it should all be good." Mark turned to exit the room. "See you at five." And then he left, leaving Hermione to herself.

Hermione had just put the pepperoni pizza in the oven (She had made it all herself) when she heard the door open and a familiar voice call out for Mark. She whipped her hands on her apron and went towards the front hall.

Draco stood by the door, soaking wet.

"Goodness, is it raining outside?" she asked in surprise.

Draco scowled at her. "Yes, aren't I proof enough?" Hermione knew she had to stay in her new character.

"Well, it isn't my fault!" she said. "I'm Teliqua Lockwood, by the way. I'll show you to your room." She picked up two of his suitcases and turned to the stairs. "Follow me, if you will."

She heard Draco following her, but made no move to acknowledge him. She went to his room and pushed the door open. She set down his suitcases and turned to him.

"Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?" she asked.

Draco sighed. "I bet Mark didn't hire you to give him massages, did he?"

Hermione managed a small smile. "No, I'm just here for cleaning and cooking. Sorry."

Draco brightened. "Food? Why don't you fix me a small snack while I shower and then we'll talk about the back massage." He turned and walked over to the bed, throwing the suitcase he was holding on top of it. He opened it and Hermione quickly left the room.

Half an hour later, Draco tromped down the stairs and found the housekeeper in the kitchen.

He sat himself down on a barstool and watched her pour nacho cheese over corn chips. She set the plate in front of him.

"What would you like to drink?" She asked.

"Got any hot chocolate?" he asked. She smiled, and Draco found it familiar, but he wasn't sure were he had seen it.

"I do. Don't tell me you're still cold from outside?" she joked. He smiled back at her.

"Maybe." He answered. He watched as she set some water to boil on the stove.

"What did you say your name was again?" he asked.

"Teliqua." She answered. Draco noticed she seemed a little nervous. She opened a cupboard and pulled out a can of hot chocolate. She filled a mug with hot water. "How many cups?" she asked.

"Three." Draco answered. He watched as she poured three cups of hot chocolate into the cup.

"Do you want to stir it?" she asked.

"Sure." She placed a spoon and the mug before him.

"So, what brings you out to Utah?" she asked.

Draco sighed and closed his eyes against the pain. "To make a long story short, I fell in love and the girl left," he snapped his fingers. "just like that." He opened his eyes to find Teliqua looking at him with troubled eyes. "I should have known better." He muttered.

"You don't regret telling me do you? I didn't mean to pry." She backed up and looked upset.

Draco smiled tightly. "No, your fine. But I'm kinda mad at her."

Teliqua smiled at him. "I guess you could say I had the same problem. But the guy I liked never liked me back." Silence reigned in the room, until they were both startled by Mark banging into the room.

"Man, that rains powerful!" He stopped talking when he spotted both Teliqua and Draco staring at him. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything…" he said, a slight gleam in his eye.

Teliqua shook her head. "No! We were just talking about…stuff."

"Ah, I see. Fill me up a cup of hot chocolate, will you, Teka?" He winked at her.

Draco looked confused. "Teka?"

Teliqua smiled and explained how she had received the nickname. Draco shook his head.

"I'll have to meet this family, Mark. They sound relaxing. And I need relaxation." He turned to Teliqua. "Which reminds me of that back massage…"

And there ya go! That's all I felt like writing at the moment. Please leave an honest review!

Celebrytie