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“Thanks.” She took the seat, disappointed that he didn’t stick around.
One of the cousins sat down in the chair she wished Duncan had taken. “Hey, do you remember me?”
Jamie looked at him closely, his face lit by the fire and the warm glow of lights from the house. “You were there when I came to the McGregor’s for dinner a few weeks ago, right?”
“Right.”
“Was it Mark?” She scrunched up her nose, knowing that probably wasn’t right.
He laughed. “Max, actually.”
She gave him a sheepish grin. “I’m so sorry. I’m Jamie.”
Max smiled and held out his hand. “I remember.”
“No, you don’t.” She gave his hand a shake.
“Of course I do. You were the prettiest girl there.”
Jamie snorted. “Dréa was there, so I know you’re lying, but thank you.”
Max held onto her hand longer than a friendly handshake. “I wasn’t lying.”
Her cheeks warmed under his stare.
“Hey, guys.”
They both looked up at Duncan, suddenly standing behind them. His gaze settled on their connected hands, and Jamie saw the muscle in his jaw twitch, which made her want to do a happy dance.
She slid her hand from Max’s and clasped both hands together in her lap as Duncan took the empty seat to her other side.
“Hi,” he said sweetly.
“Hi.” She gave him her cutest smile.
“Did you have fun tonight?”
“I did.”
“Not too mild for ya?” he asked.
Her eyes narrowed.
“Do you want to roast a marshmallow?” He held up a bag containing all the supplies to make s’mores—fluffy marshmallows, graham crackers, and milk chocolate Hershey bars.
“No, thanks.” She definitely couldn’t handle that much sugar right now, but she was still stuck on his previous comment. Not too mild? What does he think? That all I do is party?
“I’ll take those.” Max snatched the bag from his cousin and disappeared into the shadows to find a roasting stick.
Jamie decided to let Duncan’s remark go. She glanced around the circle and scanned the yard. “Where’s Dréa?”
“She and her family went back to their hotel.”
“Oh, I thought maybe they were staying here or at your parents’.”
“They prefer a hotel,” he explained.
“So … January, huh?” She was still in disbelief that they had chosen that date.