She let out a small laugh as the waves of satisfaction rolled through her once again. “Oh, yeah, I did.”
“Good. So did I.” He twisted the lid off one of the jams with a pop. “Do you want this kind too?” He held it up for her.
Justine nodded without bothering to check which it was. “Do you think she didn’t believe us? Isthatwhy she was asking about the ring?”
“Could be,” Burke said. He lifted a beautifully prepared piece of bread before her. A thick layer of butter peeked through a generous spread of tangerine-colored jam. “We’ll seal the deal at the bonfire tonight. Eat up.”
* * *
It felt like something with wings was flapping a hundred miles an hour in Justine’s tummy as she watched the growing flames. The wordswe’ll seal the deal at the bonfirehad run through her head at least three million times since Burke uttered it in his raspy, deep-like-molasses voice.
It’d been in answer to Justine’s question about why Brittany had mentioned the ring.Do you think she didn’t believe us?
Burke’s casualcould bewas countered with his unexpected bonfire comment, and Justine hadn’t thought of much else since. It was the reason she steered very clear of onions on her burger and in the stacked nacho fries they ordered to go with those burgers. Burke had done the same.
It also had a lot to do with the fact that she’d said yes to the bag of cotton candy because her favorite book as a teen had the hero and heroine sharing the perfect cotton candy flavored kiss and she’d always fantasized about what that might be like.
But now, as she sat before the flames of the crackling fire, Trevor and Brittany within broad view, Justine could hardly contain the spurts of anticipation that pulsed through her.
Wilfred had long since retired for the night, along with Millie and the rest of the old timer’s crew. Families with young children had stayed just long enough to let the little ones roast a marshmallow or two before packing them into minivans and taking them home for a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s fun filled day.
Now they were left with mostly couples, some teens, some early twenties, cuddling up on lawn chairs, tree stumps, or even on blankets along the hilly grass in front of the amphitheater and the live music. At least she’d left the blanket back in the car. Justine wasnotready for something that…dreamy?her mind offered.
Sheesh, Burke was taking a long time to throw their hot chocolate cups away. Had he not seen the trashcans outside the lodge? Perhaps he had to use the restroom. Maybe he was sick.
She hoped not. That would be just her luck, wouldn’t it? If Burke was sick enough that they had to go home, he could be sick all day tomorrow too. Meaning that what he’d done tonight would have to suffice. Also meaning that there would be no kissing by the fire.
She scolded herself for being so selfish. If Burke reallywassick the only person she should feel bad for was Burke.
Justine tried looking beyond the fire enough to see the lodge and the surrounding area.
No Burke.
She darted a look to the amphitheater. The live music had already shifted to enhance the ambiance of the crackling fire and mellow mood. Earlier, amped up versions of top forty, oldies, and classic rock set the party tone while guests enjoyed the food, booths, and games. Now, acoustic versions of easy listening classics filled the night.
Justine sighed. May as well just pull out cotton candy and eat it by herself. If Burke didn’t come back in five minutes, she’d go looking for him. Perhaps have either Skip or Conrad check the men’s room in the lodge.
“He probably left her,” came a hiss from someone nearby. Even in whisper, Brittany’s snobby tone and mean words were unmistakable. “Hey, Justine, did Burke take off?”
“Hey,” Trevor mumbled. “Cool it, Brittany.”
“Why? I’ve got a couple of questions for her, that’s all. Are you sure Burke is really your fiancé, or is he some…long distant cousin who owes the family ahugefavor?” She cackled at her own joke.
Justine glared at Brittany, wishing she could think of something snide to say. When it failed to come to her, she stuck her hand in the bag, pulled out a tuft of cotton candy and popped it in her mouth.Stupid mean Brittany.Raising suspicion among everyone within earshot.
Embarrassed heat sprouted in her chest, not like the pleasant warmth of the fire, rather a hot, aching nag that said their sham might not work out as well as she’d hoped. Was itthatobvious that Justine was so…what? Incapable of affection? Not even Justine believed that. She could have had her pick among several of the guys in town, but she hadn’t been interested in them the way she’d taken to Trevor.
Who was, by the looks of it, getting assaulted by Brittany’s mean mouth in a sloppy-looking kiss suddenly.Ick.What did he see in her?
Justine sighed again. Time to go looking for Burke, she supposed, already picturing him hovered over a toilet bowl while he threw up, cursing himself all the while for even coming.
But suddenly, a rustle of leaves sounded from behind, just seconds before a hand gently spread over her back. A massive wave of relief fell over her. Thank heavens. She glanced back at him, wondering why he’d come from that direction instead of the lodge.
Yet as he stepped into the circle surrounding the fire, Justine saw exactly why. There, tucked into his left fist, was the blanket.
Her eyes widened. “You went to the car?”
Burke nodded, reaching to help her up. Justine wadded the top of the cotton candy bag closed with one fist. She contemplated quickly eating the piece to get it out of the way when Burke’s large hand wrapped around her wrist. He urged her to stand, which Justine did rather ungracefully. She shuffled a foot forward to balance her weight, not wanting to fall into him.
