Jillian tucked her arm in his and they followed Justin into the dining room.
After a lively repast, Jillian suggested a walk in the gardens. Case eagerly agreed, jumping at the chance to stretch his travel-weary legs.
“Won’t you come?” Jillian asked Justin.
“You two go ahead,” Justin said, an enigmatic look on his face. “I am sure you have much to talk about.”
Case studied him a moment, wondering at his reticence.
“Come on, then,” Jillian said, tugging at Case’s arm.
Case chuckled. “Still as impatient as ever I see.” He gave Justin one last inquiring look and then allowed Jillian to lead him out onto the terrace.
“How have you been, Jilly?” he asked as they walked slowly down the twisting path through the garden. “You look wonderful and vibrant.”
She smiled. “I’ve had a lovely time. It’s wonderful here. I can see why you and Justin love it so much.”
“Justin treating you well or are you two still hissing at each other?”
She ducked her head, avoiding his eyes.
Case eyed her speculatively. “Jillian?”
She looked down at her fingers, twisting them nervously.
“Is there something I should know about?” he asked.
“He kissed me,” she blurted out.
Case stopped walking and turned to face her. “Ahh, I see. And did you like this kiss?”
“Very much.”
“So what’s the problem then?”
“Oh, Case,” she said, slumping down on a bench just off the path.
He sat down beside her. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“I made a mess of things.” She sighed. “We were playing in the snow—”
“Wait a minute. Justin was playing in the snow?”
“Yes, I threw a snowball at him and he chased me down to get even.”
“Will wonders never cease.” Case shook his head in disbelief.
“But anyway, we were on the ground—”
“You were on the ground?”
“Case!” she said in exasperation. “I am never going to finish this if you keep interrupting me.”
“Sorry, do continue.”
“We were on the ground and he kissed me.”
“Was that so bad?”
