Page 95 of Upon an April Night

His lips brushed against her ear before pressing against her cheek. “Can we go somewhere more private to talk?”

Her stomach flipped again. “Okay.”

He took her hand and led her into a darkened corner of the yard.

“I like you, Jamie.” He wasted no time saying what was on his mind.

“I like you too, Max.”

He squeezed her hand as he turned toward her. “What’s happening here?”

“We like each other, and we enjoy spending time together.”

“But is there more than that?”

“I don’t know.” Jamie shrugged. “I mean, can there be more? With the baby and everything?”

“I know it’s a little complicated, but you’re worth it, Jamie.”

Nobody had ever said such a thing to her before, and it filled her with hope that maybe she could find happiness, that maybe she and the baby wouldn’t be the third and fourth wheel to Duncan and Dréa’s happy little marriage.

She was about to reply to him when he suddenly cupped her cheek with his free hand, leaned in, and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but when she responded, he dropped her hand and slid his arms around her back, pulling her into him.

It was nice, and she experienced all the feelings and sensations that accompany a passionate kiss, but there was a little nagging thought in the back of her mind that he wasn’t Duncan.

She pulled back at that thought and touched her lips with her fingertips.

“Was that okay?” Max asked.

“I wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.”

He smirked. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Jamie smiled up at him then glanced toward the yard and was taken aback by the sight of Duncan standing not far away, his mouth agape. He shook his head and huffed, then spun and marched across the yard.

“Duncan!” She was torn as she looked back and forth between the two men.

“Go ahead,” Max said.

She noticed Max’s sad expression. “I just need to talk to him.”

“I know. But we need to finish our talk too.”

“We will. I’ll be right back.” She rushed across the lawn, following the path Duncan took, rounding the house as his car backed out of the driveway. “Duncan, wait!”

He made eye contact with her as he pressed the gas and squealed his tires.

Jamie stared after him, her mind spinning. She knew he wasn’t happy about her relationship with Max, but his reaction was a little overdramatic.

“What was that all about?” Sophia was suddenly at her back.

“I have no idea.”

“He didn’t seem very happy.” She moved to Jamie’s side. “What did you do?”

“I think he saw Max kiss me.”

Sophia laughed. “My brother is so hung up on you.”