Page 55 of Meet Me at the Grand

Liam leaned in just a bit. “I’m counting on it.”

“Good. Me too.”

He studied her in the moonlight, gaze drifting over her features like the softest caress. “Good.”

She laughed. “I already said that.”

“I’m saying it again.” Then he held up the bag, which looked suspiciously like it had come from Good Day Coffee. “Just in case you needed more convincing, I’ve brought a peace offering.” He handed it to her.

She peeked inside. “I could kiss you right now.” Oh, wow. Oops. She was sure her cheeks were on fire. Thank goodness for the darkness.

He coughed. “That must be some cookie.”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t tried one?”

“Can’t say that I have.”

“Then you have to split this one with me.” Reaching into the bag, she drew out the cookie that was nearly as big as her hand. Without another thought, she broke it in half.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to do that.” She gave him his half and held hers up close to her mouth. “Ready? On three.”

He matched her posture. “One.”

“Two,” she said.

“Three,” they said together.

Dani bit into her cookie and groaned as the pastry melted against her tongue, making a sweet night even sweeter.

Because one of Jill’s cookies eaten alone was good.

Eating one with Liam?

It was pure magic, just like the sky above them.

Just like she hoped to create with him, now that they were on the same team.

* * *

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so stuffed in my entire life.” Liam set a hand against his stomach.

“Never let it be said that the ladies of Jonathon Island don’t know how to potluck.” Dani’s eyes danced from her spot beside him. Or maybe that was the flickering of the firelight. Either way, her smile dazzled.

And it moved something inside of him. Something that made him want to stay right here beside her.

He still couldn’t believe she’d rehired him. Thought he’d have to do some real cajoling and begging, but she’d seemed almost relieved to see him when he’d shown up tonight. It seemed they both had come to the realization that compromise was going to be necessary for them to complete this task.

And then, she’d gone and been all kinds of irresistible and teasing in the moonlight, and once again, he’d had the strongest urge to kiss her.

What was happening to him? Since when would he rather spend a Friday night cozied up beside a fire instead of at an art gala or a corporate event in the city?

Maybe this island was changing him.

Maybe Dani was.

“I wouldn’t dare say such a thing, because that was some of the best eating I’ve ever done.” Laughing, Liam stood with his empty plate—which had recently been filled to the brim with potato casserole, deviled eggs, pulled pork, and cherry pie—and offered to take Dani’s too. She sat adorably tucked into her folding chair, one leg pulled up all casual, the other flat on the ground. “You want some hot chocolate?”

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