Page 114 of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

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Noah glanced at where Trent was now by Annie’s side, looking at her all sweetly.

‘Maybe he’s nice to her.’

Mac scoffed. ‘I’m nice to her.’

‘Right.’

More grumbling. More cracker eating. ‘She’s the one that’s not nice.’

‘You are aware that you sound like a kindergartener, right?’

‘I’m aware.’

‘Okay, good. As long as we’re on the same page.’

Hazel sat down beside him with her small plate and glass of wine. ‘Hey, Mac.’

‘Hazel.’

‘For the record, I’m team Mac.’

‘There’s no team Mac.’

‘Hmm.’

Noah laughed and leaned closer to Hazel. ‘He’s grumpy today.’

‘I don’t blame him,’ she whispered.

‘I can hear you.’ Mac got up to refill his glass and Noah pulled Hazel’s chair closer to his.

‘You starved me all day so we could, and I quote, “save ourselves for the feast” and now look at you.’ He gestured to her plate filled with crackers, cheese, various cured meats, pickles and dried fruit.

‘I can’t resist a charcuterie board. Besides, we’re here now so this counts as part of the feast.’

‘Oh, is that the rule? Good.’ He snatched a fig from her plate and popped it in his mouth.

‘Hey! Get your own!’ She turned toward him and he grabbed her face. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the warmth of the room and the wine. Her eyes sparked happily behind her glasses.

He thought about the ring Logan had been carrying around in his pocket for months. He thought he wanted one, too. Someday. Soon. He wanted it soon.

She quirked an eyebrow like she was reading his mind so he kissed her, quick and sweet, at the table.

‘What was that for?’ she asked.

He shrugged. ‘Just thinking that I’m thankful for you this year.’

‘That’s sweet, but you should probably save it for later. I’m sure Jeanie’s going to make us do that thing where we go around and say what we’re thankful for.’

Noah chuckled. ‘Okay, noted.’

Hazel’s leg bumped against his under the table.

‘I’m thankful for you, too.’

‘Glad to hear it.’ He found her thigh under the table and let his hand run over the tights she was wearing under her skirt.

‘What are you doing?’ she murmured.

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