pucker pulled between her brows.
“I’ll get napkins,” he said, guessing at what puzzled her. “And if we keep conversations like this up,” he added under his breath, “people will really believe we’re engaged.” He came to a stand, welcoming the moment to dissect her irritation. Dropped a couple million? Sheesh, she had a bitter bone in her somewhere, didn’t she?
He guessed in one sense, she had a point. Many within his circle sought prestige and admiration. But he was certain there were people within her circle who did too. Take this chick for instance.
A tall blonde in high heels and a skirt, primping her hair before a mirror while admiring…a pair of earrings, he guessed, spotting a Handcrafted Jewelry sign beside the mirror.
By no effort of his own, Burke caught eyes with her in the reflection. The woman was young, probably close to his age. The name Brittany popped into his head. Was it her?
Burke was quick to avert his gaze, but the woman was already spinning around. He darted quickly around the next booth, not exactly wanting a run-in with Justine’s old nemesis without Justine by his side. He’d seen a container of napkins someplace, hadn’t he?
“You look lost,” came a voice from behind.
Burke slowed a bit to look over his shoulder. Not that he needed confirmation. It was the woman in the mirror.
Still, as his quick glance affirmed that very thing, the blonde came up alongside him. “You’re new in town,” she said, flinging her left hand behind her back. “Are you here to stay or just visiting?”
Her lashes fluttered double time as she stepped even closer. Man, someone should tell this girl to calm down on the perfume.
“I’m visiting for now,” Burke said, “but I’ll likely move here sometime next year.” At least, that seemed to be in line with what Justine had told Wilfred anyway.
“Oh my gosh,” she squealed. “That would be amazing! This town definitely needs more guys like you in it.” She stroked his arm with her hand and giggled. “I’m Brittany, by the way.”
He’d guessed it. So this was the woman who’d caused Justine so much grief? “I’m Burke.”
“Were you looking for anything in particular? I can show you around if you’d like. My boy…” She seemed to catch herself there. “My um, friend won’t be here for a couple of hours."
“That’s a nice offer, but I better get back to my table. I just need a few napkins.”
“Why didn’t you say so, silly?” She giggled some more. “They’re right over here.” She grabbed onto his elbow and gave him a yank toward the hamburger grill.
There, beside the ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce, stood a dispenser stuffed with napkins.
“Thank you,” Burke said, pulling out one after another. Four should do it.
“You’re welcome. How about you introduce me to the rest of your group. I love meeting newcomers.”
A smile spread over Burke’s face. “My pleasure.”
He spun back around and set his gaze on the picnic tables across the way. Tucked deep into the shade at the third table down sat his gorgeous date. The table just before that held a group of what looked like high school graduates, guys and girls.
If Brittany was anything like Justine, she likely knew each kid at that table. Burke caught the excited chatter as they neared.
“I got totally drenched at last year’s creek run,” one said.
“That’s why bringing change of clothes is so crucial,” another chimed.
“Or the bonfire,” another added.
Brittany, thinking he was leading her to that table, began to slow.
“Oh, not this one,” Burke said under his breath. “That one.”
At once, Justine spun to look over her shoulder. Those reckless locks danced softly in the breeze, grazing her rosy cheeks as she smiled at him. He watched her expression shift as she caught sight of his company, her eyes hardening along with her jaw.
“You’re not here with her, are you?” Brittany asked under her breath.
Burke kept his eyes trained on Justine as they reached the table at last. He broke away from Brittany’s side and hurried over to take Justine’s hand. “As a matter of fact,” he said. “I am.”
Justine came to a stand, and Burke wrapped an arm around her waist. “This might be unnecessary, seems most the people in town know one another, but in case you’re not acquainted…Justine, this is my new friend, Brittany. Brittany, meet Justine, my beautiful fiancée.”
Chapter 16
Satisfaction. There was a song she’d heard many times in her life that complained about how hard it was to attain. But as Justine