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“What are you up to?” He peered over her shoulder and tried to spot who or as holding his woman’s interest As soon as he saw Detective Brice he said, “Tell me no”

“No?” She turned around then and flattened her hands on his chest “But he’s perfect”

“Perfect for who? Me, Curt, Justin, or you?” He was three seconds shy of asking Brice to leave

“You’re so cute when you’re jealous,” she said, tipping his nose with her finger “I’ about us”

“Maybe you should elaborate or at least clarify,” Gabe said

She bracketed her arms around his waist and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him “He’s interested in Serena The day he met me in the café? I picked up on it She acts perfectly noran When either one of theets all jittery and—”

“And it won’t work,” Gabe interrupted her, taking a beer from Curt when he joined them “Thanks”

“Why won’t it work?” Heather asked

“What won’t work?” Justin asked, walking up then

“Heather is convinced Brice, Draegan, and Serena are a match made in heaven”

Curt spewed his next sip of beer and laughed out loud “That’s absurd” He wiped his chin on the back of his wrist

“Here comes the man of the hour, let’s ask him Want to?”

“No, don’t,” Heather whispered, pushing against Gabe’s chest

“Is this a private party or can anyone join?” Draegan asked

“Oh, youfor permission now?” Heather balked at that “Last I heard, you intrude whenever there’s a vacant seat in front of a monitor”