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The murmurs followed them as they walked through the room, greeting people as they made their way. Their presence sparked curiosity and gossip among the folks at the dance.
He grasped her hand. “People are talking.”
Liv laughed. “Get ready, Captain. My mother and four sisters are over there. It will be like walking into a beehive.”
Jackson looked at her with lusty eyes. “Olivia Everhart, I run into burning buildings for a living. And I’m walking into a celebration with a sexy woman.” He slid the back of his pointer down her cheek, enjoying her shudder. He leaned in close. “It’s nice to be the one on top for a change with you, Detective.”
Olivia’s fair cheeks grew heated. She was momentarily speechless.
The event was sophisticated, with dimmed lights, soft music, and dressy attire. Jackson and Liv, dressed elegantly, stood out as a striking couple. He wore a fitted suit, his physique and confidence shining through, while she was stunning in her elegant green knee-length cocktail dress, which matched his eyes. Her own eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for the evening ahead.
Jackson chuckled softly. “I must admit, I’m grateful for the universe or your sisters’ intervention tonight. Otherwise, we might have missed out on this delightful conversation.” Upon their arrival, they found their original seating arrangements crossed off and changed, placing them together.
Olivia grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, Ruth does have a knack for orchestrating things.” She paused, taking a moment to appreciate the charming atmosphere surrounding them. “But I suppose it's up to us to make the most of this situation.”
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversations around them, Jackson’s gaze lingered on Olivia. “You truly do look stunning tonight, Livvy.”
Their banter flowed effortlessly, punctuated by shared laughter and exchanged glances that built the growing chemistry between them.
“Your sisters and half the crowd are staring at us. I can't help but be intrigued. Care to share some stories about them?”
“Ah, my four lovely sisters. Where do I even begin? Well, there's Ruthie, the bookworm. She's always buried in her novels, dreaming of far-off lands when she’s not destroying the prosecution in the courtroom.”
“Sounds enchanting. Glad I’m usually a good boy. And the rest?” His eyes devoured her, and Olivia’s neck blushed.
“Then there's Isobel, the artist. She's forever painting the world in vibrant colors, turning even the dullest days into masterpieces. I think it makes her workday easier. She works with domestic violence victims and victims of child sex abuse.”
Jackson pressed his lips together. He looked over at Liv’s sister, whose head was tilted back in laughter.
“Let's see... There's Molly, ME by trade, but she’s a competitive dancer. She’s my adventurous sister. She doesn’t do it that often anymore, but she's the one who's always dragged us on wild escapades, like spontaneous midnight picnics in the woods.” Liv looked down. “It was her way to make up for losing our dad.”
“I’m sorry, Livvy. You all were so young.” He laced his fingers with hers.
“Then there's Sophie, the doctor. She buried her head in school, but she is also a gifted musician. She plays the flute by choice, because it was small and portable. But she can play anything.”
“And you?” Jackson leaned in closely and pressed his lips against her cheek.
“I’m the goody-goody. I guess, as the oldest, I was, well, still am the caretaker.” She shrugged.
“I can only imagine the adventures and laughter you shared together. Sounds like lots of love.”
“That's for sure.” She cocked her head. “But, hey, enough about my sisters. Tonight is about us, dancing under the stars at the harvest
A mischievous gleam danced in Jackson’s eyes. With a playful smirk, he leaned in close, his voice laced with a hint of teasing. “Care to test your luck on the dance floor with me, Livvy?” he quipped, his tone light and inviting. “After all, you are the most beautiful woman here.”
Olivia blushed slightly at the compliment. “Thank you, Jackson.” She giggled.
As they sat at their table, enjoying a quiet moment together, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Michael Wheaton and his date, Maya Turnbull, a firefighter from Station 3.
“Hey, Jackson, Liv, mind if we join you?” Michael asked with a grin, pulling out a chair for Maya.
“Of course, Mike, Maya, have a seat.” Jackson gestured to the empty chairs beside them.
As Maya settled into her seat, Jackson couldn't help but notice the subtle glances Michael kept throwing Liv's way. It was obvious to Jackson that her partner had eyes for Liv, despite his attempts to conceal it.
“So, Maya, how's life at Station 3 treating you?” Liv broke the ice with a warm smile.
“Um, Captain Reynolds is good to work for.”
