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Jess returned a moment later and folded herself into the armchair opposite me, studying my face with open curiosity.

I gazed back at her, smiling.

Sam reappeared with a glass of water and handed it to me. He took one look at Jess and sighed.

Jess waved a hand dismissively. “Relax. I’m just observing.”

Quinn narrowed his gaze. “Observing what?”

Jess tilted her head towards me. “Does Quinn always sit when you tell him to?”

Quinn blinked. “He didn’t tell me to sit.”

Jess’s smile widened. “You’re right.” She leaned back in the armchair. “He didn’t have to.”

Sam hid a smile, and Quinn groaned and dropped his head into his hands.

Then it hit me. Neither Jess nor Sam appeared uncomfortable. If anything, Jess was amused.

I had a sudden and very clear impression that I’d just walked into an interview panel.

Jess tilted her head. “So.”

Aha.

I reached for an olive. “So,” I echoed.

Jess smiled. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”

“That’s worrying.”

Sam snorted softly.

Jess continued as though she hadn’t heard me. “Quinn said you’re the most deliberate person he’s ever met.”

I glanced sideways at him. Quinn suddenly found the olives extremely fascinating.

Jess noticed that too, and her smile widened. “And you apparently terrify him.”

Quinn straightened. “That is not what I said.”

Sam quirked an eyebrow. “You said ‘impressive.’”

“Which is a compliment,” Quinn fired back in a firm voice.

Jess was still studying me. “You’re very calm.”

I shrugged. “Years of practice.”

“With what?”

“People.”

Sam’s mouth twitched.

From the kitchen Maya shouted, “Is he handsome?”

Jess called back, “Yes!”