Charmed (Contemporary Romance)
blue-and-white cottage on the corner of Willow and Meadow. Maybe you’ve seen me around.”
    Nick thought about that, surprised to learn they were both from Autumn Falls, a small town fifteen minutes north. He passed the house she mentioned every day, but he hadn’t even been aware anybody lived there. “No, I haven’t seen you around.”
    Their little town had a population of just under one thousand, and almost everyone knew who everyone else was, even if only by name. “Do you have relatives there?” he asked, thinking if she was widowed she may have moved there because of family.
    “Yes, I grew up there.”
    “What’s your maiden name?” She was clearly younger than him, which would account for him not remembering her very well. But he probably knew her family.
    “You know, I think I know why I look familiar to you. I treated you to ice cream at Mrs. Bird’s shop once, a very long time ago. You probably don’t remember, but that has to be it.” She splayed her hands in front of her as if she’d solved the puzzle when she’d only managed to confuse him more. “Now, can we get back to the interview?”
    “You treated me to ice cream once? I’m guessing you’re somewhere around seven to ten years younger than I am, and I haven’t had ice cream with a girl since high school. I’m positive I didn’t let a little girl treat me to ice cream when I was in high school.”
    “Actually, I was eight … and you must’ve been fifteen or so. You were at Milford Park with your girlfriend, and I hit my head with my snowflake wand. The metal was sticking out, and it was pretty rusty. There was blood. You helped me get my head cleaned up at a nearby fountain, and I insisted I buy you ice cream. I’m sure you don’t remember, but it might be why I look familiar.”
    Nick tapped his pen on his desk. “Actually, I do remember … ”
    “You do?” Jamie’s eyes widened.
    A slow, satisfied smile spread across Nick’s face. “First of all, I would never have guessed that thing was a snowflake wand. Second, you bribed me with ice cream so I wouldn’t call your father, but I had Mrs. Bird call him behind your back, and Dr. Viera came to pick you up. You are Justin Viera’s little sister. Well, his sister.” He was sure of it, though he couldn’t see the resemblance. There was no way he would’ve found her attractive if he’d thought she looked anything like Justin.
    Nick pointed to her with his pen, hearing the strangely triumphant tone in his voice, unable to rein it in. He nodded toward the newspaper clipping of a hockey game between Boston University and Boston College that Jamie had been looking at. The article outlined Nick’s winning score against Justin.
    “You used to yell at me at the top of your lungs at our games back in college, that’s where I remember you from. How old were you? Twelve, thirteen? Man, you had a mouth on you. ‘Savage goon’ and ‘ignorant brute’ were among your favorites, if I remember correctly.” Nick leaned back in his chair, completely unable to wipe the smile from his face.
    “Are you gloating?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    “Because I called you names as a teenager and now I’m here? I’m not at your mercy, you know. There are other schools to choose from.”
    “No.” Nick chuckled. “Because you’re Viera’s sister, and I’m wondering if he knows you’re here.”
    “Yes, he does. He actually recommended your school. He’s being mature about it.”
    Nick thought about that for a moment. Justin Viera had recommended his school. To his own sister. He sat back and took it in, realizing it was a huge compliment. And here he was behaving in a decidedly unprofessional manner. He tried hard to wipe the smile off his face and look sincere.
    “I’m sorry, Mrs. Sullivan. I guess I’m not making a very good impression on you,” he said, wondering how he could backtrack.
    “Then we’re even. I’m sure I didn’t make a great first impression outside. And if I’m to

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