When Afton returned with the ice bucket, she found that her family had left her alone with Mac Barrett. "Well, I see the rest of the party-goers have deserted us."
"Actually, I think it's cozier this way, don't you?"
"Yes, of course." With her back to her guest, Afton added a couple of ice cubes to a highball glass and then poured in equal shots of Benedictine and brandy. She hadn't planned to join him, but then decided a celebratory drink might be in order. When she finished, Afton placed both glasses on a small china tray and then turned to her guest.
She found that Mac had since shed his coat and now sat relaxed against the back cushions of the sofa. She placed the tray on the coffee table between them and then handed him one of the glasses.
"Thanks." Mac reached over to acc
