“Thanks, Noelle. See you tomorrow.”
And then he's gone, leaving me standing in the smoky disaster of a kitchen.
My phone buzzes. Avery again.
Tell me you just saw the hot firefighter running down Main Street toward the diner??
I type back, my hands still shaking slightly.
Yep. I saw him.
I set my phone down and take a deep breath. Gabriel said he’s coming back tomorrow.
I’m insomuch trouble.
Chapter Two
GABRIEL
The apple muffin sits on my desk at the firehouse. I pick it up, sniffing the perfectly golden streusel top, still warm, the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the small office. One bite, and I'm in heaven.
“You gonna marry that muffin or eat it?” Chief Brock leans against my doorframe, arms crossed.
“Eat it.” I take another bite, trying not to groan. How did she learn to cook like this? Little Noelle Jolly, with her thick glasses and stack of library books, who used to drop her lunch tray at least once a week because she was reading recipe books while walking?
“That from Jolly's? Since when do they make anything that doesn't come frozen from a distributor?”
“Noelle's back. She made it.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Jim's daughter? The one who went to culinary school?”
“She did? Figures…this is delicious.”
The chief nods. “I heard Jim’s wife broke her ankle. Noelle must be back in town to help out.”
“Almost burned the place down today. I was walking past when I noticed the smoke.”
Brock whistles low. “That broiler's been a hazard for years. Jim’s too broke to replace it.”
“The whole kitchen needs an overhaul. I'm thinking of going back tomorrow for a full inspection.” I try to sound professional, like I'm not already counting down the hours until I see her again.
Brock's grin says he's not buying it. “Didn’t you once mention you had a thing for her in high school?”
“I didn't?—”
“Please. You look like one of those cartoon characters with love hearts circling above their heads.”
I lean back in my chair. “She was shy. I was stupid. And then I left town with the band.”
Felix's band, technically, but I'd been part of the crew, setting up equipment, managing logistics. Four years on the road, watching my brother live the rock star life while I made sure everyone got to the venue on time and stacked the amplifiers.
“That was before you went to the city?” Brock adds.
“Yep.” Two years with the City Fire Department, good years learning the ropes, but empty ones. Coming home to an apartment that never felt like home. Then Grandma got sick, and coming back to Snowflake Falls wasn't a choice anymore.
Not that I regret it. Even after she passed, this town is home.
“Well, is she seeing anyone?” Brock asks.
