“I’m like a Boy Scout, always prepared,” he bragged.
She shook her head and laughed. “I’m glad you found me before going to my cabin. You almost missed me,” she said as they walked. The fresh, clean air seemed to calm her restlessness, or maybe it was Ty.
“I’m glad I didn’t miss you. Although if you eat all my charcuterie like you did my popcorn, we may not have enough food,” he teased.
Scarlett laughed. “You cheated by adding chocolate and caramel. I’ll never eat plain popcorn again.”
“Everyone deserves to indulge in life. I realized I haven’t lately. My business keeps me occupied the majority of the time. Don’t get me wrong, I love my restaurant, but sometimes, it’s nice to have a break to appreciate it.”
“I get it. I feel the same way about books. I used to have one in my hand at all times. Since the accident, I haven’t touched a single one,” she admitted sadly. “I appreciate all the stories these brilliant authors come up with. I don’t know how they do it.”
“I imagine it’s a lot harder than it appears. Sometimes, a customer will say, ‘Oh my gosh, you whipped this meal up in ten minutes. I wish I could cook like you.’ In reality, they didn’t see all the time and prep put into it before my restaurant even opened. I believe authors have an idea of what it feels like.”
“Speaking of whipping up things, did you recall what you brought for dessert?” she asked, hopefully.
“I might’ve added something with chocolate,” hetoyed with her.
“Ugh, Ty, you’re a tease,” she accused, laughing.
He chuckled as he squeezed her hand. “Only with you,” he declared. “You make it too much fun. It’s also nice to see a woman eat and enjoy her food without moaning about calories. I once dated a woman who refused to eat anything I cooked unless I weighed it on the scale at the table. Needless to say, we didn’t last long. Do you ever hear guys complain after they’ve eaten three double burgers, a large fry, and a shake? Nope.”
‘It’s different for men, though. Women get judged by their appearance. Either we’re too skinny or too fat. Life’s too short, enjoy the chocolate and have the dessert,” she announced.
“I agree with you, except women aren’t the only ones judged. Men get their fair share of ribbing for extra weight. The eighty-twenty rule works fine for me. Eighty percent of the time, I eat and serve healthy organic food from my ranch. The other twenty, I enjoy a bit of indulgence,” he explained as he led her to a picnic table. He pulled out a cloth to cover the table, and she spread it while he organized the food and opened containers. Ice sat under the table with a fresh bowl of water.
He pulled out a tin pan and placed it on the table. She reached for it and he snatched it away.
Scarlett stuck out her lip in a pretty pout. “Oh, come on, tell me what you made,” she pleaded.
“You’re incorrigible,” he sighed heavily as he opened the lid. He pressed something against her lips, and she parted them, tasting the chocolate and sweetness of strawberries.
“Mmm,” she moaned. “Those are delicious. Did you happen to whip those up in ten minutes?”
“Like I said, I’m always prepared,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “I made them this morning and you were the first person I thought of,” he confessed.
Scarlett ran her tongue over her lips, catching the juice from the fruit. A warmth fluttered in her chest, reminding her of something she had given up long ago. In the darkness, she felt cold and lonely. When she spent time with Ty, it felt as if he brought a speck of light into her dark world, and his warmth filled the empty spaces.
CHAPTER 16
Scarlett walkedwith Ice at her side to the cafeteria, where she met Sledge. “What time will your wife arrive?”
“She’ll arrive around dinner. You missed Kassie. She gave me the code to cabin one and said we can move in today,” Sledge said, stuffing eggs in his mouth.
“Why don’t you use the cabin tonight? I’ll ask Kassie if I can move in tomorrow. You deserve some time alone.”
Sledge grinned. “Damn, I miss her. Doc says I might go home in a couple of weeks. I don’t like leaving you here alone.”
“I’m not. Ice has my six. It’s time I figured out what I want to do. I love working at the community center, but I don’t want to do it forever. I miss my old job,” she confessed.
“Did you talk to Leo?” Sledge asked.
Scarlett winced. “I don’t know. He sounds kinda crazy. Plus, what kind of job can he possibly have for me?”
“A couple of months ago, you didn’t have a guide dog and didn’t know your way to the cafeteria. What’s stopping you?”
Scarlett didn’t know. Everything fell into place, but herblindness remained an obstacle in finding a job she enjoyed. Maybe time and patience gave her a clue about what she might find next.
“I’m calling Rayne when I return to my room. She wants to come up in a couple of weeks. Then, Candy, Ice, and I planned a stroll around town. Why don’t you stop babysitting me and get your wife some flowers and take her to Ty’s for dinner?”
