In that second, Heather liked the woman. She relaxed. “He’s such a nice guy. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Was the breakup…difficult?” Why had she asked that? It wasn’t her business. What was she doing?
Chrissy chuckled. “Not really. He is a nice guy, right? We knew we weren’t meant for each other, and I just couldn’t handle his crazy schedule and worrying about him all the time. But we got along and should’ve just stayed friends. I hope we can be.”
“You can,” Anna said, reaching over to pat Chrissy’s hand. “It always seemed like you guys were friends, anyway.”
Chrissy’s smile came more naturally now. “Yeah.” She nudged Heather. “But you two look good together. I heard all about the dramatic rescue down the mountainside. What a meet-cute, right?”
Heat flowed into Heather’s face. “No. We’re friends, that’s all.” She frowned. “Why were you so worried about Quint’s job? I know he has to travel to other US Forests, but how dangerous can that be?”
Chrissy coughed hard on her wine.
The man in question loped up, bottles of water in his hands. He gave them over. “Nonna wants you all to drink water. You okay, Chris?”
Heather tried to remain calm. Did he still like his ex? Not that it mattered to her. But still, he was hot, and a hero, and he’d brought Heather to the picnic.
Anna jumped up. “Take my seat. I’ll make sure everyone has water.” She hurried off.
Heather watched her go, fighting the urge to hop after her. Traitor. “Um, thanks.”
“Sure.” He studied her heated face. “You okay?”
Of course. It wasn’t every day she sat next to a hot guy’s ex. A hot guy who she really wanted to see naked. That thought had to stop spinning through her head.
“Heather?” he prodded.
“I’m good,” she said, reaching for the water. There wasn’t enough in the bottle to cool her head, and if she poured it over her hair, everyone would probably think she was nuts. If she had to spend much more time around Quint and keep him in the friend zone, she would go crazy. But it was the right thing to do.
Chrissy sat straighter. “I hope it’s okay I’m here, Quint. I should’ve called to talk to you first, but Trick really wanted to come, and I didn’t think.”
Quint turned to her, and his smile made his stunning eyes nearly glow. “Chris, come on. You know you are welcome any time, and I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to see Trick with somebody as great as you.”
Chrissy breathed out. “Okay. That’s good. I’m so glad. I love these barbecues.”
Quint claimed Anna’s hastily vacated seat and stretched his legs out, crossing his boots at the ankles. “Me, too.”
Heather looked from one to the other, sitting between them. “Do you guys want to talk? I can go help Anna.”
“Nope,” Chrissy said. “We’re all good. Just relax.” She looked at Quint. “I heard you were injured last month. All healed?”
Quint nodded. “Yeah. No worries. I’m good.”
“Injured?” Heather asked. The guy had carried her down a mountain, and it wasn’t like she was a lightweight. “What injury?”
Quint shrugged. “Just a little one from a recent job. No big deal.”
“No big deal?” Chrissy burst out. “You are crazy. You know that?” Her smile was good-natured and rather relieved. “I heard your parachute got caught and spun you in the wrong direction.”
“True.” Quint leaned down and snapped his fingers as Zena ran toward them. The dog instantly lay down at his feet, partially beneath the table.
Heather reached for the wine instead of water. “Parachute? You’re a forestry technician.”
Chrissy took a drink of her water. “I always thought that was too casual of a job description for a smokejumper.”
Now Heather coughed out wine. “You’re a smokejumper? I mean, you parachute into the middle of forest fires?” Her voice rose and she quickly lowered it.
Quint nodded. “Sure.”
Chrissy leaned toward her. “He won’t brag, but he’s also a rappeller, although he prefers the smoke jumping.” She shook her head. “Talk about an adrenaline junkie.”
