“The ethics of using something from outside?” Finn alsogave a surreptitious glance at the front counter. “Is it even allowed?”
“There’s that, but I was thinking about the teamwork part of it. It’s my bad for not being clear on the rules.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes at herself. “Anyway, we’ll have to suggest establishing ground rules if this activity is successful. I’m not offended Heath jumped into his recipe without asking the rest of the team, but I’m sure some people would be.”
Heath blinked twice and then winced. “You’re right. I do the programming for my father’s business, and we think a lot alike. I’m probably the one who needs this teamwork training more than anyone here. We don’t have to do my sister’s recipe.”
When he moved toward the trash can like he meant to throw away the little package he’d brought back, Caitlyn reached to grab his arm.
“Why not just tell us what you had in mind, and then we can work together to see if we agree or want to tweak it? Completely ignoring your idea isn’t teamwork either.”
“All right.” He slid over the bag. “The recipe my sister suggested is dark chocolate jalapeño ice cream with candied pecans. I got the jalapeños from a store, so they shouldn’t be a health hazard.”
“Jalapeños?” Caitlyn choked. “Ahotfrozen treat?”
“Nice. I’m loving jalapeños. And with dark chocolate?” Finn made a happy noise.
“Well, Caitlyn?” Heath asked.
“It’ll certainly be different.” Just becauseshedidn’t handle spicy foods well didn’t mean the others shouldn’t get to enjoy them. “Let’s do it.”
8
Noah watched with narrowed eyes as Caitlyn grabbed Heath’s arm. What was going on between them? The man slipped her a small bag. They were standing a bit too close to each other for Noah’s liking. Was heflirtingwith her? Not that Noah should care.
“I think we should add bacon,” Max said.
“What is it with guys and bacon?” Zoe asked.
“Now don’t you be going sexist. ‘Tis supposed to be a team-building activity, so no insults. Besides, I know plenty of girls who like a bit of bacon.” Noah winked at her.
Zoe peered at a bin labeled Bacon. “I’ll bet it’s made from soy. That’s not so bad.”
“Are you a vegetarian?” Max asked.
“No.” Zoe sounded defensive. “Bacon’s just not one of my favorite flavors. But if you two want it...”
“Brilliant.” Noah turned to Max. “Will you be wanting to put maple flavoring in too?”
“No.Rum.” Max pointed to a dispenser at the far end. “It’s just imitation rum, so we won’t be accused of drinking on thejob. One of my favorite flavors when I was a kid was rum raisin.”
“Oh, this is sounding better.” Zoe nodded.
“If you’re doing rum flavoring, I’m game. Not Guinness, but ‘twill do,” Noah said. “Ah, to have a bite of Murphy’s ice cream. Have you ever had this rum-bacon flavor before, Max?”
The man nodded and rubbed his stomach.
“‘Tis rum-bacon, then.” Noah could only hope Max knew the right amount to add.
The entire process went much faster than he’d expected. The sign had said it only took eight minutes for the ice cream to freeze, but he hadn’t believed it. Their server came over to check on them and provided bowls and spoons.
Once they pulled their tables together and took their seats, Noah began scooping out his team’s creation while Caitlyn did the same with hers. He kept trying to identify the little bits ofsomethingmixed in the chocolate, but he couldn’t tell what it was.
She pulled out her phone and typed in some notes about the activity as she slowly sank into her chair. She wasn’t paying attention to how close she was to where Noah sat and ended up partly on his left leg. Startled, she nearly slid off. Noah had to wrap his arm around her waist to keep her from sliding to the floor.
The color that flooded her cheeks was much better than the pale, washed-out look she usually had now. It reminded him again of the rosy cheeks and long, silky brunette hair she’d had when they’d first met. They’d danced together when they’d gone with a larger group to a university dance. The memory of holding her that night made the tingle running up his arm intensify.
“I’m so sorry,” Caitlyn gasped. She jumped up and shifted in her chair, not looking at him. “I was taking notes.”
“Let’s eat this before it melts.” Noah couldn’t shake the memory of his hand on her waist. She hadn’t been heavy when they’d danced two years ago, but he hadn’t been able to feel her ribs then. What could cause a girl to lose so much weight?Didshe have an eating disorder?
