“I’m saying I have taste buds.”
I shoved his shoulder with mine. “Nothing wrong with a classic, you know.”
“Pretty sure I can beat it. What do you think? Gruyère?”
“You would like that,” I said with a teasing grin. “Or maybe something unnecessarily complex, like raclette or aged goat milk or whatever, just to make sure I know you put more thought into it than I do.”
Chase grinned. “Don’t forget the artisanal bread.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t tell me you actually think you can make a better grilled cheese than me.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” He shifted closer,making the fine hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. I caught my breath, ignoring the pleasant flutter in my chest. “Are you up for it?”
“I don’t know.” I dragged the words out as long as I could. “You’re not scared I’ll win?”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“You should know. I’m not above playing dirty.”
Chase raised his eyebrows, looking amused. “I like the sound of that.”
“You’re on. Don’t cry when I beat you.”
He smiled. “I won’t if you won’t.”
“We’ll see.” I shot him an answering grin. “Since you’re about to fall over from hunger, let’s have this cook-off tonight.”
“Just tell me where. Think Finn would like to referee?”
“He’d love to.” I pictured Finn holding up scorecards, drawing cartoons in the corner of the table. “But Mom’s got him for the night.”
“That’s convenient,” Chase said. I pretended not to notice the slightly hopeful look he gave me. “So?”
“So your place. You’ve got that fancy, modern kitchen. It’s like an architect designed it for you or something.”
“Harder to burn grilled cheese with a proper stove.” Chase put his hand between my shoulder blades as we moved from under the umbrella. “When can you be there?”
I checked my watch, surprised how late it was. “After I hit the grocery store. Can’t win a challenge without the right ingredients.”
“Think you can find anything fancy on Dove Key?”
“If I can’t”—I slung my tote over my shoulder—“I’ll improvise. Don’t worry. I’ll find you some fancy cheese.”
“I’ll be ready.” He glanced at his watch. “Say five?”
I nodded, pushing my hair out of my face. “Better not be a sore loser.”
“Pretty sure that’s my line. Should we place bets?”
“Nah, I’d feel bad taking your money. See you soon?”
He grinned. “Can’t wait.”
I was still thinking about that last smile, still half in work mode, half out, when I drove to Island Market. A pang of guilt hit me, knowing the only reason we could do this was because Finn was with Mom. I still hadn’t told her about me and Chase, and now it felt like an overdue bill. I promised myself I’d talk to her soon.
Until then, I had a grilled cheese battle to win.
The front door was unlocked,and I let myself in with the groceries. Clean lines and expensive furniture. So different from my own cluttered, cozy cottage. There wasn’t a crayon mark in sight, no stuffed animals peeking out from the couch cushions. The main room flowed seamlessly into the kitchen, and the walls were painted the kind of neutral gray you found in thecontemporary stylesection of a paint store. Yet the shade also held a touch of the gentle blue of deep Gulf waters. Everything felt deliberate. Perfectly placed, perfectly organized. I was already starting to wonder how Chase and I ever fit together.
