Didn’t know you were a five-star chef AND a doctor.What other talents do you have?
Nope.That won’t work, either.
Me
Speaking of serious topics, and no, I don’t mean ED…
No, what am I thinking?Bringing up erections to a guy like Ford?Talk about opening the flood gates for awkwardness.
Come on, June.
Tapping the edge of my phone against my chin, I consider my options, then set my cell back in my lap.So, he helped me.So, he took care of me and cleaned my apartment and made some chili and dropped it off for Bryan, fulfilling my obligations even though they had nothing to do with him.
So…what?
We’re kind of moving from friend-of-a-friend territory to friend territory.It’s not a big deal.So, why does it kind of feel that way?
Puffing out my cheeks, I leave my phone on the couch and head to the bathroom, refusing to let myself overthink last night or Ford’s actions.
It doesn’t work.Not in the slightest.
Maybe the fever has made me delusional because if I didn’t know any better, I’d say the infamous Ford Harden has a heart.But that can’t be true.Can it?
The same question haunts me as I finish getting ready and drive to the chili cook-off a little while later.I’ve never been to one of these before, but clearly, I’ve been living under a rock.The parking lot is packed, and the line to get inside is at least five minutes long.When I finally reach the front, the volunteer explains how the cook-off works while I fight the urge to take notes.
Volunteers donate chili, then people purchase paper tickets they can exchange for a small cup of the soupy goodness at any booth.All donations go to burn victims and after-school programs.Simple.Straightforward.And for a good cause.Count me in.I purchase ten tickets, then slip into the outdoor venue.And even though my stomach rumbles with anticipation, I search for Bryan instead of heading to the nearest booth for a sample.
It smells good.The air.Cumin.Chili powder.Smokey deliciousness.I rise onto my tiptoes as I pass a nearby booth serving a white chili with white beans, chicken, and green chilis.
Uh, yes, please.
“Hey, can I help you?”the girl manning the booth asks.
So much for finding Bryan first.
I rip off a ticket and hand it to her.“Hey!Can I have a sample, please?”
“Sure thing.”
Seconds later, a paper cup is placed in my hand, and I bring it to my nose, breathing in the incredible aroma.This is going to be good, I can already tell.As the heat seeps through the paper and into my palm, I scoop up a bite with a plastic spoon and taste the chili.The flavors make me feel like I’m slipping into a hot tub.Just enough burn to make me feel it, but not overwhelming at all.It’s warm and chicken-y and reminds me of home, and is that…cilantro?
“Good, right?”The girl chuckles, reading my expression.“I’ve heard we’re a top contender, but my personal favorite is over there.”She points toward one of the booths behind me.“Definitely try Bryan’s chili.It’s so good!I’ve already had like four samples today.”
Bryan’s chili?
My brow furrows as I glance toward where the girl is looking.Sure enough, there he is.Fireman Bryan with a couple of his work buddies.He looks cute in his navy blue T-shirt and mustard yellow pants with a thick jacket showcasing the HH Fire Department logo across the back.As if he can feel my gaze, Bryan looks in my direction and grins when he sees me.“June!”he calls, waving me over.“June!Get over here, babe!”
Babe?The four-letter word only deepens the furrow in my brow.He’s never called me babe before.Is it because of our conversation on the phone, or is it because of his friends who are most definitely staring at me?I shake off the feeling, take another bite of chicken enchilada chili, and stride toward him.“Hey, Bryan.”
“Hey, June.”He pulls me into a hug.“You look…comfortable.”
I glance down at my lavender hoodie and baggy jeans.I had half a mind to dress in sweats from head to toe, but decided against it at the last minute.When you’re used to wearing scrubs for work, anything else feels fancy.Add in the fact I’m still recovering from last night, and he’s lucky I’m wearing denim at all.
“I like it,” he adds as if reading my mind.“I like a girl who can be natural.”He kisses my hairline, then tosses his arm around my shoulders.“Reggie and John, this is June.June, this is Reggie and John.”
“So, you’re the infamous June,” one of the guys says.Reggie, I think?I’m not sure.“We’ve heard a lot about you,” he adds.“You should’ve seen our boy here last night.”He slaps his hand against Bryan’s shoulder.“He was shitting his pants when you wouldn’t respond to his messages.”
“Love the chili, by the way,” the other guy adds.John.“It’s the best one here.”
