Page 4 of Champion

I chuckle to myself. That's exactly what I did with Dirk when he started sniffing after Beth. My eyes fall to the desk, and I see the ticket for the cook-off that Opal left me. Maybe I'll go, I tell myself. It's a fundraiser, not a date. There will be other people around, and it’s in support of Warrior Cares, an organization I deeply believe in.

As I pick up the ticket and put it carefully in my wallet, I realize I'm fooling myself. Maybe Dirk's right, and it is time for me to settle down. But why would a sweet young girl like Opal want a grizzled old grump like me?

CHAPTER 3

Why do you keep looking around?” My friend Rebecca asks.

I stand with my friend as she gives out samples of her chili. So far, people love the chili, and it looks like she’ll at least place in the competition.

“I'm just watching the crowd, seeing who's here,” I say, trying to be vague as I scan people’s faces.

Rebecca looks at me, her blue eyes narrowing. “Opal Malone, what aren't you telling me? Are you looking for somebody specific? I know you were supposed to come with Beth, but didn't you say she was sick?”

“I did, but she's not really sick. I saw her the other day, and she’s fine. It’s just…”

“Just what?” Rebecca prompts.

“Beth and Shelly are trying to set me up with Beth's brother.”

“They're trying to set you up with Champ? I thought he was a mean old bastard.”

“No.” I sigh. One of the things I like about him is that he doesn’t put on a ‘nice’ face just because that’s what people say you should do. “He's gruff and can be a grump, but he's got a good heart.”

“If you say so,” Rebecca says, looking at me doubtfully, then grins. “Opal, do you have acrushon Champ?”

“Maybe a little bit,” I concede, feeling a blush color my cheeks. “Beth said I should invite him, so I did. I left Beth’s ticket for him in the office, but I don’t think he's coming.” I say, disappointment in my voice.

“Well, he would be lucky to have you, Opal.”

“Thanks. But what about you? How are you feeling about your chances with the chili?”

“I think I have a good shot,” she says, lighting up with excitement. “You’ve seen how people are reacting to Grandad’s chili. My biggest competition is old man Denton. He's won this for so many years. But I don't know, Opal – maybe I have a chance?”

“You do, Rebecca. Your grandfather's recipe is amazing. You’re giving Denton a run for his money.”

“I hope so.” Rebecca looks past my shoulder and breaks out into a huge smile. “Look!”

I turn to see what she’s looking at, and my mouth falls open.

“Opal, hi.” There Champ is, looking incredibly handsome. He’s wearing a clean, pressed shirt and jeans with a sharp crease ironed in. I’ve never seen him look so polished.

“You made it! I'm so happy to see you!” I can't help gushing because I honestly didn't think he would come. I feel like a girl with a high school crush because my heart is beating so fast that I think it may explode.

“Yeah, well, I thought I'd better come down and see what all the hoo-ha is about this chili.”

“This is my friend, Rebecca. She's competing with her grandfather's recipe. You should taste it.”

Champ takes a cup of the chili and tastes it. “This is really good,” he says. “Have you ever competed before?”

Rebecca shakes her head. “No, I'm doing this as a tribute to my grandfather. He passed last year and always talked about entering this competition but never got around to it.”

Champ nods sympathetically. “Well, that's a damn shame. This is damn good chili. You've got my vote.”

“Thanks, Champ,” Rebecca says, her voice filled with emotion. “That means a lot.”

I'm interrupted by a voice. “Hey, Sis. I thought I'd find you here.” I cringe as I hear my older brother's voice.

Champ stiffens, and he turns.

---