Page 63 of Fear of Falling

“Has Rick ever mentioned expanding his business?” I asked, noting, like always, how many patrons sat around, treating themselves to Rick’s amazing food.

“Not that I know of, but considering how busy he always is, I think he’d make a killing if he did.” Wyatt said.

After my second visit to Rick’s truck, I’d toyed with the idea of featuring him inFusion Weekly. Rick’s food truck was exactlythe type of thing readers looked for when they bought a copy of the magazine. It might even prompt him to consider expanding, though I knew I’d need to ask Rick whether he was interested before running it by Lydia.

“I can see your mind ticking over there,” Wyatt said as he smiled at me from across the table.

“Sorry,” I smiled sheepishly. “I was thinking of interviewing Rick for the magazine and have all these ideas.”

“Don’t apologize, I like seeing how passionate you are about your job. Plus, that’s not a bad idea, I’m sure he’d love to do it.”

“You think so? I’d hate to put Rick on the spot by asking him.”

“Ask me what?” Rick suddenly popped up beside us, our food in his hands.

Despite my enthusiasm, I suddenly felt a little shy to ask him.

The last thing I want is for Rick to think I’m taking advantage of him or his business.

“Josie wants to ask you something.” Wyatt nodded at me with an encouraging look. Rick put our food on the table and patiently waited for me to say something.

I cleared my throat and shifted in my seat so I could face him. “I work for a magazine calledFusion Weekly. We highlight events, business and restaurants. I was wondering if you’d be interested in featuring in an issue. There’d be an interview, photos.”

“Would you be the one interviewing me?” Rick asked as he crossed his arms over his burly chest.

“Absolutely. I’d take the photographs, too.”

Rick stroked his beard, looking off into the distance as though deep in thought.

After a moment, he nodded, a smile sweeping across his face.

“Sounds good to me.”

“Really?” I sat up straighter. “Here, I’ll give you my number and we can set up a time that works best for you.” Grabbing my purse, I pawed through it for a piece of paper before Rick placed his order pad and a pen in front of me. Giving him a grateful smile, I quickly wrote down my number.

“Perfect,” he said, still smiling as he gave me a little salute and walked back towards the small line of patrons forming outside his food truck.

“Look at you.”

I turned back to Wyatt with wide eyes as he grinned at me. He looked like was…proud. Just like that, I felt like I was on top of the world.

23

JOSIE

“Okay. I’m gonna give birth to a food baby,” I groaned, holding my stomach. I’d eatenwaytoo much, mostly due to Rick offering a complimentary dessert that I just couldn’t say no too. No mere mortal could decline fried donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar. You just can’t.

“Don’t worry, I have something that will help with that,” Wyatt said.

“A time machine that will take me back before I devoured those fried donuts?”

“Maybe not that good, but what I have in mind should help.”

My eyes were drawn to Wyatt’s hand as he used one to turn the wheel. His large hand easily turned the wheel as he turned onto the road. His other hand rested on the gear shift between us.

Who would have thought something so simple could be so damn hot?

“Enjoying the view?” Wyatt didn’t take his eyes off the road, but I could see the corner of his mouth quirk up.

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