Page 65 of Fire and Icing

“We’ve got a big day ahead,” Dustin says. “A big week.” He stands and grabs his guitar. “I’m glad we talked.”

“Me too,” I say. “Thanks for … everything.”

He smiles. “My pleasure, Muffins.”

I pick up a throw pillow and chuck it at him. He catches it with one hand and sets it on the recliner.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he says with that grin that weirdly settles everything inside me.

“See you,” I say. And before things have a chance to get awkward, I head upstairs.

Chapter 14

Dustin

Find out what's at the end of some country road.

Go see what's over the next hill, and the one after that …

~ Wally Byam

When I confidedin him how badly I think Emberleigh needs to win this contest, Captain bent the rules to accommodate and gave me a week off.

We’re taking off this morning to drive the hour to the estate where the contest is being held. I hoist our luggage into the back of my truck and join Emberleigh in the cab.

“Coffee?” I offer her one of the two to-go cups I put in the center holder.

“You need to stop,” she says, taking the cup from me.

“Stop bringing you coffee?”

“Stop being so thoughtful.”

I chuckle. “So, be more thoughtless?”

“Ugh. No.” She pinches her lips and blows a puff of air out her nose. “You … Just never mind. Thanks for the coffee.”

“Anytime, Muffins.”

“And stop calling me that.”

“And here I thought you were a morning person,” I tease.

“We really need a new nickname for me,” she says, taking a sip of her coffee and humming softly.

This I can get behind. A new nickname. Though, I love how fiery she gets when I sayMuffins.

“Okay. What do you suggest?” I ask. “Croissant doesn’t have quite the same ring. Cupcake?”

“Absolutely not,” she pulls her head back.

“Okay. Cookies?”

“Let’s move away from the baked goods.”

“How about … Trouble?” I look over and wag my brows at her.

“Trouble? I think that’s your nickname, not mine.”

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