Page 69 of Broken Dreams
Addison laughs softly. “The swelling is already ten times better.”
“I want my reward.”
“Now?”
I nod. “I was promised...”
Then, in front of the entire town, she kisses me, and I don’t give a damn what my face looks like or the fact the chili truly did try to kill me.
* * *
We’re walking through the festival as the sun is going down, the kids are with my sister at the playground.
“So glad you’re okay,” a person who I have never met says as we walk.
“Thanks!”
Another person approaches. “You guys are the best judges. I mean, you almost died for Sugarloaf.”
“He’s selfless,” Addy says with a continual smile.
I glance down at her. “You seem happy.”
“I am, you’re a hero and a legend now.”
I bump her hip. “Because I got the girl?”
“You didn’t.”
“Do I need to remind you that you kissed me in front of everyone?”
Her eyes find mine. “I did that.”
“You did.”
Addison hooks her arm around mine. “I blame it on the chili and fear you might die from Jacob Arrowood putting peanut butter in the chili.”
“Uh huh,” I toss back.
She playfully slaps my arm with her other hand. “Don’t embarrass me.”
“I’m innocent here. I was sick and then a very pretty girl mauled me in front of everyone.”
“Mauled?” she huffs. “It was a peck.”
This is too fun.
“A peck? I don’t know, I think we may have to play back the tape.”
At that her eyes flash. “Oh my God. Do you think someone filmed it?”
“Are you worried about going viral?” I ask with a chuckle.
“No! But...I wouldn’t doubt that Blakely has spies watching me or some alert set up on her freaking phone.” She smiles as we pass someone else who checks on me.
“Is this going to happen all day?”
Addy grins. “Yes. The people of Sugarloaf will want to make sure you’re okay. Also, don’t be surprised if Mrs. Parker pitches a fit stating Jacob did this to rig the cookoff and you were in on it.”
