Page 64 of Broken Dreams
“Yup.”
I sigh. “Great.”
“Yeah, not great. They called an emergency meeting. Who the fuck even knew that was a thing? I digress. They call me at like eleven at night, stating they have some big issue regarding the chili cookoff and I need to get to them right away. I, of course, think it’s something incredibly important like someone stole all the tents or we’re going to have some horrendous storm. I get out of bed, where my husband was waiting—if you know what I mean—and rush over. I’m irritated because I had to get out of said bed with my very sexy man who I haven’t seen in three weeks since he’s been on the road, and...find the three scheming women with their arms crossed.”
I love my best friend, but she really needs to get to the point. “What is the big problem?”
“I hate them. That’s one. Second, they havevotedthat no member of the board can judge in the cookoff if their family is competing to ensure absolute honesty.”
I feel the air deflate from my lungs. “But this is our thing! I love judging with you.”
“Not anymore, pumpkin. It’s why I called you. They tried to have you removed as well because they said you’ll pick either Jacob or Connor since they’re participating this year, but I threatened to tell everyone I saw Mrs. Cooke kiss Mr. Symonds and spread it all over town. Even though it’s not true, that was enough to upset them. I’m sorry. I know we do this each year and it’s our fun thing.” I look to Devney, wondering if I’m going to spread that rumor for her, but she reaches her hand out before I can say a word. “Never fear, though, I fixed it.”
Now I’m scared. “Fixed it?”
“Your boyfriend isn’t on the board, lives here full-time, his family isn’t cooking, and will step in. I only had to threaten him that I would spread the rumorhewas kissing Mrs. Symonds.”
I laugh, my hand covering my mouth. “You’re insane.”
“Well, it’s better than the rumor that a certain man you’re dating was seen leaving your house at two a.m.”
Jesus Lord. “That spread fast.”
“It’s Sugarloaf.”
“And you believe it?”
Devney smirks. “Hell no. I told them all to shut up, but then it was confirmed when he told me himself it was around midnight...”
I’m in trouble. “I was going to tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
I roll my eyes at the fake innocence in her voice. “He came over to tell me some exciting news and that was it.”
“Uh huh.”
I loop my arm in hers as we walk away from where Grady is standing. “I need you to control yourself and not react. Can you do that?”
She nods.
“We kissed.”
Devney intakes a breath and her eyes find mine. “A good one?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re okay?”
“I think so.”
She smiles brightly. “That’s better than a no.”
I can feel her excitement, but bless her, she’s controlling it. “I was going to tell you later, when we weren’t in the middle of the town where anyone can hear.”
“All understandable. So, you kissed and what now?”
I look over her shoulder to see him there, tall, broad shoulders and muscles tensing as he lifts the heavy pot for one of the competitors. Grady turns a little so I catch his profile and I pull my lower lip beneath my teeth, remembering how his face felt in my hands, lips against mine. It was a great kiss. A kiss that I dreamed of having. A kiss I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
