Page 67 of Flirting With Fire
“I promise I didn’t eat anyone’s cute bird.” A change of subject was sorely needed. “I don’t suppose you’d be interested in any salsa?” I was about to direct her to try some, then remembered the bowls had gone dry. “I can open a jar if you’d like a sample.”
“Poor Dex,” she tsked. “We need to work on your sales pitch. Don’t worry about the sample. Just give me the hottest one, please.”
“Eight or sixteen ounces?” I got a small brown paper bag ready. The day before, a last-minute trip to the paper craft store in town was necessary. When we were packing up the canopy and folding table in the truck, it hit me that I should have something to put the jars in when people made a purchase. Plain paper and a twine handle were the best I could do on short notice. I could get more creative next year.
She tapped her chin. “I’ll live on the edge. Let’s get the sixteen.”
“If you don’t like it, let me know. I’ll give you your money back.”
With a sigh, Destiny shook her head. “Hon, a serious conversation is in order. Don’t offer people a money-back guarantee on food items. Buyer’s remorse does not apply to something edible.”
I sensed she had experience on this topic. “Okay. I’ll keep that in mind. But I hope you like it.”
“I’ve heard nothing but good things.” She smiled as we exchanged the bag for a ten-dollar bill. I reached into the cash box to give her two dollars in change, and she stayed my hand. “Pro tip. Price items in increments of five. Then you don’t have to hassle with all the ones.”
“Oh.” She had a point. “Kayla told me how much to charge, so that’s what I went with. You don’t think five and ten dollars is too high?”
“Not at all. It’s fresh, a family recipe, and people always pay more at these things.” She shrugged. “Besides, you have the booth fee, supplies, time spent, and so on.”
I wanted to mention that this wasn’t a real business for me, but I also didn’t want to offend her.
“Well, I’ll definitely keep that in mind for next time.”
I thanked her for her purchase, and after wishing me success, she made her way toward the churro cart. I’d already noted thechains tying it down to two cement blocks. I guess they weren’t taking any chances this year.
As I refilled the sample bowls, the most popular local mariachi band took the stage. Jalisco Guitarras played at El Gato on Friday and Saturday nights and was always one of the top attractions. Charming’s historic Mexican restaurant, which dated back to the fifties, was where my parents went on their first date.
“Hello, Dex, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
I lifted my gaze at the sound of Chief Wally’s voice. But I was also met with the steel gray eyes of a ruggedly handsome man regarding me with a small smile. I straightened, wondering why the police chief wanted me to meet this cowboy who was staring at me like I was his afternoon meal.
“Afternoon, Chief.” I dipped my chin and cleared my throat. “Sure.” I held out my hand to the stranger. “I’m Dex Chase. I own the Charming Chase Cattle Ranch, right on the outskirts of town.”
He accepted my offer with a grin, wrapping my hand in a meaty paw. “Pleasure to meet you, Dex. I’m Cash Lawson.”
After giving my hand a firm shake, he lingered a beat before letting go. Wally interjected, “Cash is a recent arrival in town. He’s been elected Sheriff.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize.” I was surprised Rosie hadn’t said anything.Verysurprised. “I guess I haven’t been paying attention to the latest updates.”
I declined to mention why I’d been so distracted.
Wally’s brow furrowed. “Well, surely you know about the new assistant fire chief?”
Boy, did I. He also must’ve missed Meyer’s grand entrance on the back of my horse. “Yes, I was helping his mom out, so I…” Actually, I knew about him before she did. I suddenly felt oddlyexposed. But why should I? “Anyway, yes. I know about the new fire chief.”
Chief Wally nodded. “Of course, that was about a month ago. So why wouldn’t you know?” He chuckled and waved his hand around. “So much going on lately. You’re so right about it being hard to keep track of.”
Cash arched his eyebrows. “Hmm. I should make an appointment to meet with him. Since we’re both new to town, it might be a good idea to get a feel for things.”
I frowned. That didn’t sound like a good idea in the slightest. If I didn’t make a claim on Meyer soon, let everyone know where we stood, hot alpha males might decide to move in on my man.
In particular,thishot alpha male.
Chief Wally nodded. “Excellent plan. As a matter of fact, I think you two can really make a difference here. A lot of residents of Charming are pushing back against new ideas, change, and all that. But I think it’s a wonderful change. Part of why I’m stepping down.” He patted Cash’s back. “Meyer Jones is young, and so are you. You can bring a fresh perspective to the town.”
I shifted from foot to foot. What difference did it make if they were both young? What was Wally getting at?
My body went taut at the sight of Meyer approaching the booth. His smile was infectious, and even though he was no longer rocking a transparent wet shirt hugging his pecs, he was sex on a stick exactly as he was. I swallowed hard as I glanced at Cash. Damn. Weren’t he and Wally supposed to be going around meeting people? Why hadn’t they left yet?
