Page 36 of Trucker
“Like I said.” I laughed again. “Easy.”
“But not cheap.”
I scrunched my nose at him.
I picked up two paper plates as I sat on the blanket, then helped him served out some food. He dumped a handful of cheeses on his chili dog then took a rather unhealthy bite.
Holding my breath, I waited to see if he approved of the chili. Trucker sighed and closed his eyes while chewing.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had a good chili dog.” He confessed. “My grandmother was amazing at making them. I’m not sure what she did.”
“Let’s be honest.” I nodded knowing precisely what he meant. “Grandmothers are masters.”
“Facts.”
Trucker laughed.
Silence.
“I’m sorry. I’m usually better at making chili.”
“Taji.”
“Hmm?”
“This is delicious.” He touched my right cheek gently. “I promise. Not everyone cooks the same and I’m not complaining. Seriously, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” My cheeks heated.
Taking a small bite of my dog, I glanced toward where a handful of women remained.
Esther from the diner was still there, along with a couple of her mean girl friends.
“I didn’t think you’d have an audience.” I pointed out. “It’s not surprising.”
“Them?” Trucker asked. “They’re thinking with their vaginas and that’s not sexy.”
“Some of them are very pretty.”
“It depends on your definition of pretty.”
“Tell me you don’t like them fawning over you.” I pushed. “Most men would jump at that.”
“I’m not most men.” Trucker bit his hot dog again. “I appreciate an up-front woman because I’m not a mind reader. On the same breath, this is something all together different. And it creeps me out. If a man was doing what they are doing?—”
“People frown on that.”
“Precisely.” Trucker sighed. “Besides, I already have my eyes on someone.”
My heart sank.
“You do?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
I should have said something the day I met him.
I should have known a man like Trucker wouldn’t stay single in a town like this for very long. But I hadn’t been brave enough—and would a fireman want a woman who was so damn feeble?
