Page 25 of Fire and Ice
“I could go for Annie’s chicken pot pie.” The thought made her mouth water. She could almost smell the rich filling and crust.
They skated slowly toward the gate, then settled on the bench where they’d left their
“I lost, so we’re having dinner how many times this week?” She untied her skate and glanced at him as he bent over his own.
“You have to have dinner with me every night I’m not working at the fire department.”
He gave her a sexy grin as she glanced from her skate to him. His heated expression could have melted the ice. Even as she caught her breath, she moved her hand in a circle, indicating he should go on.
He shrugged. “I sort of forgot to tell you that I’m not on the schedule at all this week. I’m on vacation, so that makes seven days.”
“Seven straight days?” Her eyes widened even as she repeated his words. She wanted to laugh. “You—you brat.”
“You have to admit it was genius.” He laughed. “So where do we go tomorrow night?”
She was still shaking her head. She had agreed to the contest because she loved the idea of spending more time with Grady. She just hadn’t known it was every night until next weekend. Spending time with Grady—that wasn’t going to be a hardship.
“Since we’re having dinner at Aunt Annie’s this afternoon, that’s our comfort food for the day.” Chelsea knew there was no arguing about their wager. Besides, spending all this time together made her feel as if she had just won the lottery. “How about Mexican food tomorrow?”
“Know any great hidden gems?” He pulled off one of his unlaced skates. “Those types of places are usually the best when it comes to Mexican food.”
“I know the perfect place in King Creek, a hole in the wall called Ricardo’s.”
“I’ve heard of it but haven’t been there yet.” He jammed his skates into his equipment bag. “What else would you like to do today after we eat at Annie’s?”
“How do you like board games?” Chelsea slid into her street shoes. “I have a thing for word challenges like Scrabble or Boggle. I also have contemporary games, such as Everdell, Catan, and Ticket to Ride, as well as a cabinet full of others. My brothers, sisters, and I played a lot growing up, and I keep everything.”
“I enjoy board games.” He zipped up his bag. “Sounds like a nice way to spend a quiet Saturday evening.”
She smiled. “I’m glad.”
* * *
Early dinner at Aunt Annie’s Restaurant was terrific. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, rolls—no one could beat Annie’s for comfort food.
After they ate, Grady drove them to Chelsea’s place. It was a quick trip from the restaurant. While he drove, he kept one hand on the wheel and put his other over hers on the console. His palm was warm and heated her from head to toe.
When they were inside the house, the door closed behind them, her belly fluttered as he reached for her. He whirled her into his arms as if they were still on the ice and held her close. He kissed her in a way that made her sigh with pleasure.
She thought she might not be able to stay on her feet. After he steadied her, he looked around the huge great room that encompassed the living room, dining area, and kitchen. A large Christmas tree twinkled in the front bay window.
“Very nice.” He nodded and looked up at the vaulted ceilings before meeting her gaze. “I love your home.”
“Thank you.” She smiled, but her belly twinged a bit. It was a wonderful home to live in. She had purchased it with part of the settlement from the mining accident. It had been a good place to share with her siblings until they moved out on their own.
She went to the linen closet. The entire upper half was filled with board games.
“Take your pick, sir.” She swept her arm out like a game show host. “Choose the right one and earn riches and excitement beyond your wildest dreams.”
She did her best to sound serious, but her voice was tight, almost to the point of not being able to speak, thanks to holding back laughter. Giggles eventually spilled out, and she couldn’t have scooped them up and put them back if she tried.
He went for the deluxe edition of Scrabble, likely because he knew it was her favorite. They spent the next ninety minutes playing a cutthroat game. They went back and forth, competing with words like sozzled, whizzbang, skyjacked, and quibbles.
They remained neck-and-neck as they played. By the end of the night, Chelsea finally won with a last-minute play, “flummoxed,” to make it three games to two.
“Yes!” She pushed one fist up in a champion salute. “Thanks to your ‘ox,’ I remain undefeated!”
“I want a rematch.” He pretended to scowl. “By the way, I still don’t think sozzled qualified as a word.”
