Page 31 of Fire and Ice
“Now to see if I can find my bros something.” He looked down the street. “Do you have any suggestions?”
She nodded toward the one local store that sold camping, fishing, and hunting gear. “Jacob’s Outdoors is my go-to place for them, but I’m running out of ideas. Maybe you can help me with my brothers, too.”
“I haven’t had a chance to stop in Jacob’s since I moved here. I bet we can find something there.” Grady gripped her hand and smiled down at her. “What do you say to a day in Scottsdale tomorrow, and find any gifts we still need to buy? I’ve got my nieces and nephews for sure.”
Chelsea nodded with enthusiasm. “I know the best place for dinner after. It’s a Thai place on Main Street there in Scottsdale.”
“That’s a good plan for tomorrow.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “As for now, after we shop for the guys at Jacob’s, how about we get some dinner? I’ve worked up an appetite.”
“Great.” Chelsea put her palm over her belly, and she hoped he didn’t hear it growl. “I have to eat something, but I can wait until we finish at the outdoor store. Shopping for Christmas gifts is hard work.”
He grinned at her. “But it’s a lot of fun with you.”
She smiled back at him. “Ditto.”
They reached Jacob’s, but before Grady opened the door, she put her hand on his arm. “I have an idea for Wednesday. Would you be interested in making Christmas cookies with me for the soup kitchen? I did it the last couple of years, but I haven’t had a chance to yet for this holiday.”
“I’d like to help.” He leaned closer. “I may not be able to cook worth beans, but I can decorate a sugar cookie. I have lots of experience helping my mom.”
“Can we have breakfast instead of dinner on Wednesday?” Chelsea asked. “Spending all day baking that many cookies is exhausting.”
He nodded. “I’ll bring something to eat before we start. Any preferences?”
She shook her head. “Whatever you bring, I’ll eat.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Anything?”
She laughed. “Bring something you’re sure I’ll eat, which is almost anything.”
He smiled. “But first, we’re having a day in Scottsdale tomorrow.”
“It’ll be terrific.” She resisted showing as much excitement as she felt. “Wednesday morning, I’m putting you to work.”
10
It was almost nine on Wednesday morning when Chelsea’s doorbell rang. Yesterday in Scottsdale was awesome. This week would certainly be a good way to see if they got tired of being around each other so much. She didn’t think so, but she’d see.
She opened the door and smiled when she saw Grady with Spot at his side. Grady was looking sexy as ever in a navy T-shirt, Levi's, and Ecco athletic shoes, carrying two bags and two clear plastic tumblers of orange juice. Spot looked happy to see her, wagging his tail. “That looks like a lot of food.” She closed the door behind them. “It smells delicious.” She knelt to hug Spot and scratch him behind his ears. “Hello, you beautiful big boy.” She rose, got out a bowl, and filled it with water for him before joining Grady.
“King Creek Café’s best breakfast.” Grady set the bags down on the breakfast bar and breathed deeply. “Coffee. You’ve got coffee ready.” She poured two mugs, and Grady took his black while she doctored hers.
Several moments later, they settled in to eat after loading their plates with food. Spot sat between them, looking expectant.
“The coffee is perfect.” Grady set down his mug and picked up his fork. “Last night I stayed up late and wrapped the gifts for my family.”
“Already?” Chelsea looked at him in surprise. “We just finished shopping yesterday.”
He swallowed his bite of eggs. “I’m making up for running behind on gift-buying. I need to get everything shipped off as soon as possible.”
Chelsea cut into a sausage link with her fork. “You found some great gifts yesterday for your nieces and nephews.”
“Thanks to your help.” Grady smiled at her. “Tomorrow is Thursday. With all this running around, how does it sound to get takeout and watch a couple of movies at my place? I have some things to take care of during the day, and then I’m yours for the evening.”
“Perfect.” Chelsea picked up her coffee mug. “I need to go to my shop in the morning. One of our employees can’t make it in until the afternoon, so I’m going to be there with Chantilly. What time do you want to get together?”
Grady set down his fork. “How’s five?”
Chelsea smiled. “That’ll work.”
