Page 39 of Fire and Ice
They casually strolled back the way they came, on the opposite side of the aisle. They came to a booth with beautiful hand-carved nativity sets and Christmas décor. Next was a booth selling gorgeous handmade quilts, where Chelsea picked out a lap quilt for her living room couch.
“Planning on slowing down?” Grady looked at her over the armload of bags he was carrying, and his lips quirked. “My arms are getting kinda full.”
She flashed him a grin. “You make the best pack mule.”
They reached a kitchen supplies stall that included handmade holiday potholders and bowl cozies, as well as a couple of Christmas cookie cutters that she didn’t have in her collection. “Oooh, I could use the Santa and a reindeer.” She also bought a couple of Santa potholders.
Chelsea forced herself not to buy from any more booths, even though she was so tempted to get a dreamcatcher at a stall filled with several of them, as well as lovely Native American jewelry.
When they exited the craft fair, Chelsea blew out a breath that fogged in the chill night air. “That was fun.”
“One thing I’ve learned about you this week,” Grady said with an amused expression, “is that you do enjoy shopping.”
“And I’ve learned that you make an excellent shopping companion.” She tipped her head to look up at him as they fell into step. “I’ve never had my arms so free to shop before.”
He chuckled. “Ready to head home?”
Chelsea sighed with a happy exhaustion. “It’s been a wonderful evening. I’ve really enjoyed spending it with you.”
Grady gave her a thoughtful smile. “It’s crazy. We’ve spent so much time together, and I always can’t wait to see you again.”
“I feel the same way.” She swung the large bag with the lap quilt. “Tomorrow is our last night of the bet.”
He heaved a dramatic sigh. “I won’t know what to do with myself the next night I’m alone.”
They crossed the street toward the location where they’d parked the car. “Do you go back on duty Monday morning?”
“Bright and early.”
She stepped over a curb alongside Grady. “How do shifts work for a firefighter?”
“At KCFD, we work 24 on /48 off shifts, meaning twenty-four hours on and forty-eight off.” He slowed as they neared his SUV. “In Seattle, we worked 24 on/48 off followed by 24 on/96 off in a rotating pattern.”
“You never have the same days off—it always changes.”
“Pretty much.” Grady shrugged. “But I like how the time balances out.”
They reached the passenger side of the SUV, and he set the bags down to open the rear door, then loaded the packages onto the backseats. Chelsea handed the couple she carried to him, and he added those to the pile.
He closed the door, and she moved in close and looped her arms around his neck and hugged him. She studied his expression, seeing the enjoyment of the day in his expression. “Thank you for a great time. I’ve never had so much fun as I’ve had with you.”
“It’s the same for me, honey.” He kissed her, then raised his head. “Let’s get you in the car and warmed up. You’re as cold as a popsicle.”
“I feel like one.” She climbed into her seat with his assistance, and he shut the door behind her.
He slid into the driver’s seat, started the vehicle, and turned on the heater. In a few moments, the cab began to warm up.
Chelsea leaned back in her seat, sinking against the leather, feeling tired. “I’ll sleep well tonight.”
Grady put the Nissan into gear and pulled out onto the street. “That makes two of us.”
He glanced at her, smiled, and took her hand in his. She smiled back, then enjoyed just being with him on the quiet ride back to King Creek.
12
It had been one of the best weeks of Chelsea’s life. Every day, she and Grady had done something different and fun. She enjoyed spending time with him, and she never got tired of his energy, his great sense of humor, and his down-to-earth personality.
It was hard to believe today was Sunday, the last day of the week of dates he had won, and she’d spent the afternoon preparing dinner for him in her home. She kept it simple by making a pot roast with baby potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. The house smelled wonderful—of the roast, garlic, and freshly baked homemade rolls.
