Page 21 of Tempted

“It’s so annoying.”

Lucy glanced over. “You’ve never told me why you don’t fancy the man who so clearly fancies you. He’s smart and well-mannered, and your mama loves him. What else could you want?”

“Someone with some obvious flaws.” Gigi pinched her mouth together. “The man makes me incredibly self-conscious because he never makes a mistake or says anything inappropriate.” Crossing her legs, she let out a sigh. “He should fall for someone who behaves perfectly and never colors outside the lines.”

“And yet, he’s doing everything to win your favor.”

“I credit that to the fact that I’m a client with a lot of potential to make him a boatload of commission.”

“I doubt it, but know that you’ve convinced yourself otherwise, so I won’t argue the point.” She slung her arm over her friend’s shoulder. “Thank you for bringing all those sandwiches, by the way.”

“My pleasure,” Gigi said, tearing her eyes away from Tavis. “Your mom dropped off some energy bars and drinks a little while ago, so all the volunteers should have plenty to keep them going.”

“I’m so appreciative of all the help.” She waved her hand at the store. “I know that I took the book-saving thing a little too far, but what was I supposed to do, let them fall in the trash?”

“Uh-oh,” Gigi mumbled. “Here comes Captain Underpants.”

Groaning, Lucy watched the fire captain stride in their direction with an officious smirk on his face. “Ned still isn’t over what happened in middle school, and the fact that he holds us responsible for his social downfall twenty years after the fact is unbelievable.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Gigi said calmly. “If he wanted to keep his Harry Potter wand a secret, he never should’ve kept it in his locker for all to see.”

“A fact we should point out once again.” She pushed herself to her feet. “I, for one, am tired of his incessant need to hold us accountable forthingswe had very little to do with.”

“And we’re sticking to that story, no matter what.”

Lucy clasped her hands behind her back and painted a sweet, if somewhat insincere, smile on her face. “Hello, Ned. Did you want to pick up some books for your mom?”

“No, Lucy.” He threw his hand toward the back door. “I have given you several warnings about breaking the fire code, and seeing box after box come out of your backroom, tells me you did not heed one of them.”

“Ned, I gave your many sermons my fullest attention and even took notes during several of them, if you recall. I made sure all the aisles were clear, and the sprinklers in the ceiling were never obstructed, and I plan on reducing the inventory by half.” She painted on a compliant expression. “So, there won’t be any need for me to endure… I mean, listen to any more diatribes… I mean speeches… no, that’s not right either.”

“Lectures,” Gigi offered helpfully.

Ned turned to the chef. “You should stay out of this.”

Gigi pushed her hands on her hips. “Do you want help with your next chili cookoff or not?”

The man kicked his boot against the ground. “Gigi, you know I do since we’re an unbeatable team.”

“Then I suggest you check your tone, or you’ll be facing Fire Station Thirty-Three on your own.” She put her arm around her friend. “And leave Lucy alone. The back of the store needs to be torn up, and she’s facing enough problems without you adding an oration on all the boring fire rules.”

“They are not boring and are meant to keep people safe.”

“Something I keep top of mind,” Lucy said sincerely. “And believe it or not, I have listened to at least fifty percent of what you’ve said over the years.”

“I doubt that.”

Seeing him drop the self-important façade let her know he understood which side his bread was buttered on. If he lost Gigi’s goodwill, he was kissing his five-year chili winning streak goodbye, and there wasn’t a person alive who’d be willing to risk that. “I promise to follow every rule and regulation when the store gets put back together.” She crossed her fingers in an x over her chest. “Girl Scout honor.”

“Didn’t you get kicked out of the troop?” Ned asked with a smirk.

Lucy waved her hand. “We mutually agreed to separate since it wasn’t the best place for my creative streak.” She noticed Linc heading in her direction with a dangerous smile. Not wanting to swoon in front of half the town, she turned back to the fire captain. “I’ll put a box of books together for your mom and drop them off tomorrow.”

“Thanks, she would like that.” Ned let out a sigh. “You should run a jacked-up summer reading contest and get the whole town involved. The people of Haven are competitive enough to clean out most of your inventory if you put up a decent prize.”

“That’s a great idea,” Gigi exclaimed.

Lucy noticed how genuinely happy the compliment made the man and wondered if he was interested in more than Gigi’s culinary expertise. “I agree.” She tapped her chin. “What if I asked for a dollar donation per book and then used the money for prizes?”

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