Conquering Love by Willow Summers

Author:Willow Summers [Willow Summers]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hazy Dawn Press, Inc.
Published: 2016-03-27T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

“This is blowing my mind, girl. It’s awesome!” Pete rolled his eyes in ecstasy, ignoring the BBQ sauce smeared across his cheek.

Christie deposited another tray of biscuits onto the food table and stood back, surveying the melee. Nearly the whole ranch was sitting around the fire or lining the tables, gnawing on ribs or sinking their teeth into corn. A few stabbed lettuce with their forks, salad not being especially popular among this crew, but still being eaten. Laughter and cheer raced around the gathering.

Scanning faces, she saw Noah across the fire sitting on a log, his clothes dirty and disheveled, his dirty and beat up cowboy hat sitting next to him. The usual suspects sat around him, apart from one.

With a sinking heart, she continued to scan faces until she found Sara and Mike on the outskirts with Jake, their plates half-full and smiles on two of their faces. Jake looked as stoic as ever. She didn’t take it personally.

People reached out to pat her shoulder, or rose their ribs or forks in salute. Fizzles of delight ran through her body, so happy that everyone had not only shown up in support of her efforts, but were enjoying it. She had no idea if half of these people even knew who she was, let alone trek all the way over here to taste her food. It was heartwarming.

“This is just fantastic, Christie.” May, one of the owners, stepped in her path with a beaming smile. The pronounced crow’s feet around her eyes creased dramatically, accentuating her pleasure. “I had no idea you could cook like this.”

“Oh.” Christie tucked a flyaway piece of hair behind her ear. Thankfully the growing darkness would hide her heated face. “Yeah, well, I’m single. I have to fill the time somehow.”

“Great job, young lady!” Dan, May’s husband, covered her back in heavy pats. “We haven’t enjoyed a meal like this in a long time!”

“I thought about steaks,” Christie said, “but with the number of people I thought BBQ would work out better.”

“This was perfect,” May said, holding Christie’s hand in both of hers.

“Steaks, hmm?” Dan rubbed his belly. “My favorite. Next time.”

“She’s not your personal chef.” May batted at him in jest.

“Not yet. But I bet you’d be happy for a break.”

“More than happy.” May stepped out of the way. “Anyway, dear, go say hi to your friends. I just wanted to tell you how good you did. We’re proud of you.”

“Not me, I’m worried you’re going to make me fat!” Dan stressed the last word by leaning forward at the waist. “But I’ll enjoy the ride. I’m going to get seconds.” Still rubbing his stomach, he headed off to the table.

“He’s impossible. But he does love good food.” May crossed her hands in front of her, still smiling.

Walking on air, Christie practically bounced to Sara and then plopped down beside her. “I think it’s going well.”

“Oh my God!” Sara’s cheek puffed up with food. “This is great. Perfect choice for your first serving.

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