Page 70 of The Way We Touch
Glancing at the closet, I remember a time she was telling me I could probably handle a Serrano pepper. Then she started teasing it with her tongue, saying how it wasn’t even that hot, and I had to back her into the supply closet and take her right there against the wall, hard.
Fuck, that was hot.
And I’ve got to shut down those memories before I pop a boner right here in the middle of Cooters & Shooters.
Tonight, I’m hanging back as Dylan skips around the kitchen, taking large platters of pizza out of the ovens.
“Is this Dare dish too lame?” She frowns up at me.
“It smells delicious.” I grab the pizza wheel to help her cut the large pies into small, servable squares.
“No need for gloves with this one, but I double-washed my hands just in case.” She gives me a wink. “Chocolate habaneros are one step down from the ghost pepper.”
“I’ll take a pass.”
“Are you saying you’ll never be a guest on Hot Ones?”
“Is that the show where they interview celebrities while making them eat hot sauce?”
“That’s the one!”
“No, ma’am.”
She breaks into a laugh, but Kimmie pouts as she rests her little chin on the tops of her fingers watching us. “I thought there was going to be chocolate.”
“They’re called chocolate habaneros because they’re brown.” Dylan leans down to kiss the top of her head. “They’re hotter than jalapeños, which means they’re too hot for you.”
The little girl makes a sad noise, and Craig walks over to place a chocolate kiss on the counter in front of her. “Don’t tell your dad.”
Her eyes light, and she scoops up the silver-wrapped candy. “Thanks, Uncle Craig!”
“Good girl,” he teases. “Are we ready? I’ve picked out a special song for tonight.”
“Something less stimulating than last week, I hope.” Dylan looks up at him. “Things got a little out of control.”
In the very best way, I want to add, but I don’t.
“That was your fault pulling out the Carolina Reaper.” Craig bumps her with his hip. “You’re going to like this one. It’s special. Come on, KJ, let’s do this.”
He grabs the little girl’s hand, and Allie breezes in as the two of them head out.
“Sorry I’m late!” She grabs an apron and drops it over her head. Her eyes are shining, and her smile is so big. “You’re not going to believe what Garrett just told me!”
I know what he told her.
“What?” Dylan straightens, brow furrowed.
“Austin is QB-2!” Her voice goes so high, I’m surprised glasses don’t break.
“QB-2!” Dylan meets her pitch, tossing her pizza wheel aside and running to her friend. The two of them jump up and down before falling into a hug and swaying side to side. “I’m so happy for you! My big brothers are the best.”
“Logan is, too!” Allie grabs my arm, pulling me into their hug. “Austin said it was so cool having two real live Pirates at camp this year.”
“He’s a talented kid.” I straighten, patting her arm. “I expect to see him go far.”
“Thank you, Logan.” Warmth is in her eyes as she picks up the platter Dylan has just filled with small pizza squares.
She practically skips out to the dining hall, and Dylan finishes stacking the rest on the second platter.