Braised was packed to the gills and the woman-to-man ratio was ten to one. The preliminary contest between the Harris and Montgomery county firemen had arrived. They would choose the top twelve tonight for the calendar and the winner for the calendar cover would be selected at Bubbles the following weekend. The Hot Buns competition would take place tonight since it was the overall theme. All the firemen competing strutted around in their tightest pair of denim cut-offs.
Melvina worked her way through the crowd to the kitchen. The rolls she’d kneaded in the mixer a few hours earlier had now turned golden brown in the oven. Melvina was competitive when it came to baking. She’d be lying if she said the contest was all in fun and for a good cause. She wanted to win. Just like she’d wanted to win every other contest she’d entered before.
Riley worked on the other side of the prep area, but she felt his eyes on her as she put another baking sheet of rolls in the oven.
Smiling, he approached her with a pan of his own. His rolls had fluffed up three times the size of hers. She deflated with worry. “Wow,” was all she could say.
“Nervous?” he teased.
“It’s not about the size. It’s the taste,” she reminded him.
“Sounds like something I’ve heard my brother’s crew swear on barbecue Sunday.” He slid past her, purposely brushing his backside against her as he passed to the oven. He turned, looking over her shoulder with a brazen look, “Mind if I join mine with yours?”
Melvina rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling at him. “It’s your oven.”
Riley put the rolls in and set a separate timer. He came back, putting his hands on either side of her, coming in close to brush his lips softly against hers.
“So, what will you do if you win?” he asked.
Melvina shook her head. “I can’t keep the money because I’m a Blossom, so I’m supposed to pick a charity. I’ve already selected the library and the mentor program, though we haven’t come up with an official name yet. What about you?”
Riley nodded at her charitable answer. “I’m gonna buy a new Harley.”
Melvina slapped him on the side with her dishtowel. “You are not. For one, a thousand dollars wouldn’t even buy you a moped, and two, you run this place, so it wouldn’t look good to keep the winnings.”
He laughed, standing straighter. “I guess you’re right. I’m not much on old, dusty books, but my nephews really seem to like that library. Maybe I’ll donate my prize money there.”
Melvina nodded her approval. “That’s nice of you—if you win.”
He grabbed her to him, leaning them back against the opposite counter in the galley. “We’ve got twenty-five minutes. You wanna go to my office and make out?”
Melvina felt the heat of his body through the kitchen frock she wore over her nice jeans and blouse. She smiled at his devilish grin. “I don’t think this is the time or the place. Though I appreciate the offer.” She backed away from him, looking around the almost empty kitchen. Her eyes locked with a newcomer at the set of stainless-steel kitchen doors.
A lanky busboy pointed the chief in their direction. Manny didn’t move toward them, but instead turned and followed the busboy out.
“Manny, wait,” Melvina called out as she tried to catch up with him. She glanced back at Riley, who gave her a nod to go.
Clutching a swinging door with one hand, she scanned the restaurant and spied the chief headed toward the bar. When she caught up with him, he was talking to Ran. She put her hand on his forearm. “Can I talk with you for a moment?”
She could see by the look in his eyes that he didn’t want to talk to her, but Manny was always a gentleman. He turned to Ran, who excused himself on a pretend errand.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while now, but our paths haven’t crossed in a proper manner.” The heat raced to her cheeks as she tried to explain her hesitation.
Manny shook his head to stop her. “Melvina, you don’t have to explain to me. It’s clear that you have feelings for Riley, and I’m not the kind of guy to stand in the way.” His eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled at her with kindness and what looked like regret.
Her heart lurched with sadness. She hated hurting him and knew she was letting a good man go. But, how could she be with Manny when her heart had already embraced Riley?
Her breath caught at the sudden realization.
I love Riley!
She clutched the apron just over her heart.
“Melvina, you okay?”
She stared up at the chief, losing all the words she’d wanted to say to him. “Yes—I mean no. This wasn’t what I’d planned.”
Manny touched her shoulder. “Life rarely ever is.” His sage words were like a balm to her guilt. “It’s okay, Melvina. You’re a wonderful gal, and Riley is a lucky man. I hope this won’t keep you from coming ’round to the station with those blessed cupcakes. After all, your friendship is something I would truly miss.”
Melvina smiled. “You can always count on my cupcakes and my friendship,” she said in a loyal tone. Manny’s big heart and down-to-earth personality was what she loved most about him. He was offering them both a way out of any discomfort and giving her his blessing to find love. What a rare man. There was a clattering of heels on the wooden floor and both of them turned to see who was rapidly approaching the bar.
“I need a double martini with Tito’s Vodka and four olives.” Waiting a beat, Mona flung her hand up dramatically. “Hold on,” she called out and the bartender spun on his heel. “Make it a dirty martini—really dirty,” Mona drawled out as she sidled up to them on a barstool, swinging her legs around to face them. Her buoyant smile appeared as she stared at their silent greeting. “What? Did I interrupt something?”
Melvina smiled, remembering Mona’s earlier proclamation. “Manny and I were just talking through the festivities for the evening and he was just saying he needed a drink.” Melvina motioned to the bartender. “Buzz, get the chief a beer and put their drinks on my tab.” She waved and made her way back to the kitchen, leaving Manny in Mona’s capable hands. Even if Mona wasn’t his type, the chief was sure to have a good time in her company tonight.
The evening was a fun-filled affair with live music and bare-chested firemen in tight denim jeans. The smell of fried food, braised meat, and fresh yeast rolls wafted through the air. It was an even pick of men for the calendar. Six hot men from Montgomery County and six from Harris.
With so much hooting and hollering, Melvina thought she might permanently lose her voice and her hearing. It warmed her to see Mona half stand on her barstool, holding onto the chief as she whistled like a sailor. The chief laughed heartily, catching her as she almost toppled off. Melvina hoped Mona would go easy on the martinis so that she wasn’t a sloppy mess before the end of the night.
The baskets filled with hot rolls for the tasting were empty and the ballot boxes were taken away for the counting. Melvina felt anxious excitement when Celia took the stage, interrupting the band for the contest announcement. Melvina had successfully avoided Celia over the past few weeks, doing all their correspondences and organization for the contest through e-mail and third parties.
She didn’t know what had ever become of the tax problem Celia had created for herself, but she knew that all the figures that she’d gone over with Stan were straight as an arrow, and she had copies to prove it. If Celia were having any difficulties, you couldn’t tell it by her face. The woman was sporting a smile that could grace the cover of Vogue.
“I would like to again congratulate the winners of the Hot Buns Calendar Contest tonight. The Blossoms give each one of them a special thanks from everyone in the counties for their daily selfless service to the community as well as their goodwill for taking part in this event. As everyone knows, the money for this calendar will go toward building the new fire station and helping the community launch a program for children in need of strong role models. This is the time to step up and help them in their young lives. An excellent idea fostered by the chief himself.”
Loud applause went up, and Manny’s eyes met Melvina’s, a blanched look on his face. He held up his hand in protest and opened his mouth, but Melvina shook her head and gave him a wink, silently telling him not to bother. What did it matter who’d thought of the idea? It only mattered that the community was behind helping young kids like Maurice. The applause ebbed, and someone brought a piece of paper to Celia, who cleared her throat. “The totals are in and the best buns belong to….” She waited for The Tomball Cats’ drumroll. “Riley James Nash!”
A roar went up and the band started to play. Melvina’s heart sank a bit with disappointment, but she clapped loudly for Riley. She’d tasted his rolls and they were amazing. She had high hopes that the crowd would like hers better, but the money was for charity, and the community benefited either way.
Riley took the stage, and Celia threw her arms around him in a tight embrace, leaving a huge lipstick stain on his cheek. Melvina didn’t want to be a spoilsport, but she managed to avoid running into Celia all night and now that the contest was over, she could quietly make her way out. She had put her baking stuff in Eli’s car earlier. As if on cue, her brother spotted her and headed her way.
He put his arms around her and gave her a hug. “His rolls had too much butter in them. Yours were way better.”
Melvina made a snort as she laughed. “Too much butter, huh? And that’s a bad thing?”
Eli stood straight, looking down at her with his warm brown eyes. “Yeah, don’t listen to Honey Boo Boo, she doesn’t know anything about cooking.”
“More butter, more better,” Melvina laughed as she quoted the former child star. “Eli, you should be ashamed that you know that,” she teased.
“Look who’s talking,” he zapped back. They both rolled with laughter. “I caught Humphrey watching it, and it was such a train wreck I couldn’t look away.”
Melvina jabbed him in the middle with her finger. “Don’t blame your bad taste in reality TV on my dog.”
“Well, you better talk to him, because I bet he has Skin-a-max on right now, teaching Lulu things that young pups shouldn’t know about.” Eli took a swig of his beer as Pop joined them.
Pop scratched his head and looked at them both. “Are you two bickering again?” It reminded her of when they were growing up and her dad had caught them arguing over who could use the phone. Eli had scads of girlfriends early on, and Melvina had teased him mercilessly.
“Naw, Pop. I was just trying to cheer Mel up,” Eli confided.
Pop hugged her, and she hugged him back, appreciating his warmth. “They were delicious rolls. I’m proud of you no matter what.”
Melvina knew his words were sincere and it brought a small tear to her eye.
Pop cleared his throat. It was hard to hear over the ruckus around the bar. “I know you want your own bakery, Mel, but Pop’s wouldn’t be the same without you. You know the place is as much yours and Eli’s as it is mine. If it’s the money for the contest you’re upset about, I can give you the money.”
Melvina smiled at her father, who meant well. “I couldn’t have kept the money anyway, Pop. I talked to Stan the other night about my investments. I was hoping to have more saved by now, but it looks like a lot of my investments tanked in the last downturn in the market. I chose riskier stocks that had potential to earn more. It looks like you’re stuck with me for now.”
Her father rubbed her shoulder as she heard Riley’s voice chime in behind them. “Stuck where? You need a ride Melvina?”
“Congratulations, Riley.” She gave him a quick hug with a pat on the shoulder. “I have all my stuff in Eli’s car. I’m just going to catch a ride with him and Pop.” She tried not to sound as beaten as she felt.
Why are you acting like such a frump? It’s only a baking contest. Get over it, woman.
“I’d really like to take you. Give me a moment to speak to the staff, and I’ll drive you home.” Riley held a finger up as he backed through the crowd toward the packed bar. Melvina tried to stop him, but her voice was lost in the racket.
“Just go, Mel. I’ll leave your baking pans at the café when I drop Pop off. Go have some fun and forget about the bake-off. At least you took second place to someone who obviously cares about you, rather than Celia.”
At the mere mention of the name, Melvina remembered why she was ready to get out of there. With a last glance at the bar, she saw Mona wrapped in Manny’s arms. The chief looked like he was holding her dear friend up on her dangerously high heels rather than a romantic embrace, but it could be the beginning of something to soothe both their hearts. Melvina followed Eli and Pop out, and waved goodbye as they drove off.
Riley joined her only moments later. “You’re not sore at me, are you? “He wrapped her in his arms and brushed his lips across the top of her head. Melvina felt liquid heat race down her spine.
“I would be a pretty sore loser if I was.”
Riley squeezed her to him. “Good. Because I personally thought your rolls were better.”
Melvina laughed. “Yeah, Eli said that your rolls were way too buttery.”
Riley pulled back enough to look down at her in mock surprise. “What?”
Melvina laughed. “I know, like there is such a thing.”
Riley shrugged his shoulders. “Well, it all benefited the community either way, so it doesn’t really matter does it?”
“I don’t know, how would you feel if your butter rolls had taken a back seat to mine?”
Riley’s mischievous grin said it all. “Enough talk about hot dinner rolls. At the risk of sounding brazen, let’s go to my place so I can show you what’s in my pantry.”
Melvina laughed. “You already showed me what’s in your pantry and I have Humphrey and Lulu to care for. I better get home.”
Riley scratched his forehead with a look that said he wasn’t giving up. “How about we go grab the pups and we can all bunk down at my ranch tonight?”
Melvina’s eyes lit up. “Ranch? I picked you as a city boy. I was sure you lived in some fancy high-rise overlooking downtown or the Galleria.”
He chuckled warmly, “I do, but I also like to get out of town every chance I get and relax. It’s not too far from Magnolia. Let me take you there.”
His eyes were smoky with desire and Melvina forgot her earlier disappointment and Stanley’s bad financial news. Melvina nodded. “Sure. I’d like that.”
Humphrey gave Melvina a forlorn look as she opened the door. He sat with his head hung low as he glanced back at the living room. The doggy gate was lying in the floor half chewed and the trash bag’s contents were strewn as far as the eye could see. Riley came in behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Uh-oh.”
Melvina sighed, “It’s okay, Humphrey. I know you didn’t instigate this.”
Lulu came tearing around the corner into the kitchen when she heard Melvina’s voice. Her front paw was imprisoned in a mini Rice Krispies box as she jumped on Riley to say hello.
Riley laughed as he stooped to help remove the evidence. “Oh lord, Lulu, Humphrey has got to teach you how to look at least a little ashamed.”
Humphrey flopped down on the scuffed wood planks of the kitchen floor and let out a deep sigh.
Riley helped pick up the trash while Melvina gathered up the few things they would need for their overnight stay. It wasn’t long before they were back in Riley’s car headed for his ranch. Melvina couldn’t discern much about where they were in the pitch dark as they drove to get there, but as promised, it wasn’t far from her home.
As they got out of the car and she clipped the leash on Lulu, Riley told her not to bother. “Cows are out to pasture and horses are in the barn. The only thing they could get into trouble with is a porcupine, and hopefully God wouldn’t be that cruel to poor Humphrey tonight.”
Melvina’s eyes slowly adjusted to the dark and she could make out the simple ranch house that sat behind the many trees growing around the drive. Looking up at the sky, she picked out a few of the constellations she knew and was happy to see the Milky Way sparkling like gold dust in the night.
“I’ve never seen the Milky Way like this. It’s so bright out here.”
Riley held Melvina’s overnight bag in one hand and Lulu’s puppy bed in the other. Melvina clutched Humphrey’s bed to her chest as she looked at Riley’s handsome outline in the dark.
When they reached the porch, floodlights illuminated the area and Melvina could see more of her immediate surroundings. While Riley unlocked the door, Melvina reached down to pet the black and white cat she saw beneath the bush by the entrance.
“Riley, you never mentioned you like cats.”
“I like all animals, but I don’t have a cat.” Riley paused, turning. “Wait! Melvina, don’t touch that!” His words were drowned out by the dogs barking and the shock of the warm, putrid spray.
Melvina shot up from her knees to a standing position, pulling her t-shirt up to wipe her face. “Oh my God, Riley. It’s a skunk!” She couldn’t stop the obvious observation from parting her lips.
Riley disappeared inside and returned with a fresh towel and a bottle of water. Melvina doused her face and wiped it with the soft cotton towel. He then helped her with her things and led her inside to his bathroom. As she shut the bathroom door and began to disrobe, she heard him call out for Humphrey and Lulu. Hopefully he would find them before they tracked down the critter that sprayed her.
Melvina stood beneath the massive rain shower as six other jets streamed water all around and over her tired body. She’d hoped this would be another sexy evening with Riley so she could see if the passion they shared was the same as it had been when Mona had given her the Viagra. It wasn’t likely to happen now. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand to sleep with herself, let alone Riley. She heard the door latch click and Riley’s warm voice. “Can I come in?”
Melvina sniffed at her hands and frowned. She could still smell the skunk on her scoured flesh and moaned with dissatisfaction. “Enter at your own risk. I don’t think you’ll want to be within a mile of me now. Maybe you should just drive me home when I get out of here.” Melvina heard a soft popping noise and a few moments later, another and then another. She poked her head around the tile enclosure and saw industrial-sized cans of what looked like crushed tomatoes. “Riley, what in the world are you up to?”
He smiled at her as he opened the fourth can. “My brothers and I got skunked one time when we were kids and I remember my maw-maw putting us in a tub with tomato juice. I don’t remember if it worked entirely, but we sure had fun and made a big mess.”
Melvina looked at him doubtfully. “Riley, I don’t think I want to douse myself in crushed tomatoes or whatever that is.”
He gave her a wicked smile. “Oh, you’re not. I am.” With those last words, he shrugged out of his clothes, getting into the shower with a large can. Melvina squealed as he doused her with the first cold contents without ceremony. The freezing tomato puree poured over her body like a silken salve. The hot spray of the water made the steam smell like spaghetti and they both laughed. By the fourth can, Riley was rubbing her all over, and slipping around in the shower under the hot spray, washing the bits and pieces of tomato from her naked form.
They lathered in multiple layers of shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. Though Melvina could still smell the skunk, she was entranced by the feel of Riley’s own naked body touching her everywhere beneath the warm jets. The steam button had been activated. The shower vent crackled and popped before releasing a billow of hot steam into the tiled stall. Bits of crushed tomato swirled around the large silver drain. She hoped the tomato pulp wouldn’t clog Riley’s plumbing.
He reached out and grabbed a couple of thick towels from a teakwood table and made a bed on the built-in shower bench that lined the long wall. He pushed Melvina back onto the towels and ran his hands through her long, wet hair. She sat in the cloud of steam facing his taut middle, silently wondering how a chef as famous as Riley could be in such great shape. She reached a finger up to run it down his abs, then looked up at his parted lips. His erection bobbed at her touch and she wanted to move her hand lower, but Riley caught her wrist and kneeled before her. Without words, he leaned into her, taking her lips in a hot kiss that left her breathless as his attention slid lower down her neck and to her breast.
Melvina could only smell the lavender shampoo they had used and the eucalyptus billowing up through the steam. Riley took one erect nipple into his mouth and suckled her as her head tilted back in ecstasy. Her hands grabbed at his shoulders and head restlessly as she felt her woman’s pulse throbbing in demand. As if sensing the call of her body, his warm mouth slid down, slurping at the wet skin until he spread her legs and kissed the sensitive flesh of her thighs just above her knees. Sliding his warm tongue up to the juncture between her legs, Riley moaned with satisfaction. Melvina tried to hold back the gasp of pleasure as he lifted her hips higher to meet his hungry kiss. As his tongue delved inside her, darting in and out in a rhythm she could barely stand, she wrapped her legs around his shoulders and cried out in wild abandonment.
Sliding his body over hers, he gently cupped her breasts, kissing each nipple with tender care. Melvina pulled at his shoulders, beckoning him to enter her. She wrapped her legs around him, welcoming him when his manhood poised at the apex of her woman’s entrance. Sliding his hand behind the shampoo bottle, he retrieved the small item he’d stashed without her noticing earlier. With a quick tear of the foil wrapper, he was ready. Sliding inside her with ease, he filled her with the fullness she had been craving.
He slid his erection in and out, building a pressure inside them both that ached for release. Melvina cried out first as the intensity of their dance overwhelmed her senses. Riley’s tense frame followed suit as he groaned with deep satisfaction. There wasn’t enough room on the bench to roll to the side, so he wedged his hip between her legs, stroking the length of her slippery wet skin. Melvina couldn’t find the energy to rise in the aftermath of their lovemaking and the suddenly too-hot steam.
Staring up at the beautiful etched grey tiles that covered the walls and ceiling, she confessed, “Riley, I think I’m going to faint.”
