"By you? No more than I already was..."
Thor laughs softly, gesturing to all the captured memories. "The pictures aren’t for visitors, they're for me. Any time I walk out the door, I remember where I've been, the people I've known, and all of my triumphs. It reminds me that I never have to fear the day."
It’s hard to imagine that this man has any fear in his heart. How could someone so imposing and pleasant be afraid of anything? He handled that dumbass cowboy like it was no big deal.
What is Thor afraid of?
“I like that,” I say, pointing to the body-building photo. “That certainly explains your physique.”
“I’m long retired from that world.”
“Retired from construction. Retired from bodybuilding. At the top of your chili cooking game. A brewery, gym, and auto-shop in your garage…” I raise my eyebrows. “Anything else?”
Thor grins. “Yes, breakfast—my favorite meal of the day. Come, let’s eat.”
“Oh, God. You’re a morning person.”
Thor leads me through the house, untying his apron to give me the perfect view of his bulging muscles in that tight t-shirt.
Maybe mornings aren’t so bad.
CHAPTER 4
THOR
We take breakfast on the back patio overlooking the fields that have been deep-fried by the summer sun. A breeze blows through my land, making it all wave for Sam. It’s a perfect morning for my perfect guest.
She devours my breakfast like she hasn’t eaten in days.
“Don’t they feed you?” I ask with a smile. “The circus?”
“Oh, yeah,” she snorts, inhaling her last piece of bacon. “But nothing like this. Usually massive subs, pizza, or crappy catering. Seriously, how did you get the eggs to taste like that?”
“Chef’s secret… plus arugula and lots of butter.” Finally, I take the lid off a small ceramic bowl sitting between us. “Now, I know you’ve had your fill of chili…”
“Oh, please, no more.”
“But this ismychili,” I insist. “Champion chili. This stuff got me a small distribution deal. Tiny, really. I’m only a few local markets. Still, it’sgood.”
“Fine.”
Sam groans, leans over, sticks her finger in the chili, and licks it clean.
Her eyes light up.
“That’s not chili…”
“It is,” I say, smiling wide. “Mine.”
“Whoa, it’sspicy.But, like, agoodspice, you know? That flavor… I’ve never tasted anything like it. Not astomatoeyormeatloafyas other chilis.”
“I stole a few ideas from my mother. She was a great cook. Overripe cloudberries make it creamy. They help balance the spice from the serrano peppers, and with the right spices and some brown sugar—“
“What’s a cloudberry?”
I laugh. “Something Finish people eat.”
“Well, sir, you’ve converted me. Toyourstyle of chili.”
