Chapter Fifteen
Chrissy held a graham cracker with a piece of chocolate out for Wyatt. He put the roasted marshmallow over it, and then she used the other piece of cracker to slide the marshmallow off the stick, sandwiching it all together in layered gooey goodness. “Do you want this one?” She offered it to Wyatt.
He shook his head. “Go for it, I’ll roast another.”
“Okay. I’ll get the rest of it ready for you when you bring it back.”
He flashed her a grin.
Chrissy relaxed in one of the two chairs they’d claimed. They were close enough to the bonfire to enjoy the experience, but far enough away that it wasn’t too hot. She could see Wyatt against the dancing red and orange flames, although the sun would be setting soon.
She bit into her s’more and released a contended sigh. This was a fabulous way to end the day. Dinner aside, it’d been nearly perfect. Sure, watching the volleyball game and helping the kids had been a lot of fun. Spending time on the beach searching for seashells and chasing the waves had been amazing. She would’ve enjoyed all of that if it’d been just her.
What made it all special, though, was experiencing it with Wyatt. When she’d first decided to pose as his girlfriend for this reunion, she’d been sure it would be a mistake. She’d have to thank Mom and Emma for encouraging her to go and Wyatt for being so convincing when he insisted she would enjoy it.
It’d be difficult to go back to real life again tomorrow. Would he still come by the coffee shop as often as he had before? If Emma started working at the country club, would Wyatt mind if Chrissy swung by once in a while to say hello to both of them?
She couldn’t imagine going back to being just friends or whatever it was they were before this weekend.
Wyatt returned with his roasted marshmallow. She rushed to put together the graham crackers and chocolate for him then laughed when he took a bite and had melted marshmallow stringing from his mouth to his hand.
He licked his fingers and chuckled. “Classy.”
That had her laughing harder as she finished her own treat and tried to wipe away the sticky residue on her hands. “They’re almost too messy to be worthwhile, aren’t they?”
“Bite your tongue, woman. S’mores are always worthwhile.” He waggled his eyebrows and finished the rest of his in one bite. “Although, I do think one will be enough for tonight.”
Chrissy agreed. Despite the tense atmosphere at dinner, she’d still managed to eat more than she normally did. There was no way she was going to let any of that shrimp go to waste. And the steak? It’d been amazing. She’d wished she could’ve wrapped up the leftovers and taken them home.
Wyatt sank into the chair beside her and reached for her hand.
Yeah, she could easily get used to this.
Gran approached from one side, a large cane in her right hand, with Lucy holding on to her left arm. She used the bottom of the cane to tap Wyatt’s foot. “I hope you are both stuffing yourselves silly.”
They smiled, and he nodded. “We did. Have you roasted marshmallows yet, Gran?”
She tilted her head toward Lucy. “That’s what we’re about to do now. It’s a lovely evening for a bonfire, don’t you think?” She looked up at the sky.
Chrissy’s gaze followed, and she marveled at how she could already see some of the brightest stars in the darkening sky. “So who won the poker game this afternoon?”
“Let’s just say there are some individuals, who will remain nameless, that are already insisting on a rematch next year to make some of their money back.” Gran gave her a wink. “You two young people enjoy the evening.”
Lucy gave them a wave and continued to escort Gran to a spot on the other side of the bonfire. Chrissy watched Gran unfold her cane into a chair that she eased herself into. “Your grandmother is a seriously amazing lady.”
“She really is.” He squeezed her hand. “I don’t know about you, but that s’more made me thirsty. I think there are drinks up at the patio. Can I grab you something?”
“A bottle of water would be great, thank you.” Between the sweet dessert and the warmth from the bonfire, her throat was parched.
“You’re welcome. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Save my seat?”
“Absolutely.”
Wyatt stood and then bent to place a kiss on her cheek near her ear before disappearing into the darkness behind her.
Chrissy touched her cheek and sighed contentedly.
She was staring at the bonfire and admiring the way the flames danced in the breeze when someone sat in Wyatt’s chair. She was turning to tell the person the seat was already taken when she realized it was Violet. Fantastic. Apparently, she was in the habit of nabbing newly-vacated chairs. If the sour look on the woman’s face was any indication, she hadn’t stopped for a friendly chat.
