“It’s a wonderful day for a barn dance.” She looked up at the cloudless sky before meeting his gaze again. She nodded toward three long tables behind him, each covered in a red-and-white checked tablecloth. “Are those for the chili cookoff?”
He gave a nod. “The Rawlings family has six branches, and one member from each represents their family. Winner goes to the county contest.”
“I’ve never been to a chili cookoff before today.” Strands of hair that had escaped her braid tickled her shoulder. “I love chili.”
“Good thing.” He smiled. “’Cause you’re going to be tasting six different recipes.”
“I’m up for the challenge.” She tipped her head to the side. “Who’s representing your branch of the family?”
Tucker hooked his thumbs in his pockets. “You’re looking at him.”
“The pressure is on.” She gave him an impish smile. “Don’t try to bribe me. I can’t be bought off.”
“Well, shoot.” He gave a shake of his head. “There goes my evil plan. I’ve got to come up with a new one.”
Ellie laughed. “I’d better get to taking pictures. Gotta do my job.”
“Your job is to have fun.” He held her gaze. “You’re not here to work.”
“Then it’s a good thing I love to take photos.” She backed away. “See you and your pot of chili soon.”
He touched his fingers to the brim of his hat, his lips twitching with amusement.
She blew out her breath as she walked away from him. It wasn't easy to make herself do what she was here to do rather than hang around him as much as she could. This was his time to meet with his family and friends, not to spend too much time with her.
Ellie chatted with guests and asked if they’d mind if she took a picture of them, possibly to go on the ranch’s site. About half had no problem with it, and the other half declined. Ellie ran into some people she was acquainted with and others she knew pretty well.
“Hey, Ellie.” A male voice drew her attention, and she saw that it was a King Creek Fire Department firefighter, Grady Donovan, whom she’d met through Leeann last year.
“Fancy meeting you here, Grady.” She gave him a warm smile. “How’d you end up in Gold Canyon?”
The man, who looked fantastic in uniform or the jeans and T-shirt he now wore, gave her a little grin. “Maddee Rawlings and I have gone out a few times. She invited me, so I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”
“I liked her a lot when I met her and Tucker earlier this week.” Ellie held up her camera. “They hired me for my social media skills, so I’m here to get things started.”
“You made it, both of you.” Maddee swept up to them and flashed her beautiful smile. “Are you two friends?”
“We met last year.” Grady hugged Maddee. “Nice to see another person from King Creek.”
“Since we’re in the same county, there’s some crossover.” She hugged Ellie, which surprised her since they’d just met a few days ago. “Can you take our picture, Ellie?”
“Absolutely.” Ellie smiled at Grady. “You’re going on the website and social media no matter how much you bellyache about it.”
“You bet,” Maddee said.
Grady laughed. “Just get my name right.”
Ellie snapped several photos, lowered the camera, and glanced at the cookoff tables. Six people, including Tucker, stood behind them. “It looks like the main event is about to happen.”
She turned to Grady. “Can you take photos for me? One of each contestant and a couple of the other judges?”
“Sure thing.” He took the cameral from Ellie as she handed it over and thanked him.
“Go on now.” Maddee shooed her in the direction of the tables. “Can you be bribed?” she called out as Ellie walked away.
Ellie looked over her shoulder and gave Maddee a quick grin. “Tucker already tried. No go.”
Maddee gave a dramatic pout, and Ellie headed toward the tables. Tucker stood on the far right, behind a large metal cookpot. He wore a blue apron with the words “Whatever happens, we’re eating it” scrawled across the front in white.
