Page 16 of Set My Soul Ablaze
“That’s a beautiful idea, honey. I’m glad you’re getting out of the house. Would you like me to help you?”
“I’d appreciate that a lot. It’s been a minute since we cooked together.”
Mama and Granny Adrienne were the ones who influenced my love for cooking. Sunday night dinners were when we’d congregate in the kitchen, everybody with a task to help complete the meal. My task was always greasing pans or mixing cornbread. Simple tasks that made a big difference.
When Granny passed, Sunday dinners fizzled out. I always had a goal to revamp Sunday dinners for the family, but with Juda always in an unpredictable mood, I never wanted to chance it.
She smiled. “You’re right. Let me do something to this hair of mine real quick.”
“Take your time. I’m about to take a quick shower and get myself ready.”
“Perfect. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
She gave me a playful wink before heading back into her room. For the first time since the fire, I was excited to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air.
Lord, let this be a step in the right direction.
“Welcometo the 143 Fire Station. Cade’s Cove’s central fire department hub,” Chloe, our receptionist, greeted someone.
“Hi. I’m not sure how these things work, but I’m here to drop off some food to the firefighters who helped me a few days ago. Do I just leave the food here, or am I able to thank them personally?”
The familiar voice made me stop in my tracks.
“If you give me a few moments, I can see if any of the firefighters who were on the call are here.”
“Of course.”
I tossed the half-eaten apple into the bin beside me and wiped my hands on the gray slacks I wore, before I made my way to the reception desk where the voice came from.
“Well, look who the wind blew in. Hey, Mali.” My tone was light and playful. I pulled my lips into a big smile. I couldn’t hide the excitement I had at the sight of her. A part of me was sure I’d never see her again, but I was grateful to see her.
Her gaze met mine as her lips tugged into a smile. “Hey, Flame.”
Now, in the light of day, I got a better look at her and couldn’t help but let my eyes roam her frame. She wore a sleeveless romper that showed off her curves in the best way. On her left shoulder was a small tattoo of flowers on a vine. Her hair was no longer hidden by the bonnet. Instead, her dark brown tresses fell down her back in deep curls.
She was taller than average height, with wide hips and an ass that could be seen from the front. I could tell it was homegrown. She was my type, but it would be unprofessional of me to pursue her romantically—conflict of interest with me being on the team that saved her life and all.
“What brings you by?” I asked as I closed the distance between us.
As I approached her, the smell of her perfume infiltrated my senses. Whatever scent combination she wore was something I’d never smelled before. It was warm and sweet and uniquely hers.
“I wanted to bring y’all my favorite dish as a thank you for what y’all did the other night. If it weren’t for y’all . . .”
“It’s what we do. Is it just the pan? Do you need help?”
“I have two other pans in the trunk of my car. I made Cajun pasta with steak and sausage. I also made fried chicken and garlic bread to go with it if people didn’t like the pasta. I originally planned to bring cookies, too, but my mama decided y’all needed banana pudding and peach cobbler instead.”
My stomach growled at the anticipation of devouring the home-cooked meal. I closed my eyes and licked my lips slowly.When my eyes opened, Mali looked at me with a smirk on her face.
“I thought I lost you for a second, Flame,” she joked.
A light chuckle left my lips as I replied, “Nah. I’m definitely alive and ready to eat. Y’all threw down like that for us?”
“Yes, we did. It was the least I could do, honestly.”
“I can’t wait to dig in. Let me get some extra hands to help you. Chloe, can you check her in with a visitor pass while I go get some extra hands, please?”
“Of course, Flame.” Chloe batted her lashes in my direction before she turned to take Mali’s ID for a visitor sticker.
