Page 14 of By Any Beans Necessary

Jeff looked up from the books, a surprised expression on his face. "I'd like that," he said, beaming. "I owe you dinner, after all."

Michelle couldn't help but feel relieved and excited. Maybe, just maybe, they could take their friendship to the next level, and this could be the start of it.

As they continued to work, Taylor returned, looking between them with a knowing smile. "Looks like everything is almost sorted," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I can't thank you two enough for all your help."

Michelle and Jeff shared another smile before finishing up and grabbing their coats.

"You ready?" he asked as he reached out his hand to her.

"Where did you have in mind?" she asked in return as she placed her hand in his.

"Follow me and find out," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

They left the warmth of the library, stepping into the cool night. The glow from the streetlights cast playful shadows on the sidewalk as they walked side by side.

"Okay, so there's this new taco truck down the?—"

"Watch out," Michelle cried as Jeff narrowly avoided colliding with a skateboarder zooming past.

"Whoa, thanks," he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Almost became roadkill. Not the kind of meat I had in mind for tacos."

"Life on the edge," Michelle teased, heart still racing from the near miss.

"Nothing says romance like a brush with death," Jeff joked, and they both laughed, rounding the corner to find the taco truck parked just ahead.

"Let's hope their food is less life-threatening," Michelle teased.

"Here's hoping," Jeff agreed.

As they approached the taco truck, the scent of grilled meat and spices filled the air, making Michelle's stomach growl in anticipation.

The line at the taco truck was longer than they expected, giving them a chance to catch up and enjoy each other's company as they waited. Jeff repeated a couple of humorous incidents from the academy, but their laughter was cut short when an overenthusiastic crow swooped down, aiming for the salsa station. A cascade of red sauce splattered across Jeff's shirt.

"Seriously?" he exclaimed, staring down at the mess in disbelief. "That bird has impeccable aim."

"Or terrible manners," Michelle offered, trying to stifle her giggles as she handed him a handful of napkins.

"Guess I'm wearing dinner after all," Jeff sighed, wiping at the stain. "You sure know how to pick 'em, Parker," he muttered to himself.

"Come on," Michelle said, nudging him gently as she grabbed their plates of tacos from the truck window. "Let's eat before anything else decides to attack us."

They sat down at a nearby picnic table, savoring the mouthwatering flavors.

"These are amazing," Michelle said, her mouth full of taco goodness. She watched as Jeff expertly folded his taco, taking a moment to appreciate his hands—strong, yet gentle, with just a hint of roughness.

"Delicious," Jeff declared, mouth full of food. "This was worth the assault."

"Agreed," Michelle smiled, her earlier nerves replaced by an unexpected sense of contentment.

"Next time, maybe we should wear bibs," Jeff suggested, eyebrows raised playfully.

"Or full body armor," Michelle countered, her laughter mingling with his.

As they continued to eat, their conversation flowed as easily as the salsa had from the crow-stricken station, the night unfolding with the promise of more shared smiles and unforeseen adventures.

Michelle couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest. Was it the spicy food or the growing connection between them? She couldn't be entirely sure, but the mixture of the two was intoxicating.

Jeff glanced over at Michelle, his gaze lingering on her lips as she licked a stray drop of sauce off her finger. "I'm glad you suggested going out to dinner," he admitted, his voice low and husky. "I've been wanting an excuse to spend more time with you."

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