Light my fire

When journalist Anna walks through the doors of the hottest new BBQ restaurant owned by Jake Emerson, the grill isn't the only thing heating up. But is romance on the menu?

- Audrey Wick

Anna pushed through the front doors of Up In Smoke, the newest BBQ restaurant attracting customers from over 100 miles away. Anna’s editor had assigned her to cover the commotion.

“We need you there, in person,” she insisted, which is how Anna had landed here, in a place that—from the outside—didn’t look like much. Smoke from the outdoor pits shadowed the modest wooden building. Rustic decor flanked the entrance as country music met her ears.

A line of customers snaked to the serving counter, all smiles amid air twinged by mesquite and black pepper. She shook back her hair as she adjusted to the din.

“So this is what social media sites don’t show…” As much as she had tried to follow new postings, none had prepared her for the intensity of Up In Smoke itself.

Or the actual view of Jake Emerson in the flesh, who was every bit as handsome in person as she suspected. And then some.

Jake edged his way around customers, balancing a tray of smoked meats fresh from the outdoor pits. He wore a red apron pulled taut across his strong upper body. Weathered jeans and rugged boots made him look more like a cowboy than a cook.

“Order up!” his deep voice rang through the crowd, their