“I’m as intimidating as a ladybug.”
“A ladybug who carries a machete,” he joked.
“You mean a spatula.”
“Let’s just say you set the bar high for people who work here.”
Her shoulders drooped. “Not that quality matters to customers if they can save money at the place in Summit Ridge.”
Jayden added bagels to the tray. “They’ve gone overboard with loss leaders.”
Loss leaders on what had been her top-selling products. Maybe that was their plan to bring in customers, but each time she created a new product, they did, too. It felt personal. “I don’t know how they are making money.”
“They can’t keep it up for much longer, or they’ll go out of business.” Jayden grabbed another tray from the tall rolling cart filled with trays of baked goods. “People will be back.”
She nodded, trying not to get discouraged. “I keep waiting for someone else to quit and go to work there.”
“Stop worrying. Those who wanted to leave took the offers. The rest of us didn’t.”
Jayden’s package had included benefits and the title of manager. Part of her thought he should have taken it, but she was relieved he hadn’t. “Thanks for staying.”
“We’re a team.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “The others who are still here feel the same way. Things will turn around when the newness of the other place wears off, and they raise prices.”
“I hope so.”
If not, and if the outdoor patio and exposure from the summer fair didn’t bring in more business, Taryn had no idea what she would do.
Chapter Two
After flying into Seattle and driving to Silver Falls, Garrett Andrews rolled his suitcase into Margot Winslow’s charming two-story house. The wood molding, built-ins, and bright quilts hanging like tapestries provided character. So did her dogs. The pair jumped on his legs, panting and acting as if he were a giant piece of bacon.
A small, tan pup barked.
The sharp sound bounced off the hardwood floor and echoed through the entryway before the door shut with a thud. That didn’t quiet…
Sadie and Angus.
Those were their names, but he couldn’t remember if Sadie was the smaller, barking dog or if she was the quieter, medium-sized, black and gray one. Whoever was who, they were as loud and as energetic as when he’d visited in December.
The little one placed his front paws on Garrett and barked again. The larger sniffed his shoes before examining his suitcase.
He laughed. “I thought cats were the curious ones.”
“Down. Don’t bark, Angus.” Margot used a firm tone before patting the dog’s head. She glanced up at Garrett. “He gets excited when we have company.”
Garrett repeated their names silently, staring at each dog, so he wouldn’t forget which was which. Might as well say them out loud. “Angus is fine. Sadie, too.”
“It’s a good thing I had no children, or they’d be spoiled like these two.”
The dogs didn’t settle.
Angus barked.
“Oh, sweet boy.” With her long, flowing skirt, knitted tunic, a patchwork, knee-length quilted vest, and a single braid reaching her waist, she reminded him of an Earth Mother type. Only her gray hair suggested she might be in her sixties, not fifties. “You remember Garrett. He’s one of Callie’s brothers. That makes him family.”
Almost family, but no reason to quibble since the wedding between her nephew, Brandt Winslow, and Garrett’s sister, Callie, was a week from Saturday.
He didn’t know if aunt-in-law was an official term, but Margot took the role seriously based on the “nephew” birthday card he received from her in April. “Just wait until my two brothers arrive next week. Little Angus won’t know what to do.”
“He’ll enjoy the company.”
“Thanks for letting us stay here. Callie’s cottage is cute, but it was too crowded at Christmastime. I can’t imagine being there with the wedding prep.”
“You mean stress. None of you would have any fun. Now that Angus has settled, let me welcome you properly.” Margot hugged Garrett before motioning to his left hand. “How is a handsome lawyer like you still single?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t met the right woman.”
Margot’s blue-eyed gaze narrowed. “Most likely, you haven’t found a woman more interesting than your work.”
“True.” Garrett remembered what Brandt had told him. “Is this where I’m supposed to tell you not to play matchmaker?”
Margot placed her hand over her heart, feigning innocence. “Who, me?”
Garrett laughed. “I’m a trial attorney, remember? I know all the moves and tells, so don’t pretend with me.”
“My nephew is spinning yarns.”
Sadie nudged him with her nose, and he petted her head. “The evidence suggests you take the Fifth or plead guilty.”
“Don’t go all lawyer on me, Garrett Andrews.” Margot picked up Angus. “There are several lovely single women who would catch your eye if you look up from your phone.”
“I’m sure there are.” One popped into his mind. Garrett rubbed his neck. Now wasn’t the time to think about Taryn Lawson. “But there’s a reason your matchmaking won’t work. I live in L.A. and spend at least eighty hours a week at my office or in the courtroom. Relationships are hard even when I live in the same city as someone.”
“A little vacation romance wouldn’t hurt.”
Hadn’t he said the same thing in December? At least he and Taryn hadn’t been interested in anything more than hanging out over the holidays. “Yes, but what if it turned into something more? A long-distance relationship would be impossible.”
“If you met the right person, you could make it work.”
Brandt was correct about his aunt. She wanted everyone paired up. “Please don’t arrange any blind dates or accidental meetings or whatever else you do to fix up people.”
Margot pouted. “You’re no fun.”
He laughed. “I’m not. I’m also a partner in a big L.A. law firm, so my life is there. I can’t uproot if I fall for some small-town girl who plans on living and dying in Silver Falls. Another reason not to play matchmaker. But Keaton’s house-sitting for Callie while she’s on her honeymoon. I’m sure he’d love to meet women while he’s in town.”
His younger brother would kill him, but a summer romance was precisely what the serious professor needed.
Mischief gleamed in her gaze. She shifted Angus to her other hip. “Oh, yes. I know the perfect woman for him.”
Better Keaton than Garrett. “I’m sure you do.”
Margot wagged a finger. “It’s your turn the next time you’re in town.”
That wouldn’t be for a while, but… “What about Flynn?”
“I’ve been trying to figure out who would make the best wife for a surgeon.” She sounded perplexed.
Garrett laughed, but she would soon realize what the entire family knew. Flynn might never find a woman who measured up to his exacting standards. “I’m sure you’ll come up with someone, eventually.”
“Oh, I will.” Margot motioned to the stairs. “Since you’re the first here, you can choose which guest room you want. Each has the door open and towels at the end of the bed. Pick whichever one appeals to you.”
“Callie mentioned this would be like staying in a B&B only with a doting innkeeper and three delicious meals a day.”
Margot brushed off his words before setting Angus on the floor. “My manager does a wonderful job at the quilt shop, so I’ve cut my hours. Having people around will be fun. Otherwise, this big house gets too quiet with just me, Sadie, and Angus.”
“Well, I appreciate it.”
“Do you have many plans while you’re here?”
“I have some work to do, but I came early in case Callie needed help.” Though the real reason he was there was to keep from losing his vacation. He’d accrued too much, even after spending two weeks in Silver Falls over the
holidays.
“Your sister’s to-do list grows by the day.”
“Happy to lend a hand, especially since Flynn and Keaton won’t be here for a few more days.”
“There will be plenty for your brothers to do once they arrive.”
“If I know Callie and my mom, you’re right.” That reminded Garrett. “If you need anything while I’m here…”
“Now that you mention it.” Margot reached into her vest pocket and removed a piece of paper. “I’m making dinner for your family tonight. Would you mind picking up a few items so I can concentrate on cooking?”
“Sure.” His suitcase was in the way. “Let me put my bag upstairs, and then I’ll get whatever’s on your list.”
“Thank you.” Margot’s blue eyes twinkled. “I love that I’m gaining a niece and three more nephews. More people to run my errands.”
“That’s one way to look at it.”
“And more to buy Christmas presents for.”
He laughed. “That’s another.”
Garrett carried his suitcase to the second floor. He took the bedroom farthest from the bathroom, which had a queen-sized four-poster bed. Two towels, a hand towel, and washcloths sat on a beautiful quilt, most likely sewn by Margot.
As he changed into shorts and a T-shirt, a bird sang outside his window. The cheerful tune brought a smile to his face. He peered out, not seeing anything but branches and leaves in the tall maple tree. He hoped the bird came back.
Garrett returned downstairs. “What do you need me to get?”
Margot handed him the list and a large canvas tote bag. “There are a few stops, but I only need an item or two from each place, so if you feel like walking, you can.”
“I could use the exercise after the flight and drive.” As he read over the list, his gaze zeroed in on one line.
Two loaves of artisan bread from Lawson’s Bakery.
His breath hitched. An image of Taryn’s pretty smile and adorable dimples formed in his mind. He’d had a valid reason for not contacting her in January, but he was here for two weeks. Maybe they could reconnect.
“See something interesting?” Margot asked.
Garrett kept his expression neutral. Something he’d learned to do working in the DA’s office before striking out on his own. He didn’t want her to guess he’d been thinking about Taryn. “A few things.”
“Well, the oven timer is about to buzz. Off you go.”
He folded the list, tucked it into his shorts pocket, and held on to the tote bag. “Have fun cooking.”
As he walked toward First Avenue, the sun beat down on him. He put on his sunglasses.
When he reached the strip of businesses, Garrett stopped. The town was no longer decked for the holidays. Instead of garland and wreaths, flower baskets hung from the old-fashioned-looking streetlamps. People strolled in and out of buildings. Two women pushed strollers as a kid rode past them on a skateboard.
Silver Falls was nothing like downtown L.A. where he lived in a high-rise condo. But the slower, quieter pace of the small town appealed to him on a gut level. Not as a place to live permanently, but he enjoyed visiting.
Garrett stared up the street. He could go one of two ways—hit the shops on the right side first or cross the road to the left. If Garrett stayed on this side, the bakery would be his last stop. He didn’t know if Taryn would be interested in picking up where they left off, but perhaps they could grab a drink or a meal together.
Flutters filled his stomach.
He hadn’t felt those since…December.
That made Garrett’s decision an easy one. He stayed on the right side of the street.
He picked up two pounds of beans at the coffee shop. The small sample of iced coffee refreshed him, so that he could hit the next place. Two yards of fabric was waiting for him at Margot’s quilt shop. The liquor store had one champagne and two wine bottles for Margot. A good thing he had the tote bag, or he would have been juggling too many shopping bags. He purchased batteries from the hardware store. A jar of salad dressing from the Falls Café came next.
He studied Margot’s list. Only one stopped remained—Lawson’s Bakery.
As he opened the door, a bell dinged. Not the jingling he remembered. The smell, however, hadn’t changed. The mouthwatering aroma of baking bread tickled his nose. He would order something, or he’d never survive until dinnertime.
The tables were empty. That surprised him, given how crowded the place was the last time he was there. The pleasant weather might be the culprit, or people ordering to go.
Garrett approached the counter. He hadn’t taken three steps when Taryn stepped out from the kitchen.
She wore all-white clothes with a hairnet and cap. Six months had passed, but she looked the same. No, that wasn’t entirely true. She was prettier than Garrett remembered. He waited for her light-up-his-life grin to appear.
Her gaze met his, and her eyes widened. “Garrett?”
Her voice was tentative…surprised.
He got that. They hadn’t seen each other in months. “Hey. Margot sent me by for two loaves of your artisan bread.”
“She phoned in the order and prepaid.”
Taryn grabbed a bag from under the counter and handed it to him. She moved so fast he almost dropped it.
But a whiff of Taryn’s sugary scent brought memories of her sweet kiss to the surface. Yes, getting together sounded better and better.
Garrett added the bread to the tote. It barely fit.
“Thanks.” He flashed his most charming smile, the one that worked as well with the women on a jury as it did at a party. “I’m in town for Callie’s wedding. I’ll be here for two weeks.”
Taryn raised a brow and pressed her lips together.
She must want him to ask her out. That was fine with him. He’d start with something easy so that they could catch up. Then he would invite her for a meal. “Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Seriously?”
He nodded. “Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans. Say three, unless you can’t take off. I have a few things to do but have a flexible schedule. The same as the last time I was here.”
Not exactly subtle, but at least she would know where he was coming from.
Her jaw tensed. Lines deepened on her forehead. “I don’t believe this.”
Her harsh tone surprised him. “What?”
Taryn’s lips thinned. “You have some nerve, waltzing in here as if you hadn’t ghosted me over six months ago.”
He stiffened. They’d agreed to keep in touch but made no promises. Neither of them wanted a relationship, so he didn’t know where her anger came from. “I had a reason—”
“Save it for someone who cares. I’m not stupid enough to fall for a made-up excuse now that you’re in town and want to pick up where we left off.” She stared down her nose. “I’m not interested in a selfish man who is only after something convenient for him. Forget having coffee. I’d rather not see you again.”
Each word hit like a slap to his face. He didn’t understand her reaction. Okay, he might have handled things better in January, but she acted as if he’d dumped her. “Look, I get you’re upset, but we never said we were girlfriend and boyfriend. I had a good reason not to call you. There was—”
“Do you want anything else?” she interrupted.
He wanted to apologize, but she appeared too upset to listen. “I’d like a molasses cookie, please.”
“I’ll have Jayden get that for you. One moment.” She disappeared into the kitchen.
A minute later, Jayden came out, pulling on plastic gloves. The baker had always been friendly, joking around and wearing a big grin. Today, his expression was pinched and his eyes dark.
“How are you?” Garrett asked.
“One molasses cookie coming up.” Jayden placed a cookie in a small paper bag. “Here you go.”
Garrett jockeyed the bags to remove his wallet. “How much?”
Jayden glanced over hi
s shoulder, but no one was there. “On the house.”
“Taryn’s upset.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“I tried to explain.”
Jayden rolled his eyes before crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re a lawyer. You should be smart enough to realize it’s too late.”
Garrett didn’t want to leave without explaining, but he might have to wait. He shoved a five-dollar bill in the tip jar. He was here for two weeks—plenty of time to explain.
As he opened the bakery’s door, the bell rang again.
“Is he gone?” Taryn’s voice sounded shaky.
Tension drew his shoulder blades together. Garrett had never heard her speak that way. He forced himself not to glance back to make sure she was okay. But he didn’t need a visual cue to know she wasn’t.
He was the reason, even if it made no sense to him. Okay, he’d ghosted her, but Taryn should have let him explain why. Instead, she made it clear he wasn’t welcome.
Fine.
He would keep his distance.
Silver Falls was small, but how hard would it be to avoid the bakery and her while he was in town?
What was that phrase Taryn always used?
Easy-peasy.
Chapter Three
As Garrett sat at Margot’s dining room table, the conversation bounced like ping-pong balls from one topic to another. Brandt and Callie updated everyone on the wedding, and their heart eyes would make a lesser man gag. But seeing his little sister so happy pleased Garrett.
His father wiped his mouth with a napkin. He appeared to enjoy the meal and the company. Not once had he glanced at his cell phone during dinner. That had to be a record.
“Pass the bread, please,” his father said.
Garrett handed him the plate full of warm-from-the-oven slices. He hadn’t taken a piece. Based on the hurt in Taryn’s eyes and voice, her feelings for him had changed since December. The signs had been there from the start. No expertise in body language, facial expressions, tells, and vocal tone needed.
And it sucked.
His appetite waning as the uncomfortable knot in his stomach grew, Garrett pushed food on his plate, so no one noticed he wasn’t eating. He was a good person, not like other jerks in L.A. who messed around and broke hearts as if it were a game of pool. He’d never been that guy at his fraternity or in law school. Sure, he dated a lot, keeping things casual, but he respected women and never wanted karma to get him via Callie.
A Slice of Summer Page 2
