Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

“Josiah just texted. He says, ‘Incoming.’”

“What does that mean?”

“That’s Josiah speak for ‘Garrett is coming here.’”

A twinge of nervousness pinged through me. “Why would he come here?”

“I bet he’s with Zachary,” Marigold said. “He must know you’re here and wants to see you.”

I bit my bottom lip. Was I ready to see him? I felt like a mess. My hair was in disarray, I probably had flour on my face. I needed to put the cookies in the oven, but I had a feeling if I did, I’d wind up burning them. So I left them on the counter and turned off the oven. I didn’t want to tempt my bad luck into striking again, especially in someone else’s house.

A moment later, we heard the sound of a car outside. My heart sped up and my stomach felt jumpy. I had the urge to shove a bunch of peanut butter cookie dough into my mouth, but I stopped myself.

Marigold got up and went to the door, then paused. “Is that singing?”

Audrey and I shared a glance. After a second, I heard it too. Men’s voices, almost chanting, as if they were singing an old-fashioned drinking song.

The door flew open and Zachary came in. Garrett had his arm draped over Zachary’s shoulders and he leaned against him, as if he were having trouble standing on his own.

“Squirrel, oh squirrel, high up in the tree,” they sang together, “bury them nuts, but save some for me. Have a whiskey, have a bourbon, a scotch or a beer. But don’t kick the squirrel, make sure the way’s clear.”

They both laughed hysterically, as if that was the funniest thing they’d ever heard. Garrett especially.

I met Audrey’s eyes, confusion plain on my face.

“Old Tilikum drinking song.” She shrugged. “I guess drunk lumberjacks don’t make sense.”

“Oh boy.” Marigold ushered them in and shut the door behind them. “Scale of one to ten, honey. How drunk are you?”

“Zero,” Zachary said, enunciating the word. “I can’t say as much for this guy, though.”

“I’m not drunk.” Garrett stumbled. “Much.”

“This is definitely my fault.” Zachary patted Garrett’s chest. “Sorry, gorgeous.”

“It’s okay,” Marigold said. “Should we get him to the guest room?”

“I think couch is our best bet.” Zachary’s gaze moved to me. “Sorry, Harper. Didn’t want him going home to Owen like this.”

“Is Owen alone?”

“Nah, Luke’s over there. He’ll spend the night.”

“Where we are?” Garrett asked, blinking hard.

“My house, bro,” Zachary said. “Your girl’s here, by the way. I know you’re drunk, but maybe don’t say anything stupid.”

Garrett narrowed his eyes at me. “Harper?”

It was hard not to laugh. The straight-backed sheriff’s deputy was nowhere to be seen. This Garrett had a lazy smile and looked like he might fall over.

He was so endearing, I could hardly stand it.

“Yeah, I’m here. Why don’t you go lie down. You don’t look like you’re going to be able to stay on your feet much longer.”

“Too much drank,” he mumbled. “No. Drank too much.”

“I can see that.”