Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

He took my hand and led me through the entryway and down a short hallway. Pictures adorned the walls, reminding me that Garrett was from a big family. There were kids everywhere—mostly boys. I didn’t get a good look at every photo, but the image they painted made my heart ache a little. They looked so happy.

Owen was already in the kitchen, his hands shoved in the pockets of his hoodie, chatting with his grandma. Marlene Haven didn’t look as grandma-like as I’d been expecting. Her light brown hair had some gray and she wore it in a cute bob. She had beautiful blue eyes behind a pair of blue-rimmed glasses, and wore a navy T-shirt and jeans. A far cry from a little old lady, she looked vibrant.

“Well, hello,” she said, turning to me and Garrett with a warm smile. “You must be Harper. I’m Marlene. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Oh my goodness, she really meant that.

“Hi. I’m Harper. Wait, you already said that. It’s nice to meet you too. Sorry, I’m nervous.”

Her smile widened. “Don’t be. I promise, we don’t bite.”

“Most of the time.” A burly man in a red flannel came into the kitchen. He sidled up next to Marlene and spoke into her ear, “But only when we’re alone.”

“Paul,” she scolded, nudging him with her elbow.

His mouth turned up in a sly grin. He was clearly Garrett’s father. The resemblance was obvious, although Paul had a thicker beard.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” Owen said.

“Dad, this is Harper.” Garrett set the box on the counter. “She baked cookies for dessert.”

“Several kinds. And brownies too.”

Marlene’s eyebrows lifted. “That’s very generous of you.”

“I bake when I’m stressed,” I said, then wished I hadn’t. “I mean, I love doing it anyway, so I don’t mind.”

Paul opened the box and leaned in, inhaling deeply. “Garrett, you should stress her out more often.”

I laughed softly and it broke a bit of the tension I felt.

“Don’t even think about it,” Marlene said. “Those are for dessert.”

He was already lifting a chocolate truffle cookie out of the box. With a slight grin at his wife, he took a bite. His eyes closed for a second and he groaned. “Damn. Son, she’s a keeper.”

Garrett slipped his hand around my waist and drew me closer. “I know.”

“What kind are those?” Owen asked, crossing the kitchen to look in the box.

“Chocolate truffle cookies,” I said. “They have a crispy exterior and a soft, truffle-like middle. Very rich, which is why they’re small.”

Marlene shook her head in defeat as Owen helped himself to a cookie and took a bite.

“Wow,” Owen said around his bite. “I think I like these better than the brownies.”

“Yeah? I’m glad. There are brownies in there, too. Some with walnuts, some without. And classic chocolate chip cookies. Also some apricot thumbprint cookies. Those are grain-free, but don’t let that scare you. They taste delicious.”

“That’s quite the assortment of treats,” Marlene said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I hope you like chili and cornbread. I asked Garrett if you have any allergies and he said he didn’t think so.”

“No, no allergies. And I like just about anything. I’m not picky.”

“Good.” She smiled again and every time she did, my nervousness eased a bit more. “I guess it’s not a fancy meal, but we’re not fancy people. It will fill you up and make you feel good.”

“That sounds amazing. And it smells delicious.”