Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

“Oh, I’d never walk under a ladder.”

“Black cats?”

“No, black cats aren’t a problem. I don’t know why, it makes sense in my head. But if I spill salt, I always toss a bit over my shoulder. Whenever I start baking anything, I have to take a pinch of flour and toss it on my work surface. And I knock on wood whenever necessary.”

“Is that it?”

I wondered if I should tell him about the mirror curse. If he didn’t believe me, he might think I was a little bit crazy. And if he did believe me, he might not want to risk it rubbing off on him.

“There’s probably more, but that’s what I can remember off the top of my head.”

“That doesn’t seem too weird.”

I smiled. “Thanks. That’s good to hear.”

We spent the rest of dinner chatting about all sorts of things. He told me stories about growing up in Tilikum, especially pranks he and his brothers played on the Bailey brothers in the days of the feud. I shared some of my ideas for new cookie flavors, and about the time I’d worked for a chef who’d barked orders like a military commander. We laughed a lot and it was just so… easy.

As the evening went on, it felt less and less like a first date with someone I barely knew. Somehow, he felt like someone I’d known for a long time. Like something in him was deeply familiar in a way I couldn’t explain.

I didn’t want our evening to end, but it was getting late—for me, at least. Such is life when you start work at four in the morning.

When I barely hid a yawn, he asked if I was ready to go. I wasn’t—I was really enjoying myself—but I didn’t want to nod off and bump my head on the table. Or make him think I was bored.

The rain had stopped by the time we left the restaurant, so he didn’t shield me with his jacket. But he did open the door and offer his hand to help me in. It was such a sweet gesture, and when I caught a glimpse of his subtle smile, I almost melted into a puddle.

Why thank you, Deputy Dreamy. Now, about that crime I committed earlier. Are you going to cuff me?

I rested my hands on my thighs on the drive back to my place, hoping he’d reach over and hold my hand. Silly? Maybe. But I was craving contact with him, wishing he’d initiate even a light touch. His presence left me feeling warm and content—and wanting more.

When we got to my house, he walked me to my door, and it occurred to me that nothing bad had happened all night. Sure, it had rained, but that wasn’t bad luck, just weather. I’d almost spilled on myself—twice—but hadn’t. No dropped forks or food in my teeth or tripping on the way out.

Maybe dating Garrett Haven wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Or maybe I just hoped it wasn’t.

Because looking up into his blue-gray eyes, I realized something. I really, really liked this guy. And I didn’t want my bad luck to ruin it.

Okay, luck, I thought, silently projecting out into the universe. If you’re going to mess this up, go ahead and do it now. Show me he doesn’t like me and I can move on, before I get too attached.

“Look, I need to be really honest with you.” His gaze was intense, and my heart sped up.

Oh, no. Here we go. “Okay. Honest is good.”

“I don’t know if I can make a relationship work.”

My heart sank. Okay, luck, you win.

“But,” he said vehemently, and hope surged like a wave. “I don’t know what it is about you. I keep telling myself I don’t have room for this, I don’t have time. And it’s like something in me just won’t listen. I can’t get you out of my head. And the truth is, I don’t want to.”

I could feel my pulse in my neck, beating hard. He shifted closer, ever so slightly, and my breath caught.

His eyes didn’t leave mine. “Can I see you again?”

Words, Harper. Say something. “Yes. I’d love that.”

The way his mouth turned up in a smile sent tingles down my spine. He moved in and I tilted my chin up, ready for his kiss.

His phone rang and he paused, his lips just inches from mine.