Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

I jolted back to reality and felt my cheeks instantly flush. Beth wasn’t alone.

Owen stood with her in the doorway between the front of the bakery and the kitchen.

“Hey, Owen!” My voice had far too much enthusiasm. I was just hoping he couldn’t tell I’d been about to imagine myself getting naked with his dad. “What’s up?”

“Go ahead.” Beth nudged him into the kitchen.

He wore a gray hoodie and had his hands shoved in the front pockets of his jeans. “Um… I was just wondering…”

I tilted my head and waited, but he didn’t continue. “Wondering about what?”

Oh no. Was he upset I’d gone out with his dad? Had he come to ask me to stop dating him?

He kept his eyes lowered. “Do you need help with anything today?”

For a second, I almost lost my mind and ran over to hug him. He was just so dang sweet, with his mild embarrassment and slightly forlorn expression.

“Do I ever. I woke up late this morning, and I’ve been behind all day. So if you’re offering, I ain’t saying no.”

His gaze lifted and his mouth turned up in the hint of a smile.

Just like his dad.

“I’m offering.”

“You’re basically my hero today.” I pointed to a row of hooks with extra aprons. “Grab an apron, wash your hands, and let’s bake.”

With a big grin, he pulled off his hoodie, donned an apron, and went to the sink to wash his hands.

I didn’t know where this was coming from—whether he’d enjoyed himself the other day and wanted to learn more about baking, or if there was some other motive—but I wasn’t about to turn down his offer. Was he bored? Lonely? It was hard to tell. I didn’t have a lot of experience—or, any experience—with teenage boys, and I wasn’t sure how to read him.

But I was grateful for the help. Plus, I really liked him. And not even because I was lusting after his dad.

We got to work on a batch of cherry chocolate chunk cookies. He got the flour and sugar without me having to ask and I walked him through the recipe.

“So, did you come here after school?” I asked. “How was that?”

“Yeah, I had school. It was okay.”

“Does your dad know you’re here?”

“Yeah, I texted him. I was grounded, but he let me off early for good behavior.” He glanced up at me. “By the way, I know you guys went on a date last night.”

“Oh, good, I’m glad you know. Now I don’t have to worry about whether I’m allowed to mention it. I don’t really know how this works.” I paused, a twinge of nervousness in my stomach. “Are you okay with it?”

“Sure, it’s fine.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “I knew he liked you, even when he denied it.”

That made me laugh. “He denied it?”

“Yeah. He hasn’t dated anyone since my mom, so I guess it’s kind of hard for him.”

The twinge of nervousness grew. He’d mentioned his mom. Could I ask? “Would it be awkward if I asked about your mom?”

“No.” Still matter-of-fact. “What do you want to know?”

“Did they get divorced a long time ago?”

He paused. “Six years ago? Something like that.”