Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

“Someone needs to taste test them,” I said, my voice solemn. “Come on, let’s get them out of the oven. We can start on a cake while they cool. And yes, we get to eat the stuff we bake.”

We went into the kitchen and took out a perfect batch of cherry chocolate chunk cookies. A few more customers came in while we waited for them to cool, then we dove into our taste test. They were rich and chewy with a light crispness at the edges, and the cherry and chocolate flavors complemented each other nicely.

Owen wiped his mouth and checked his phone. “I should probably go. Homework.”

“Okay. I’m glad you stopped by.”

He took off his apron and hung it on a hook, then donned his hoodie. His expression had gone sheepish again, like he wasn’t sure what to say. He finally settled on, “Well, bye.”

“Thanks for your help today.”

“You’re welcome.”

He shoved his hands in the front pocket and started shuffling toward the front.

“Hey, Owen?”

“Yeah?” He turned and the hope in his eyes melted my heart.

“You can come anytime. Even if you don’t want to help and you just want cookies. I’ll always have some for you.”

The corners of his mouth lifted and once again I was struck with how much he looked like his dad. “Thanks.”

“Anytime. I’ll see you later.”

He nodded and left out the front.

With a sigh, I sank onto a stool. It was probably silly, but I couldn’t stop smiling.

He’d called me bruh.

CHAPTER 12

Garrett

My feet hit the pavement in a steady rhythm and sweat dripped down my temples. It was a nice day for a long run. Clear sky, but not hot. A gentle breeze coming down from the mountain peaks.

It was a much-needed day off. Juggling patrol shifts with investigative work and all the requisite paperwork was a lot. The day before, I’d responded to a call that had turned into a mess. A neighbor had reported a loud argument that had turned out to be a mother and her adult son. She was trying to kick him out of her house and he was refusing to leave. I’d done what I could, but he didn’t have any warrants and, despite the mom insisting I take him to jail, I had no cause to arrest him. Although I’d basically taken his side, he hadn’t been happy with me either. Fortunately, I’d de-escalated the situation, but it didn’t seem like I’d helped them resolve anything.

And the Joyner case was never far from my mind. Something about it ate at me, my instincts prickling like there was a lead just out of reach that I couldn’t quite see.

I checked my watch and picked up the pace, deciding to push it for the next half mile or so. Mayor Bill Surrey drove by and lifted his hand in a wave as he passed. I waved back. My legs started to burn and my breath came faster as I took a right at the corner, then stopped in my tracks.

Harper’s street. I was about to run right by her house.

I stood there, hands on my hips, breathing hard. I hadn’t planned on passing her house, but my subconscious must have been working overtime to get me there.

Her car was in her driveway. I could see it, just up the street from where I was standing.

I was planted to the spot, my eyes locked on her house. It must have been her day off. And there I was, several miles from home, and I couldn’t seem to make myself turn around.

What was it about her? We’d gone out once. Just one date. I hadn’t even kissed her. I still had all the regrets about that. I should have. I’d been thinking about it ever since.

I wanted to know what she tasted like.

Somehow, this woman had gotten deep under my skin. The fact that my son liked her only made it worse. I couldn’t hide behind the single dad thing as an excuse.

I wanted to be cautious. To hold back and take things slow.