Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

Clothes came off, and as we stumbled to the couch, our kisses intense and frantic, I couldn’t help but think I had to be the luckiest guy on the planet.

CHAPTER 13

Harper

It had been a quieter than usual day at the bakery, but I didn’t mind. The slower pace had given me a chance to get ahead on special orders. Although it was only May, wedding season was already in full swing. Aunt Doris had come in for a few hours to decorate wedding cakes, which had also helped ease the stress of deadlines. Plus, it was great to see her feeling up to it.

I finished boxing up the day’s leftovers to take to the food bank and put them in a paper bag. There wasn’t a lot, so I took some bread off the shelf that could have sold the next day and added it to the top. I grabbed my things, switched off the lights, and with a contented sigh, let myself out the back door.

Although I was tired from the long day, I wasn’t going straight home. I had a hair appointment at a local salon, Timeless Beauty. One thing my mother had given me was thick hair. I kept it long—less maintenance, and I could pull it back or wear it up to keep it out of the way—but the ends were looking pretty sad. I was overdue for a trim and looking forward to a little pampering.

The salon was walking distance from the bakery, but I wanted to leave the food bank donation in my car, so I went to the parking lot behind the building. I dropped it off, leaving it in the back seat, locked the doors, and headed through the alley to the sidewalk.

He’d never been far from my thoughts, but with the busyness of work over, Garrett Haven rushed into my mind like a tidal wave.

I’d been surprised to see him when he’d come to my house. But nothing could have surprised me more than what had happened next.

That kiss. Those hands. His lips had been a little salty, his body hard and warm. As soon as his mouth had hit mine, I’d wanted him. All of him.

And the way he’d backed me up against a wall, like he was desperate for me? My panties had come off in a hot second and I had zero regrets about that.

Honestly, I’d always thought the sex up against the wall thing was a myth. No one could actually do that, right?

Garrett Haven could.

And he hadn’t just managed it. He’d blown my mind.

The memory made my cheeks warm and my stomach tingle as I walked. I still felt a hint of giddiness, the warmth and contentment lingering. How had I gotten so—

Nope. I wasn’t going to say lucky.

Regardless, I’d been in a great mood ever since. The only downside was how much I wanted to see him again. Not even just for the up-against-the-wall passion, although I’d happily do that again. I missed him.

That part was mildly disconcerting. I didn’t want to get too attached too quickly. Something always seemed to go wrong. I hated feeling like I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it always did, so…

At least he hadn’t gotten a sudden job offer in another country, or the promotion of his dreams that also meant he had to break up with me.

A squirrel with something stuffed in its cheeks darted in front of me and raced up the drainpipe. I blinked and glanced around. The salon was behind me. Lost in daydreams of Garrett, I’d walked right by.

“Thanks, little buddy,” I said as the squirrel disappeared onto the roof.

I turned around and went back to Timeless Beauty. A little bell above the door tinkled when I went in and a woman with long, dark hair smiled from behind the front counter.

“You must be Harper?” Her voice was friendly and professional.

“Yes, I have an appointment with Marigold.”

“I’ve got you all checked in. She’ll be right out.”

“Thanks.”

The salon was elegant, with a velvet chaise, ornately framed mirrors, and vintage artwork on the walls. Two women came out from a back room. One wore a navy dress and wedge sandals and her long brown hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders. The other, with blond hair and a pretty floral top, looked younger. Maybe twenty at the most.

“Night, Brielle,” the first woman said. “Thanks for your help today.”

“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow.” Brielle gave her a hug, then left.

The brunette had an infectious smile. “Hi, Harper. I’m Marigold. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”