Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

They gave her appreciative nods.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I have some skill as a matchmaker. When Doris told me you were moving to Tilikum, I said, Doris, we need to set her up with my nephew Garrett. They’re perfect for each other.”

“Did you really say that?” one of her friends asked.

She waved her off. “Something like that. I might have said Luke initially, but that was before I’d gotten a good look at you.”

I laughed. “I guess you were right about Garrett.”

“You’re such a dear for letting that first date incident go. I’m sure it wasn’t his fault.”

“Oh, I know. He was chasing a bad guy. Literally.”

She sighed. “That’s our Garrett. He’s a good man. An honorable man. Although hopefully not too honorable, if you know what I mean.” She smirked at me.

My cheeks warmed. She had no idea. “He’s been… very much a gentleman.”

Even when he was slamming me up against a wall.

Sugar cookies, I needed to stop thinking about that. Especially when I was talking to his aunt.

“I’m sure he has. Always walked upright, that one. Even when he was little.”

“He sure is handsome in that uniform,” her friend added. “I see him out and about occasionally and he makes me want to steal something just so he’d have to arrest me.”

Louise’s friends all giggled. She lifted her eyes to the ceiling and shook her head.

“Ladies, he’s my nephew.” She leaned closer to me and lowered her voice. “Although they’re quite right, he is a handsome man. And he’s a Haven, which comes with its own set of perks.”

I wasn’t quite sure what to say to that. “Good to know.”

She pointed downward a few times. “I mean in the manhood department, dear. I’m quite sure you won’t be disappointed.”

My eyes widened and my cheeks blazed. No, I was definitely not disappointed. But coming from his aunt?

“My goodness, Louise,” her friend said.

“Don’t be such a ninny.” She waved her off again. “Women should talk about these things. It’s important.” She turned back to me. “I’m not saying I know something I shouldn’t. I’m his auntie, after all. But the Haven men are uniquely gifted.”

“Well, this has been lovely, and weirdly educational.” I stood and jerked my thumb in the direction of the counter. “But I should get my coffee and go. I have more errands.”

“Of course, dear, of course. Don’t let me keep you.” Louise wiggled her fingers at me. “Ta ta, Harper. Tell my handsome nephew I said hello. And he can thank me later for making sure the two of you got together.”

I laughed. “Okay, Louise. I’ll do that. Have a nice afternoon.” I waved to her friends and went to the counter to order my latte.

It might have been my imagination, but it seemed like the two baristas working the front counter were talking about me while I waited for my coffee. They leaned in and spoke in quiet voices, casting quick glances at me over their shoulders. And I was pretty sure I heard the words Garrett Haven.

One thing I wasn’t used to—having moved to Tilikum from a larger city—was the small-town gossip. Maybe the baristas weren’t talking about me, but the two cashiers at the hardware store certainly had been. I’d heard them loud and clear—she’s the new girl in town and I hear she’s dating Deputy Haven.

It had happened at the Copper Kettle too, one of the diners in town. I’d stopped in to pick up a to-go order and noticed the whispers as I left. Something about the one to finally catch the eye of Deputy Haven.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was it because I was new in town? Or because people were surprised? Maybe they thought I wasn’t pretty enough and didn’t understand what the hot law enforcement officer saw in the baker.

Or maybe I was overthinking it and it was just the way things were in a small town. It seemed like pretty much everybody knew everybody, and they all knew your business. Even when it was none of theirs.

The barista gave me my coffee and I left, trying to shake off the feeling that she was analyzing my face and judging whether I was cute enough to be with the handsome Haven brother.

I opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Out of nowhere, a man appeared right where I was walking. I smacked into him, spilling hot coffee all down my front.