Page 35 of A Slice of Summer
“We love her and want her to be safe.” Garrett also had a detective friend check out the police department to ensure nothing hinky was going on, but only his brothers knew that. “I still recommend locking the doors and securing the gate. You might install cameras and automatic lights.”
“If a crime spree hits Silver Falls, I’ll consider it.” Taryn checked the foam she’d sprayed. “You should take off before you’re late.”
He should. His family was expecting him. Yet his feet remained planted as if glued to the patio.
“Go,” she encouraged. “You’ve saved my hand from the hammer. Enjoy your dinner and have fun.”
“I’ll see you soon.” Garrett meant it, even if he had to sneak out of Callie’s before she served dessert. He had a feeling Taryn would have sweets around here. And returning sooner rather than later might earn him points with her. For what, he didn’t know.
But it couldn’t hurt.
Chapter Eight
Wednesday, Taryn woketo see nothing but darkness outside her window. Not unusual, but she hadn’t expected to start the day as if she were a light and airy fresh-from-the-oven croissant. She should be more tired after working past midnight with Garrett, but the progress they’d made took some pressure off her.
She stretched her arms over her head and pointed her toes.
If they completed as much work today, they would finish the booth on time. Perhaps even early.
A thrill shot through her with a chaser of relief.
Not only about the fair, but about Garrett. Were things comfy and cozy between them, like at Christmastime? Nope, but the awkwardness wasn’t as bad as it had been at the bakery. Sure, tension remained, but that hadn’t stopped him from working hard. She needed to thank him for his help.
Without him returning after his dinner, she would have pulled an all-nighter. He was making her life so much easier. Not to mention giving her something tasty to look at on her breaks.
Just friends.
But her new friend was gorgeous and, as a baker, it was her occupational duty to investigate delicious things. Or person, in this instance.
She climbed out of bed, grabbed panties, a sports bra, her oldest pair of shorts, and another stained T-shirt. Today, she would paint more, so there was no reason to wear anything nicer.
Wasn’t Garrett reason enough?
She ignored the little voice in her head. Friends didn’t dress up for each other when they were building stuff. And if they weren’t working, he wouldn’t be here.
End of story.
In the kitchen, she turned on the coffeepot and made a coffee cake.
For Garrett?
That voice wouldn’t leave her alone. “Yes, it’s for him.”
The least Taryn could do was feed him while he worked. That was the polite thing to do. Plus, she needed to eat, too.
As the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, she placed the pan in the oven and set the timer. Garrett had a call with his office at eight o’clock and would be over after that. In the meantime, she would have breakfast ready and paint until he arrived.
It almost sounds like a date.
No, it didn’t.
A meal between friends, that was all.
Friends.
She had friends she’d known her entire life, growing up in Silver Falls. She’d also made friends with the new-to-town First Avenue business shop owners, including Raine Hanover from Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans and Callie Andrews and her groomer, Anna Kent, at Wags and Tails. But none had ever gone out of their way for her like Garrett had. A friend had also never stared at her as much as he did. Not that she hadn’t snuck a few peeks at him.
And now, as his friend, she needed to make sure he ate.
