Not that Garrett could congratulate Taryn. Emailing or sending a card was probably a bad idea. Maybe when he was home he would write her and explain what happened. That might be the only way to prove his innocence. Though she might not read whatever he sent.
He slumped. “I’m in the doghouse, guys.”
Sadie and Angus watched him.
Garrett half laughed. “Puppy dog eyes? That’s all you’ve got for me?”
Footsteps sounded.
His sister marched toward him with pursed lips and a tight expression.
“This doesn’t look good,” he whispered to the dogs.
Sadie rubbed her muzzle against his leg.
“Garrett Robert Andrews.” Flames danced in Callie’s eyes. Her arms flew to her waist, so her elbows stuck out. It was the same position their mom took when upset. “What did you do to Taryn?”
Uh-oh. Garrett gulped. “I told you I didn’t want to come.”
“You said there might have been a slight misunderstanding. An understatement?”
Not knowing what happened inside the bakery, he shrugged.
“I asked Taryn if you usually liked molasses cookies, and she said you couldn’t have a cookie. Taryn has never said anything like that, and she wasn’t joking. What did you do?”
His muscles tensed, not that they’d relaxed much since he arrived. “Is she okay?”
“I don’t know. I left to come out here.” Callie dragged her teeth over her lower lip before glancing at the door to the bakery. “What’s going on?”
His temple throbbed, threatening to explode into a massive headache. He massaged his forehead with his free hand. “It’s a long story.”
“I’ve got all night.”
Which meant she wouldn’t let this go. No one appeared to be paying attention to them. He didn’t want to drag Callie into any drama or small-town gossip. Taryn, either. But he would keep his voice low, just in case someone eavesdropped. “This isn’t the place to—”
“Taryn is my friend. She’s baking our wedding cake.” Lines formed on Callie’s forehead and around her mouth. “If you’ve caused a problem…”
“Taryn got upset at me when I picked up the bread earlier. She said she’d rather not see me again.”
“I must be missing something. You haven’t been here since December.”
Garrett brushed his hand through his hair. He didn’t see a way out of this except by telling the truth. “Taryn and I went out when I was here the last time.”
Callie blinked as if she were trying to make sense of what he’d said. “One date shouldn’t be that big of a deal.”
No, but… He swallowed.
“It was more than once.” Garrett blew out a breath, only none of his tension left. His muscles tightened into marbles, making his skin itch. Might as well say it. “Taryn and I saw each other every day after we met, except for Christmas Day.”
He’d tried to think of a way to be with Taryn then, too, but his absence on a holiday would have made his family suspicious, so he’d called her instead.
“But…” Callie’s eyebrows drew together. “You never mentioned it. Neither did she.”
“I asked her not to.”
“Why?”
“That was when you told us you didn’t think you fit into the family. That you felt overshadowed by me, Flynn, and Keaton.” Sadie nudged his leg, and he patted her. At least the dog appreciated him. “You and Brandt were newly engaged. It was your time to be the center of the attention.”
“I wouldn’t have minded.”
“Stop thinking about what’s happening now and go back to what it would have been like in December.” He wanted Callie to understand his reasoning. “Mom would have gone on about two relationships, not just your engagement, and Dad would have given both of us his spiel about the importance of prenups and a family discount at the firm.”
Callie rubbed her lips together. “Mom and Dad probably would have told us to have a double wedding to save time and money.”
Okay, his sister got it. Garrett released the breath he’d been holding. “Exactly.”
“But if dating Taryn was important to you—”
“It wasn’t.” The words rushed from Garrett’s mouth. Callie was a romantic at heart. He didn’t want her to think he and Taryn had been serious. “Our time together hinted at the possibility of more, but neither of us wanted a relationship.”
“You guys ended things before you left for L.A.?”
This was the hard part. Being secretive had backfired on him and hurt Taryn. “Not exactly.”
“What does that mean?”
Garrett braced himself. He hated disappointing anyone, but especially Callie. “I planned to stay in touch because we got along and enjoyed talking to each other, but then I received those death threats, so I didn’t call her. And it wasn’t just her. I wasn’t in touch with anyone except the family. I wouldn’t chance someone coming after my family, friends, or the woman I’d dated over the holidays.”
Callie’s mouth slanted, her gaze narrowing. “You used a burner phone to keep in touch with us. You could have let Taryn know what was going on.”
Yes, but he hadn’t been thinking about that. All he’d thought about were the…threats. He blinked, not wanting to be drawn back into the time, but that reminded him of why he hadn’t called Taryn. “I didn’t want to frighten her.”
“You don’t know how she would have reacted.”
“I don’t, but we weren’t in a relationship, so why drag her into the mess?”
“You could have called her after things settled down.”
Another good point, but Callie hadn’t been there. Looking back with hindsight was easier than living through it. He’d questioned so much about his career and life at that point. Garrett rubbed his chest. His heart thumped beneath his palm. “By the time they arrested the perp, it was March. Too late to pick up where we’d left off with a new and fledgling friendship.”
Callie’s lips parted. “You ghosted her.”
“For her safety.”
“So, she has no idea death threats were made against you and the people you care about?”
“I tried to tell Taryn today, but she didn’t want to listen.”
“Of course not.” Callie’s voice rose an octave. “Let me guess. You strutted into her bakery as if nothing had happened six months ago.”
He squirmed. “I didn’t strut, but guilty as charged.”
Her jaw jutted forward. “What were you thinking?”
Garrett shrugged. “That it was no big deal.”
To him, it hadn’t been.
Callie groaned. “It’s a huge deal, and I’m not even involved. Poor Taryn.”
“We weren’t head over heels for each other. We live in different states and work long hours where taking time off is rare. We had fun together, but we both knew this would never be more than a holiday romance.”
Callie stared at him as if he’d grown a unicorn horn. “That’s your defense?”
He nodded.
She leaned toward him. “And Taryn felt the same way as you?”
He started to nod but then shrugged. “She never said differently, though her reaction today makes me wonder.”
Callie muttered idiot under her breath. “Taryn would go along with whatever you wanted. She’s not a rock-the-boat type but goes with the flow. Most guys get fed up with her work schedule after the second date. She holds her feelings close, which is why when I moved to town, I thought she was standoffish and stuck up. I was wrong.”
Garrett’s jokes had loosened her up. The more they talked, the less he relied on humor to break the ice. “I never meant to hurt her, but it’s not my fault. She’s the one who wouldn’t listen to me earlier.”
“Don’t blame Taryn.” Callie poked her index finger, sharp and accusing, against his chest. “This is all your fault. I love you, and you’re a good guy, but you screwed up. Big-time.”
“Don’t mince words, sis.”
“There’s more I want to say, but we’re in public.” Callie glanced around. “Taryn hasn’t been herself lately. I thought it was competition from the new bakery in Summit Ridge, but you must be a part of it, too.”
Garrett might be known for his courtroom theatrics and charming a jury, but he was at a loss for words. Totally unlike him. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not the one who needs to hear you say that. Apologize to her.”
“I told you. I tried.”
“Try again.” Callie raised her chin. “Taryn is not only baking our cake, but she’s also invited to the wedding. Fix this, so neither of you is uncomfortable. But most especially her. Because this is all on you, bro.”
She was right. He sighed. “I’ll fix it.”
“Now.”
“I don’t want to upset her more.”
Callie’s face scrunched. “So you’d rather Taryn didn’t sleep tonight?”
“You don’t know—”
“Neither do you.”
Their family walked toward them. His dad carried a tray of drinks, and Brandt held one with desserts.
“I won’t say a word about what happened.” Callie kept her voice low. “But only if you go talk to Taryn.”
Garrett prided himself on being thorough with every case, whether he was the client’s attorney or brought in as a consultant. No matter the circumstances, he gave a hundred and ten percent, even if it meant long days and sleepless nights. He would rather stand in front of a hostile jury with a lifetime prison sentence hanging in the balance than face Taryn right now. He hadn’t been this on edge since he asked Lyric Quinn to the senior prom in front of the entire high school.
Still, Callie was correct. He should get this over with before things got more out of hand. He gave the dog leashes to his sister. “I won’t be long.”
“Take your time and do it right.”
“You sound like Mom.”
“Finally.” Callie beamed.
Garrett wiped his clammy palms over his shorts. “This won’t go as well as you think it will.”
“I’m an optimist.”
“And I’m a realist.” Still, he hoped Taryn listened to him.
As he headed toward the door, his dad raised two glasses of iced tea. “You’re going the wrong way.”
“I’ll be right back.” At least Garrett hoped so.
As soon as he entered the bakery, the scents of sugary goodness surrounded him. If only his words would melt Taryn’s anger as fast as her baked goods disappeared.
Jayden stood behind the counter. His dark gaze sharpened. “Guess I gave lawyers too much credit for being intelligent.”
The guy was only looking out for his friend and boss, but that didn’t keep Garrett from squaring his shoulders. “I need to speak to Taryn.”
A muscle ticked at Jayden’s jaw. “Not a good idea tonight.”
That was the out he needed, but that wouldn’t fly with his sister. Or him, if he were being honest with himself. He hadn’t made a name for himself by taking the easy cases. “Callie told me what happened.”
“Stay away.”
“Too late.” Garrett wouldn’t declare his innocence. He’d been the catalyst. “I want to apologize. Can I see her? Please.”
Jayden hesitated. “I thought you were a good guy and good for her, but the way you ghosted her and then just show up as if it was nothing was harsh, man.”
Garrett held up his hands, palms facing out. “I’m not trying to cause trouble or hurt her. But I messed up, and I need to explain why I never called.”
Jayden’s gaze traveled from Garrett to the hallway leading to the bathroom and office.
“Taryn’s had a rough year.” Jayden wiped his cheek with his forearm. “Maybe hearing your reason will help her move on, so she can focus on more important issues.”
Garrett read between the lines. The same way he did with clients. Taryn was in some kind of trouble. “What’s going on?”
Jayden’s nostrils flared. “You lost the right to know anything when you blew her off.”
“I—”
“Stop.” The word came out sharp. “I’m not the one who needs or wants to hear your excuse.”
Not an excuse. “Can I see her?”
“She’s in the office.”
Okay, now Garrett was getting somewhere. “Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You make her cry…”
His jaw tensed. “If I do, I’ll deserve whatever you want to do to me.”
*
In the office, Taryn sat at the desk, staring at the calendar hanging on the wall. The beautiful photographs of baked goods inspired her to create new products. Now, she hoped July’s fruit torte calmed her. As she focused on the image, the creamy custard filling slowed her pulse rate, and the bright colors of the fruit relaxed the tight facial muscles. She inhaled, taking the time to fill her lungs to the brim, before exhaling. The boiling of her blood cooled to a simmer.
Progress.
Taryn should go to the kitchen, but her bottom remained glued in the chair. She’d made a fool out of herself in front of customers, and that would take her a few more minutes—or longer—to get over.
She kept staring at the calendar.
Maybe she should add another torte to the menu. Hers was popular, but the Summit Ridge Bakery had added an almost identical one to their menu. A second flavor of filling might appeal to customers and differentiate Lawson’s from the competition.
The office door opened.
Taryn didn’t look over her shoulder. “I’ll be out in a minute, Jayden.”
“It’s not Jayden.”
Garrett’s voice slithered along her spine. Chills followed. Her hands balled into fists.
What’s he doing here?
“Are you okay?” Concern sounded in his voice.
All she wanted was for him to leave. “I’m fine.”
Not a lie. She would be—eventually.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
“Now isn’t a good time.” She kept her voice steady, even though her insides twisted worse than a silicone fondant rope mold.
“There probably won’t be one.”
She would give him that, but that didn’t mean she had to speak with him.
Callie called Garrett the egotistical attorney, but the doggy daycare owner was proud of her second oldest brother. Taryn had never seen the cocky side of him but hearing him describe his work showed his stubborn streak. He fought relentlessly for his client’s innocence. If Garrett wanted to talk to her, he would keep returning until she agreed.
“If not for me,” he added. “For Callie.”
Guilt coated Taryn’s mouth like icky-tasting cold medicine. She hadn’t considered her friend, who was already stressed about the upcoming wedding. Callie didn’t need anyone else adding to that.
Taryn swiveled in her chair to face him. “Talk.”
“I owe you an apology.” His voice was gruff, and Garrett cleared his throat. “I said I’d call, but I received death threats.”
Six months after ghosting her, this was what he’d come up with. She scoffed. “Sure you did.”
His nostrils flared. “Why would I lie?”
She shrugged. “I’m guessing Callie asked you to talk to me. Death threats sound like a convenient, albeit out-there excuse, even for a lawyer from L.A.”
Garrett blew out a breath. He removed his cell phone from his pocket, tapped on the screen, and held the phone toward her.
A sharp, loud sound made her cringe. Two more quickly followed.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Gunshots left on my voicemail the day I returned from Silver Falls. A creepy letter arrived at my office the next day. That evening, I came home to a message on my bathroom mirror written in blood. Someone slipped past the doorman and lobby security and broke into my condo.” His nostrils flared again. “Not an excuse.”
“I…” She didn’t know what to say. “This kind of stuff happens on TV.”
&
nbsp; “And in real life. At least in mine.” He didn’t miss a beat. “I went dark. That was the only way to keep myself and those close to me safe until the police found who threatened me.”
That was the last thing Taryn expected to hear. “Thanks for thinking of my safety.”
“I should have told you what was going on.”
She would give him the benefit of the doubt. “You had other things on your mind. It must have been scary.”
“It was difficult.” His words came out slow as if he had to force each one. He hadn’t spoken like that in December. “I wouldn’t call threats an occupational hazard as a trial attorney, but this guy didn’t threaten only me. I didn’t want anyone…hurt because of me.”
“Especially your family.”
He nodded once.
“Is everything okay now?” she asked.
“The police arrested him. He was sloppy. Left so many trails of evidence it made the case a slam dunk. But once everything was resolved, so much time had passed. It would have been strange, awkward, to call you then. I’m sorry.”
His apology sounded sincere, and the situation must have been frightening. At least he was safe. His family, too. Though she might have erased the message with the gunshots, not carry it around like evidence or a badge of honor.
Still, holding a grudge made no sense. Other than at Callie and Brandt’s wedding, they wouldn’t see each other. “Apology accepted.”
“Thank you.” Garrett rubbed his neck. “I never meant to lead you on. I thought we agreed about not being interested in a relationship. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea about us.”
Oh, no. Taryn needed this to stop before it went any further. “I agreed with you and feel the same as I did then, but I didn’t appreciate being ghosted with what’s been going on in my life. I wasn’t in love with you or heartbroken. We had fun, but we barely knew each other. I was upset over being dismissed so easily.”
“Oh.” Garrett shifted his weight between his feet.
Her mouth was so dry it was as if she’d forgotten to add eggs to a cake mixture. “Anything else?”
His features relaxed. So did his posture. “No.”
“Enjoy dessert with your family.”
He opened his mouth before closing it.
“What?” she asked.
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