Edible Espionage

by Shaunna Owens

  That’s the truth. Gavin’s company had been hired to do Mr. Lexington’s bidding and he’d decided to do the work himself under the pretense of an easy mission being akin to a much-needed vacation. Boy, oh boy, he’d never been more wrong. While his vacations did usually involve a beautiful woman, they didn’t involve getting yelled at or being conflicted about staying.

  “Just how long have you known the great Mr. Lexington anyway?” Sarah whispered and sat straight in her chair.

  He studied her gorgeous face as her cheeks reddened and she clenched her teeth. “Can we talk about this later?” He pulled at the collar of his shirt…it wasn’t fully buttoned but his throat strained all the same. Please, let’s talk about this later.

  As she continued their conversation, Sarah kept her stare fixed on the podium. “Did you fix this, too?”

  “Fix? Fix what?” He motioned with his hand for emphasis.

  He saw it coming and his insides tightened. He knew this conversation did not have a good ending. Diffusing her anger and hoping it all played out privately was his only play.

  “You know what. Stop playing dumb.” She turned her head and narrowed her stare. “Just…stop it,” she said through gritted teeth.

  Gavin put up his palms. “Okay.” Finally, he caught the eye of a server and ordered them drinks. Alcohol. More alcohol. Adding liquor to Sarah’s rage probably wasn’t the best idea, but he needed the liquid courage for what, he knew, simmered on the horizon.

  ****

  “Why bother with me if you were rigging the whole contest anyway?” Sarah questioned him, not as quietly as she intended, during dessert.

  The conversation at the table stopped and all gazes focused on her. Cold heat spread through her body. She blankly stared back and shook her head in an effort to take back her loud words.

  “I, ah…um…”

  “Honey, these people don’t want to hear about our side wager,” Gavin said.

  He tried to play off her outburst and even laughed to sell it. Her brows furrowed. Honey? Seriously?

  “We made a bet on which cookie would get the highest rating.” He turned back to her now, keeping steady eye contact. “There’s no way I could’ve rigged that, honey.” He reached for her hands planted in her lap. “Nor did I.”

  She searched his eyes, looking for the truth. Looking for the smallest glimmer of hope she could cling to. He had become harder to read, she was not sure she was reading him correctly anymore. Her heart knew what she wanted to see—that he couldn’t possibly have rigged the competition against her.

  At the moment, the host of the evening appeared at the microphone.

  The perfect excuse to avert her gaze. There was nothing more to argue about.

  The emcee started rambling about the contest, history, and judges.

  All of the noise washed over Sarah as she replayed events in her mind. She pictured Gavin for the first time at the bakery counter, she saw him reach out his hand to dance, and she remembered the raw passion on his face from the hotel room. Her skin warmed and she sucked in a breath. His reactions to her, words he’d said, and his espionage actions didn’t add up. She knew what she felt and she knew he felt the pull too…on some level. What she didn’t know was why he carried out the deceit. Why hadn’t he stood up for her?

  Tears welled in her eyes. The roar of applause brought her back to the awards ceremony. She focused on the stage. What’d I miss?

  “Sarah.” Gavin nudged her. “That’s you…you won…we won.” He stood and pulled out her chair.

  I won? I won! Sweet sugar cane! Her smile reached each ear, and she threw her arms around Gavin, holding him tight. Tingles of joy washed over her as she took a deep breath of his spiced scent. He slid his arms around her, and she closed her eyes to enjoy the moment. Seconds later, she pulled back from him, and her lips met his. She held the kiss, probably longer than a true classy lady would’ve, but she wanted to have a second with him…a second of bliss both professionally and personally. Before he left for good.

  They made their way up the side stairs of the podium. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on the trophy.

  Chapter Eleven: I’m Not the Only One

  “Crazy for Cake, comprised of Ms. Sarah Zion and Mr. Gavin Arnold, are the first place winners in this year’s Trio Trifecta. This is the bakery’s second win in a row!” The host waited as the crowd cheered.

  Sarah stood with a permanent smile, trying to savor the experience. The blood pumping through her veins raced, and she took a deep breath to settle her body.

  “As part of their prize package, Crazy for Cake will receive a check for twenty-five thousand dollars, equipment from Baking Etc., and an exclusive interview published in Confectionary Digest.” The host motioned the pair to the microphone for them to say something.

  Without hesitation, Sarah stepped up. “This is an honor, and I am overjoyed to be accepting this title for the second year in a row. Thank you to all of the judges for their time and to the many friends I’ve made here.” After an acknowledging dip of her chin, she shook the host’s hand and walked off stage with Gavin on her heels.

  She’d done it. Officially, they had the money she and Fi needed to keep the bakery running. Hell, maybe now they could even open a second location closer to Seattle. Adrenaline coursed through her veins. I can’t sit.

  “Where are you going?” Gavin paused at their table then caught up when she didn’t stop.

  Silence hung between them. Fresh air was a priority, and she needed to clear her head to think. The door to the hotel conference area swung open as another couple entered, and she ducked into the grand hallway.

  “Sarah.” Gavin grabbed her arm. “Wait.”

  “No. Leave me alone. Your job here is done.” So, just go. I don’t need you. She was sick and tired of all these mixed emotions…highs and lows…she wanted peace. Or her head may explode.

  “Will you let me explain?” His gaze met hers, but the life behind them didn’t shine.

  “No.” She clenched her teeth, swung out of his grasp, and got in his face. “There is nothing to explain. I know who you are and what you did, you lying jerk!”

  ****

  “I’m the liar now, huh? I’m not the only one, am I, Sarah?” Everything has been a lie. The whole time you’ve been lying, too. Nausea rose in Gavin’s body as the conversation he’d been dreading began. Once the intent of his past few weeks were out in the open, there would be no pretending anymore…about any of it.

  “I played along with your game.” She shoved her finger at his chest. “And I beat you. You. Lose.”

  “Yep, you’re right.” He released her arm, but she didn’t back away. “Who would ever expect that sweet innocent Sarah could be so underhanded and two-faced?”

  “Takes one to know one.” She crossed her arms, and her eyebrows rose.

  “Oh, that’s real mature.” He glanced toward the ornate ceiling.

  “I’m actually surprised you didn’t figure me out sooner, Gavin. O great spy.”

  His pulse and temper rose. “Maybe if you hadn’t come on to me every chance you got, then I would’ve.” Why have this conversation? Why did he feel the need to explain his actions? He should’ve just walked away. He had nothing to keep him in Haven anymore.

  “Me?” Sarah’s voice turned high pitched. “You’re the one who seduced me!”

  “Not even close.” He rested his hands on his hips.

  She turned to walk away, her dress swishing in the process.

  “And I have some questions for you,” he called.

  She stopped and turned back. “No.” Her word was abrupt. “You’re not the one who gets to ask the questions. I do.”

  “Fine.” He ran his hand down his face. His mouth was one step ahead of his mind and apparently wanted to explain. Or at least try. “You start.” He motioned her way, settling his arms across his chest.

  They stared each other down until Sarah broke eye contact, looking past him. “Why?” Her arms fell
to her side, and her voice was breathy. “Why did you come to Haven? What all did you take from me? Was it worth it?”

  Gavin studied her sad face. Under her tough exterior, she’s beautiful and fragile. He could see the hurt. Hell, he felt it. The air deflated from his lungs and he looked down. What can I say to that? You were only part of the job? That would’ve been true when he started, but not now. Would it be worth telling her the truth or would the knowledge of his current state of mind make all of this worse? Who exactly was he protecting?

  He lowered his voice. “Mr. Lexington hired me to steal your recipes and whatever else would be of value in the competition.”

  A gasp sounded. “My secret ingredient.” She bobbed her head up and down.

  He could see the tears welling in her eyes. His stomach turned—he felt as sick as he did helpless. What was done was done, and no way could either of them take anything back. Aware she could see the pain on his face, he looked at her. “Yep.”

  “Those recipes you took were horrible.” Blinking hard, she sniffled.

  “I noticed.” He nodded.

  “And the ingredients you took were bad, too. There’s no way their cookies turned out if they used it.” She brushed her hand under her nose.

  “I figured.” He shrugged and resisted the urge to pull her tight into an embrace. “Too late, but, ya know.” Thoughts filled with self-loathing infiltrated his mind. He had no right to be the one to console her. He was the reason she suffered.

  “And this was all just one big twisted, pathetic…” Sarah’s tears traced her cheek with every word. “Deplorable, idiotic, insane, foolish game.”

  Her speech…her expression…this whole damned situation made his chest tighten. The truth hurt.

  I don’t know what’s true and false anymore. He didn’t know what to say, and if he started talking, there might be a horrifying chance his voice would crack.

  He did the only thing he knew he could in the moment—he moved his hands to encase her cheeks and kissed her tenderly. A sorrowful kiss. A kiss he hoped would convey all he couldn’t say. He lingered long enough to feel her lips on his and breathe in her lavender scent. After he pulled back, he didn’t look her in the eyes before he walked away…he couldn’t bear to.

  Chapter Twelve: The Winning Team

  Can’t be right. Sarah searched through the papers again. Two named contestants must be present during the three stages of the competition, awards ceremony, and Confectionary Digest magazine interview to receive the full award of prizes, or winner will forfeit the prizes in their entirety. Sarah sat back in the office chair at Crazy for Cake and shut her eyes. You have got to be kidding me. I just keep getting hung out to dry by this guy.

  A week had passed since he kissed her and walked away…just walked away without so much as a goodbye.

  “Hey, doll.” Fiona sauntered in flipping through the mail.

  Time to crack this egg. “Sit down. We need to talk.”

  Fiona stopped, holding an envelope midair. “What’s wrong?” She sat on the wooden chair by the desk. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I have something, well, some things to tell you.” Sarah sat forward in the gray chair.

  “Okay.” The mail fell to Fiona’s lap

  “It’s about Gavin.”

  “You haven’t said much about him. I thought I’d see him again.” Fiona flopped the mail on the desk.

  “No.” Sarah bit her lower lip and her stomach knotted. “Well, maybe.” She folded the competition contract and threw it on the desk. God willing, he’ll show up for the interview. “Here it is. Gavin was spying on us. He was sent here to steal recipes and my secret ingredient. Basically, he was hired to help me lose and someone else specifically to win. The last part didn’t happen.” She quickly added, “Obviously…we won.” Thank goodness.

  “Hold the phone. What?”

  “Yeah. Take it all in, my friend.” Sarah leaned back in the chair, waiting for the barrage of questions she knew were coming.

  “Why am I just hearing about this?”

  “I didn’t want to add to your stress. I had everything under control. Well, the competition part. I found out and switched the recipes and my secret ingredient. He didn’t get anything.”

  “You what?” Fiona shook her head then smiled. “Look at you go.” She started to laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “This is ridiculous. Am I being punked right now?” Straightening in the chair, she looked around for a camera with a crew that might be hidden in their tiny office.

  “No. I’m being serious.” Sarah held three tight fingers in the air. “Girl Scout’s honor.”

  “Gavin. Sweet, deliciously edible Gavin played you. Well, us?”

  “Yep.” At the unpleasant thought, Sarah felt her face tighten.

  Silence stretched. Sarah knew this could go one of two ways…either Fiona would flip her lid or she’d laugh it off because Sarah had foiled him and they’d won, despite everything. She held her breath and surveyed Fi as the blonde processed the information.

  Fiona took a deep breath.

  Here comes the rage. Sarah leaned in slightly, bracing herself for the burst of emotions and questions.

  “One: If I ever see that lying sack of poo again, I’ll throat punch him. Two: If you ever keep something like this from me again, I’ll hide all the fudge…well, as soon as you make it. Three: I hope you got your revenge and didn’t get hurt. You didn’t, did you?”

  Sarah started to say no with a shrug, but Fi kept talking.

  “Because, if he hurt you, that’s worse than hurting our bakery. We won, which, I hope you rubbed in his chiseled face…so hard. But, honestly…I thought you two had something serious?”

  “About seeing him again…” Sarah side-stepped the last question. One problem at a time. “Part of the contract with the Trio Trifecta is the winning team must complete an interview with Confectionary Digest.”

  “Okay, so you and I will do the interview.”

  Sarah shook her head and grimaced. “Interviewees have to be the people named on the entry form. I just got off the phone with the magazine. They wouldn’t let me push the interview back any longer. I had to schedule for next week. I called the number I had for Gavin and left a message.” After this entire disaster and Crazy for Cake went down the drain, she was hopping the next flight to Europe for a backpacking trip—there she wouldn’t have to speak to anyone and could focus on her art. Her body hummed at the impending failure. Fiona had a family now. She’d let everyone down.

  “What if he’s a no-show for the interview?”

  “We forfeit all the prizes.” Sarah focused on the mail. “They’re pretty specific about penalties in the contract.”

  “So, we just have to wait and hope?” Fi’s voice rose.

  “I don’t think there’s anything else we can do.”

  Her finger tips grew cold as a dread filled chill crept up her spine. Turns out Gavin won, after all.

  ****

  Gavin’s cell phone rang. Why is he calling? He swiveled in his chair to put his back to his team. He was in the middle of a strategy meeting, planning their next assignment.

  “Arnold, there’s still a way you can salvage your dastardly performance on this assignment.” Mr. Lexington huffed.

  “It’s over, Mr. Lexington.” Gavin’s annoyance level rose. The assignment had been over for a week now, yet it constantly poked its dirty little head in his life every damn day. The fact it wasn’t over hadn’t escaped him…no matter how much he told himself otherwise.

  “Upon review of the competition rules, if they do not fulfill all of their obligations, then second place wins by default.”

  Pies, Oh My! managed to swing second place—with greasing of palms no doubt. “What’s this got to do with me?” Gavin’s clipped words tightened his chest, anything to do with Sarah had that effect on him these days.

  “The only obligation left is the interview. Both team members must be present, or
they forfeit.”

  His stomach knotted, and he swallowed hard. Sarah needs me to show up, or she loses and the award goes to Pies, Oh My! Why hasn’t she called?

  “Do you know when their interview is?” Gavin’s eyes rolled to the ceiling as he calculated his distance from Washington and how much time he’d need to get back to Haven.

  “Of course, I do.” Mr. Lexington snapped. “I’m not calling to tell you when it is. I’m calling to tell you not to go. I’ll put our original agreement back in place plus fifty percent.”

  “And all I have to do is…nothing?”

  “You’ve done enough already. Don’t go anywhere near Haven, and you’ll have your money.” Mr. Lexington disconnected.

  The pompous jerk actually believes he just solidified his win. Gavin noticed the blinking green light for his voicemail. He heard Sarah’s voice, and a chill ran down his spine. She was telling him the time and date and asking him to show up.

  Gavin could hear the hurt in her voice, even though she’d obviously tried hard to mask it. The image of her standing at the island in the kitchen was burned in his memory. He remembered trapping her against the stainless steel and the sizzle in her eyes that clouded his judgment. The warmth of her skin on his and the smell of her sweet scent were nearly real, and he closed his eyes. I’m not good for you, Sarah. I never was. He’d just taken another assignment and getting back to Haven in time wasn’t plausible. Probably for the best.

  Chapter Thirteen: Edible Espionage

  “Would you like another cookie?” Sarah held out the platter of chocolate chip cookies to the woman in a red pant suit.

  Liz Davenport, the reporter from Confectionary Digest, shook her head. “I’m at my limit. Thank you. They are scrumptious.” Her short onyx hair framed her face, accentuating high cheek bones and brown eyes.

  What else is there? She wasn’t ready to let Liz leave, or squash her hope of Gavin appearing. “Oh, you know, I haven’t showed you the new mixer we just installed.”

  “You gave me the tour. Don’t worry. I have some good pictures. Now I’d like to ask you questions.” She looked down at her notebook and then scanned the front area of the bakery. “Where is Mr. Arnold? Will he be joining us shortly?”