After a quick cup of coffee, Taryn headed outside. It was still dark, but the patio light allowed her to see. Her first task involved painting the two cylinders covered in dried foam to give a tree-like appearance. With a brush in hand, she grabbed a can of brown paint, a shade lighter than what she’d used last night. By the time she finished, fingers of purple, orange, and pink rose from the horizon, spreading out across the dawning sky.
Taryn rinsed off the paintbrush and placed it in a bucket. She stood in front of the part Garrett worked on yesterday. He’d not only added the supports but also drilled holes for the miniature white lights. With a stick of chalk, she drew outlines of leaves to paint in a lighter shade of green later.
As the sun cleared the horizon, birds sang.
Their song brought a smile and a rush of gratitude. Despite the competition from Summit Ridge, she had plenty to be thankful for.
She stared at the sky, full of hope. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.”
“It already is.”
Garrett’s voice startled her. She glanced over her shoulder.
He wore shorts and a T-shirt. Both were nice enough to be from a designer’s collection. Whisker stubble covered his face. The scruff gave him an edgier look. She shouldn’t find him so attractive, but…
Her heart thudded.
No, it bumped.
A little one.
Nothing major.
Friend. Friend. Friend.
With the mantra looping through her mind, she forced a smile. “Good morning.”
He came closer, moving with the grace of an athlete. Not that she was watching him that closely. She swallowed.
He studied the board. “You’ve accomplished a lot already.”
Taryn shrugged. “I’m trying to keep from having another late night.”
“Smart plan.”
She nodded, but something bugged her. She glanced at the time on her phone. “Didn’t you have a call?”
“It was postponed.” Garrett wouldn’t meet her gaze.
“Did you cancel?”
“I pushed it off, so I could help you.”
Her heart melted. Or perhaps appreciation for him gave her the warm fuzzies. “Thank you, but after last night, we’re ahead of schedule.”
“I want us to stay that way.”
Not trusting her voice, she nodded.
“If something important pops up, I’ll deal with it, but this wasn’t anything that couldn’t wait.” He walked to the trees she’d painted. “Now, I see what you meant.”
“I’ll be nice and not say I told you so,” she teased. “I made a coffee cake if you’re hungry.”
He grinned. “Excellent because I haven’t had breakfast.”
“There’s coffee in the pot, too. Give me a minute.”
“Keep drawing.” He headed to the house. “I can get it myself. Need anything?”
