Taryn would trust the arrogant doctor—his sister’s nickname for him—about as far as she could throw him. Which given his height and athletic build would be a few centimeters.
Garrett’s face flushed. “Please ignore them. They act like they’re twelve.”
Flynn shook his head. “Thirteen.”
“Eleven for me.” Keaton tapped his chin with his free hand. “That would make Garrett twelve.”
Taryn laughed, pulling on a new glove. “Margot will enjoy having you stay with her.”
“She’s got big plans in store.” Garrett’s tone was mysterious. “Why don’t you guys look around? I’ll catch up in a minute.”
A man and his young daughter came up to the booth.
She pointed. “Slice of watermelon, please.”
“They’re cookies,” the man explained.
“I know, but they’re shaped like slices.” She pointed to the Slice of Summer sign. “That’s what I want, Daddy.”
The man nodded.
Taryn handed the girl a watermelon cookie. “Enjoy your slice.”
The girl clutched the cookie as if it were a special treasure. “I will. Thank you.”
The dad peered at the sweets on the tiered tray. “I’ll take a slice of pie. Any flavor.”
Taryn grabbed the one nearest to her. “Here you go.”
The girl took a bite. “Yum. This is better than real watermelon and way better than those cookies at the forest booth.”
Out of the mouth of babes.
The praise ricocheted through Taryn, filling the empty spaces inside and making her stand taller.
She hoped other people did an impromptu test between the two bakeries and bought from Lawson’s in the future. They might not get the exposure winning brought, but that would help. She wiggled her toes.
Garrett stared at her expectantly.
Oh, right.
His pie.
As the dad and daughter walked away, Taryn reached into the cooler and removed the slice she’d saved for Garrett. “One slice of marionberry pie for you.”
He grinned. “Thanks.”
Awareness hummed inside her. Suddenly, all was right in her world. “You haven’t tried the pie.”
His gaze lingered on her. “I want the moment to last.”
She laughed, more a show of nerves from the way he looked at her. It was as if he wanted a taste of her lips instead. She swallowed. “I can make more. All you have to do is ask.”
Chapter Fifteen
On Sunday afternoon,Taryn stood behind the table at her booth. Despite being tired and sweaty, she didn’t want to be anywhere else. Lawson’s couldn’t make up the declining sales in three days, but this was the second weekend in a row business showed improvement. A good—and much-needed—sign. The booth’s traffic exceeded last summer’s traffic. She would figure out the profit made tomorrow. Tonight, a shower and sleep were her only priorities. She also hoped the coupons brought more customers into the bakery.
Most of the people were snagging desserts off the table without stopping to chat.
