“That’s Brecken all right.” Finley’s smile, however, was fleeting. “I’ve been texting him, but he hasn’t replied. I’m guessing his phone is blowing up with people trying to contact him. His phone might be dead.”
“A dead battery would explain why no one can reach him.” Garrett was grasping at straws and not handling the situation with his usual calmness and emotional distance. He much preferred being on the sidelines. “We’ll find him.”
“We will.” But her tone lacked confidence. “There’s no reason for us to stay here. I’m sure if Brecken shows up anywhere, it’ll be his house. You’ve all worked so hard this weekend, and tomorrow’s another workday, so why doesn’t everyone go home? If anyone hears anything, let everybody know.”
“Good plan,” Jayden agreed. “And thanks for all the extra time you guys put in today.”
Taryn nodded. “We couldn’t have pulled off the summer fair without you, so thank you.”
Finley and Carl mutteredyou’re welcome.
Jayden pinned Garrett with a hard stare. “You staying with her?”
“I am.”
“Good.” Jayden hugged her again as if to get under Garrett’s skin—it was working. “Hang in there.”
She stared at the floor. “If I hadn’t mentioned Nick to him—”
“This isn’t your fault,” Garrett interrupted.
Taryn opened her mouth.
“Listen to the lawyer.” Jayden glanced his way. “He’s right for once.”
Garrett cocked a brow. “For once?”
Jayden’s jaw jutted forward, but amusement shone in his eyes. “You’ve scored a few points, but you need to earn more, attorney guy.”
Carl snickered.
Finley laughed.
Taryn rolled her eyes. “And with that, good night all. See you tomorrow.”
“See ya, Boss.” Finley headed to the door.
Carl followed. “In the morning, we’ll give Brecken a hard time and make him clean the bathroom.”
“Call me if you need anything,” Jayden said to Taryn before shooting him a take-care-of-her look.
Garrett intended to do that.
The door to the bakery opened, and the familiar ping filled the air. The three men left, and the sound repeated when the door closed.
He was more of an overprotective big brother, but he’d had a few high-maintenance clients, so caretaking wasn’t entirely outside his wheelhouse. “Let’s get something to eat.”
“You should be with your family.”
“They are looking for Brecken. And before you tell me you want to join in the search, that’s not happening.” He stepped toward her. “You’ve worked hard all weekend and need to rest.”
“But—”
Garrett silenced her with a kiss. He waited for her to pull away, but she pressed harder against his lips. As he soaked up the taste of her, he relished the feel of her.
He’d wanted to kiss her—hold her—since the other night, but the timing hadn’t been right with the fair. This might not be a perfect time, either, but they were together and alone. That was enough.
Garrett wrapped his arms around Taryn and pulled her even closer. He kissed her as if he’d never get the chance again, running his fingers through her hair.
