And suddenly, as he stroked her bare arm with his fingertip, it hit him like a blow to the gut by Mike Tyson: What if Kelsey had mistaken him for Garrett? They were identical twins, they were dressed in the same costume, and she’d been drinking.
Garrett—the charmer. Garrett—the ladies man. Garrett—the player. And from the rumors around town that morning; Garrett—the-best-sex-Kelsey’s-ever-had.
Davis would’ve come clean, if he had heard from her. But he hadn’t. Instead, he dived into a project. Just like he always did. His current project was a little neighborhood library Mrs. Chen had hired him to make. He’d made a few around town. They were simple. A mindless project. Something he needed today.
The sun shined through the open garage door, giving him natural light and warmth. He had the day off from shooting. But they’d be back at it again tomorrow.
The rumble of Garrett’s truck rattled the inside of the garage. Davis shook his head. Garrett always needed bigger, better, louder. A few moments later, he strolled up the driveway. Cooper sat up only long enough to emit a warning bark before recognizing Garrett and returning to his lethargic state.
“Can’t even take a day off on your day off,” Garrett called, patting Cooper on the head before ducking his six-foot frame underneath the large garage door.
“This is me taking a day off,” Davis muttered. He smoothed a hand over the sanded wood before blowing off the sawdust.
Roaming around the garage, Garrett fiddled with Davis’s tools. He stayed quiet but it was obvious he had something on his mind. Garrett wasn’t one for being subdued.
The longer he restrained, the more agitated it made Davis. How long was he planning to wait to admit he’d heard the rumor? Because he had, hadn’t he? That was the reason for him stopping by unannounced?
“Working on another one of those neighborhood libraries?”
“Yep. This one is for Mrs. Lim.”
“I don’t understand why you subject yourself to such simple work. I’ve seen you do far more detailed work. You’re harboring your talent.” Garrett took a seat on a stool underneath the window, sunlight peering in and amplifying the dust on every square inch of surface.
“I’m not harboring my talent,” Davis mumbled. “Isn’t that what I’m showcasing on the show?”
Garrett shrugged.
“Besides, I like building these. They’re mindless. And people appreciate them.”
“I appreciate what you do on the show. Despite you hating the recognition, you gotta admit the cash flow isn’t terrible.”
“It’s not,” he admitted.
If it wasn’t for the show, he wouldn’t be able to offer to pay off the debt at O’Henry’s. He was financially set for his future, meaning he could do whatever he wanted to do when the show ended. Either stay in business with Garrett without the lights and cameras and fame, or do his own thing. Hell, he could afford to build little neighborhood libraries for the rest of his life if he wanted to.
Garrett picked up a paintbrush and ran his thumb against the bristles. “But you are still considering signing if they want to renew our contract, right?”
Davis sighed, placing his hands on his hips. “Is that what you really came over here to talk about?”
Glancing up, Garrett smirked. “Oh little bro, how you know me so well. Or, should I say, how we know each other so well?”
Davis waited for the questions, for the accusations. He half expected Garrett to be angry he’d allowed people in town to believe such a rumor.
“So you and Kelsey finally did the deed?” He shook his head, grinning. “I gotta admit, I really didn’t think you had it in you.”
“Why’s that?” Davis asked, instead of denying it. He crossed his arms and leaned against the work counter.
“You guys have been friends for years. I guess I figured if it hadn’t happened by now, it was never gonna happen. But it’s true?”
Davis nodded. “Last night. At the bar.”
“I want to be happy for you, I really do. But please clear up one small detail for me, will you? Why does everyone think I slept with her?”
“I guess someone assumed and I didn’t disagree. I’m sorry. But c’mon, the way you two were carrying on last night, especially on the dance floor, it’s not that hard to believe.”
“Look, normally I wouldn’t care if people thought Kelsey and I hooked up, except that I sort of hooked up with someone else last night.” Garrett scratched at the back of his head.
Davis tilted his head. “Maddie?”
