Chapter Three: The Trio Trifecta

The next morning, Gavin found Sarah in The Lab moving between stirring mixtures, checking ovens, and reading from propped-up recipe books in quick succession. How can she bake this early? He shuffled his hat around and stepped quietly behind her, suddenly aware of her soft flower scent mixed with the strong aroma of cinnamon. With his arms on the counter, he boxed her in. Let’s make this morning a little more interesting.

“Good morning,” he whispered into her ear—the same ear he’d whispered into the day before. He used every ounce of his willpower then and now not to press her against the counter. Saving grace came in the form of his task-oriented brain. Soon, this assignment would be done and he’d move on to the next job. Sarah deserved better.

She turned.

The move caused him to shift his arms, so they stood face to face, practically nose to nose. She didn’t seem fazed at all. You are an interesting one, Sarah Zion.

“Good morning to you.” She held her position, measuring spoon in hand.

“Cinnamon rolls on the menu today?” He let his gaze roam over her face. Her creamy skin contained no flaws. She doesn’t seem uncomfortable at all. Normally, a person toe to toe with another would start to fidget. Personal space, no matter who you are, was a touchy matter. What is her deal?

“And cider…the air’s a bit chilly out. I thought it might be a welcome addition.”

She didn’t act like she hid anything—she took what she wanted and said what she meant. He liked those characteristics. His own tendencies, however, made him leery. Maybe because the pot calling the kettle black usually didn’t end well. He had a job to do. That notwithstanding, he liked the way she smelled. His insides swirled when she smiled and relaxed into his kisses. The memory shocked him, and so did her willing response.

She didn’t back away nor even break eye contact.

Is she like this with everyone? Gavin’s body tensed. The notion of her acting this brazen with other men touched every irritable nerve in his body. He clenched his jaw. He wanted to be the only one. No sense in being miserable up here. No rule book existed for the games he played. In any case, flirting wouldn’t hurt, right?

A normal person would feel guilty. A normal person would have a moral compass to tell them this idea only traveled down a slippery slope. This? What this? So he flirted, no big deal. This is what he did for a living. Sometimes the job involved seduction, sometimes weapons. Either way, he’d never failed yet.

“You must be Gavin?” a woman asked from behind him.

Cue Fiona. Smile. You have to get through her as well. He turned to greet Fiona properly, irritated to leave the connection with Sarah’s playful blue-eyed gaze. “Yes.” He smiled and extended his hand.

“Hi. I’m Fiona. Nice to finally meet you.” Fiona looked at Sarah as she shook his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“All good I hope?”

“Of course. Thanks for agreeing to help out. Things have been pretty hectic around here lately.”

“No problem.” He turned to Sarah and grinned. “My pleasure, actually.”

“I have some paperwork to go over. Shouldn’t take long since you are temporary, but we need it all the same.”

“No problem. Now?”

“Yeah, I’m not sure how much longer Ella will sleep. When she wakes, she starts the cycle of a newborn all over again, and I am reduced to nothing more than a feeding machine.”

The undertone of exhaustion punctuated her words. “Ella?”

“Oh, my baby girl.” She laughed and shook her head. “Yep, still weird to say.”

“I second that.” Sarah resumed stirring the batter. “Still a little weird you’re a mom.”

“I have all the paperwork in here.” Fiona disappeared into the office behind her.

Gavin followed.

“Wait.” Sarah raised her voice.

“What?” Gavin pivoted and stopped.

Fiona poked her head out of the office.

“Tell me again, how long are you in town?” Sarah gave him a direct look.

“A while. Why?” He raised an eyebrow. Had his mission been going too smoothly? His mind raced with strategies to stay on task.

“How would you like to be a part of a baking competition?”

That was easy. Wow, I’m even amazing myself right now. I bet getting her to do other things would be easy. Skin and passion flashed in his mind. You’re a dirty devil, Arnold. “Me?” He made sure to look confused, adding a finger point at the middle of his chest for emphasis.

“That’s a great idea, Sar,” Fiona piped up and walked toward them.

“Yes, you.” Sarah pointed her batter-filled spoon his way. “I need a second person in the Trio Trifecta. Remember? I told you about the winning cookies. The competition’s in a couple of weeks and Fiona really can’t go. Do you want to be my assistant there?”

“How would I be assisting you?” Affecting a deep frown, he glanced between Sarah and Fiona.

“Baking,” Sarah answered.

Sarah’s stare questioned his intelligence levels. Okay, so maybe he played a little too dumb. Dial it back, Arnold. “Sounds like fun. I don’t know what kind of assistant I’d be, but I’ll try.”

“You’ll be fine.” She shrugged. “The only thing is it’s in Seattle and lasts for five days.”

“Five days for three cookies?”

“I know, right? Silly. But that is what they do.” Sarah picked up her mixing bowl and added a pinch of salt. “There’s a reception and vendor exhibit and some media stuff we’ll have to do. I’m the returning champ, after all.”

****

The next day, Gavin finally found himself alone in Crazy for Cake. Fiona only worked sporadically and Sarah left him there while she delivered trays of cookies for the numerous weekend office parties in town. He seized the opportunity to rifle through the front counters and made a call.

“Mr. Arnold. I was beginning to conclude you had forgotten about me.”

Mr. Lexington’s voice sounded clear and an octave higher than expected coming from a tall husky man of pedigree. “No, sir. I started at Crazy for Cake.”

“Good.”

He envisioned the balding man leaning back in his leather office chair. “Yes, sir.”

“Are you registered with her yet? You need to get your name on that form.”

“Happened yesterday, sir. They put my name on the registration form.”

“Perfect.”

“The competition is in two wee—”

“I know when it is, Arnold,” Mr. Lexington interrupted.

Gavin took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. He loved his job, but it came with challenges. Namely, entitled rich people. “What would you like me to do until then, sir?”

“Gather any information that will be useful in the competition. Get the recipes she’s planning on using.”

“I sampled one of the cookies the other day. Very tasty. She’s still working on the final recipes. When the decision is made, I will get them.”

“I’ll let you know what else I want you to do as the competition approaches.”

“Yes, sir.” Gavin disconnected as a family of four walked into the bakery.

****

Sarah couldn’t believe her ears from where she stood frozen by the swinging kitchen door. Suddenly grateful Jake couldn’t soundproof the door between The Lab and the front, Sarah smashed her lips together.

Did I hear that right? A pit grew in her stomach and she wanted to throw up. Gavin had wanted, nay, planned on getting her to register him on her team for the competition? He wanted her recipes? What was going on? That SOB! I’ll be damned if I let him get my recipes. Who the hell is this guy?

Against every urge in her body, she retreated toward the office. She would’ve liked nothing more than to punch Gavin in the throat and yell obscenities, but first things first. She needed to get him off her registration form. Where did Fiona put that damn piece of paper?

Sarah marched into the office, shoving stacks of invoices, envelopes, and pens every which way until she found letterhead with the Trio Trifecta stamp. She punched in the numbers on her cell phone.

“Trio Trifecta registration. This is Marley. How can I help you?” a young high voice sang on the other line.

Rage filled the tip of her tongue. Instead, Sarah breathed deep. She needed something from this girl and yelling would get her nowhere. “Hi, Marley. My name is Sarah. How are you today?”

“I’m doing well, thank you.”

“Great.” She made herself smile because people are always saying the person on the other end can tell. “I believe my registration for Crazy for Cake was sent in yesterday. I need to change the names.”

“Let me check. Crazy for Cake you said?”

“Yes, under Sarah Zion.” She tapped her pen against the oak desk.

“Yes. I have it.”

“I need to change the second name listed to Fiona Blue.” Fiona will have to suck it up and go.

A long pause on the other end of the phone triggered a lump in Sarah’s throat.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Zion. Your registration has already been processed, and you’ve been assigned. I can’t change the form now.”

“We just registered yesterday.” He voice rose and she worked to keep control. “Can’t you make an exception?”

“We aren’t allowed. Oh! You won last year!”

The girl’s voice became cheerier, making Sarah seethe. “Sure did. So, couldn’t you make an exception? I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t very important.”

“I’m sorry.”

Sarah could practically hear the girl frown. I guess the saying is true, you can tell expression over the phone.

“I would try to make an exception for you, but yesterday being the deadline, the press packets and other information went out this morning. I’m sorry, there is nothing I can do.”

Crumb cakes. Sarah extended her cell phone away from her face to scream silently. What do I do now? Think. “Marley? Can you tell me who else is registered in the competition?” Maybe if she knew the competitors, she could figure out what type of situation had walked into her life two days ago. She still didn’t totally know who Gavin was or what he was doing.

“There are twenty-five entries. Isn’t it nice you didn’t have to go through the approval process again?”

“Yep, Godsend,” Sarah deadpanned as she chewed the end of the pen.

Last year, being the first year Sarah entered, she’d gone through the entire, rigorous approval process. After stressing for weeks and baking forty different cookies, she sailed through the competition tryouts with high marks. Since she placed in the top three last year, she automatically qualified for this year.

“I’m not supposed to release the list ahead of time. It normally comes out a week before to the general public.”

“I’m not the public, Marley. Pretty please? With a cherry on top?”

“Okay, I guess doing so really doesn’t hurt anything. Give me your email.”

“Thank you.”

Sarah rattled off her email address and sighed in relief. Sadly, peace was short-lived when she remembered why she needed the list in the first place. What the hell is he up to? And, now I’m stuck with him. I’ll be dammed if he’ll get my recipes or hurt my chances in the competition or whatever he’s doing. She folded her arms on the desk and plopped down her head.

The fact she was stuck with him, and really didn’t know how to stop him because she didn’t know his end game, sank in. She needed to figure out what he was after…and fast. Only a couple of weeks remained before the competition, and in order for her to compete, she had to have Gavin as her assistant.

“Hey there, boss.”

Sarah lifted her head off the desk to see Gavin filling the doorway. “What do you want?” Her voice came out snottier than she meant. Well, she meant the snark—she just didn’t want him to know.

“Okay.” He held up his hands in a surrendering gesture. “Bad errands?”

Blood pounded in her ears. She needed him out of the bakery. She needed time to think. She had to act normal so he wouldn’t suspect anything. “Yeah, sorry about that.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve got things covered from here today. Thanks for your help. You can go.”

“I can stick it out. There’s only an hour. And,” he scratched his chin then moved his hands to his hips “I thought you needed help tonight with the reception delivery.”

“Oh, I can handle the order.”

“Sleet is falling outside. Roads might get slippery. I can be your second set of hands.”

“I said, I got it.” Her temper flared causing her fingers to clench into a fist. She’d never been good at control.

He stared, pinching his lips together.

For good measure she added a smile and kept it planted until he quietly disappeared out of the back door. Damn, he looked good in his jeans.

****

Sarah stewed. She was mad she’d overheard Gavin talking. After all, sometimes not knowing is bliss. She was mad he was doing something sneaky in the first place. But, most of all, right now she was mad she couldn’t get the damn wedding cake in the van by herself. Fiona wasn’t answering…Jake wasn’t picking up and she had no one else to call. She’d been staring at the cake now for fifteen minutes, willing the five-tiered beauty into the van. Since the confection apparently wasn’t a secret hovercraft, she would have to do the unthinkable. Call Gavin.

Realizing part of her was happy to make the call made her feel sick. She liked seeing his face, she told herself, not the warmth that spread through her body every time they made eye contact. This is not the time for games. This is your life he’s messing with. This isn’t some relationship game you can walk away from.

Maybe she could work her predicament to her advantage. Sarah remembered Gavin’s cell phone and the fact the entrant’s list was being emailed. If she could get a hold of the number he called, she’d be off to a productive start. Good girl…way to be rational for once in my life.

She liberated her phone from her pocket and dialed.

****

Gavin arrived as Sarah wrapped up the last cream puff tray for transport.

“Reporting for duty.” His joke didn’t receive an easy laugh from the Sarah he’d come to know, but instead a semi-friendly glare.

His stomach knotted.

“We need to load up all of these trays in the van and the cake. Then unload when we get there and set up.”

She didn’t meet his gaze. What happened today? Is she mad in general or at me? “Are you okay?” He stepped closer.

“Fine.”

His arm, about to reach for her, stopped when he heard the worst word a female can say. Great. It’s me. What did I do?

Sarah deftly avoided his gaze and arms. “We have built-in shelves on the sides on the van and we can secure these trays so they don’t slide about.” She grabbed a tray of chocolate truffles and headed to the alley.

He followed suit.

When they got to the hotel, Sarah led the way. “Let’s put all of the trays down here.” She pointed at a table set up out of the way. “Then I can transfer them over as I want them arranged.”

“You stay here to set up. I’ll bring in the rest.”

“I can help.”

“No, I won’t be of any use arranging.”

“Good point.”

****

She fixated on Gavin’s confident stride as he walked away. He’d added a maroon hooded jacket to his jeans and T-shirt which somehow made him sexier. Since when are hoodies sexy? On Gavin, though, the look departed from his normal sturdy and preppy—added almost a vulnerable quality. Instead of arranging her treats and yelling, she wanted to hug him, to relax into his chest, and stay for a while.

No, Sarah. Not a good idea. Not even a bad idea. It’s the worst idea you’ve ever had. She’d been considering the conversation she’d had with Fiona the other day about Gavin. Yes, having a fling would be fun, but probably not great for working conditions…especially now that he’s spying on me.

Sarah neglected to call Fiona and fill her in on the new-found information. Fiona would freak out and she didn’t need the added stress. Neither of them did. No, Sarah would save her best friend from the misery and deal with Gavin herself. “That’s the last load.”

He set down the tray of heart-shaped crispy rice treats topped with a white and milk chocolate sauce. The happy couple’s initials adorned the tops in bright blue to match their wedding colors. “Nicely done.” Gavin walked over to the three tables full of her treats. “Are the tablecloths yours?”

“No. They provided the decorations and cloths to match the rest of the room.” She motioned around. “I asked for them, though…to make my display better.” She breathed deep and relaxed. Without being a jerk, she could keep up her defenses. She needed to keep being flirty anyway…the plan to get her hands on his phone hinged on their witty repartee.

“And you made the wedding cake?”

“Yep.”

They both turned to look at the cake.

“Wow. That’s amazing.”

The cake turned out magnificently. With the pearl finish and imbedded flowers along the edges, the five-tiered cake stunned. Then, taking her creativity one step further, she brilliantly glazed the ends of the pearl flowers with hues of blue.

The sight of her work made her smile. Getting paid for creativity and having it appreciated topped Sarah’s dreams in life—dreams that now played out in reality. Opening Crazy for Cake continued to prove to be the best thing shed done yet. She couldn’t wait to see where this adventure would lead. Ideas of art, from edible to non-edible, always bombarded her mind. “Do you enjoy to bake or cook?” she asked Gavin, softening her voice.

“Used to dabble in a little of both.”

Suddenly aware of his presence, Sarah’s stomach flipped. Music started in the background and she noticed the disc jockey setting up for the night’s festivities. Jarrod Niemann sang out to his song, “Only God Could Love You More.” Sarah smiled within. She loved this song. She didn’t expect love was ever in the cards for her, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t imagine the sentiment.

Just as a phrase about not being alone started, Gavin reached out his hand, tilting his head ever so slightly.

She stared at his fingers and blinked. She placed her hand in his and tingles swirled up her arm. No words were exchanged. Sarah eased closer and they swayed with his hand on her waist and her hand around his shoulder and back. Excitement filled her, knowing she’d put on her silky red top because now she felt as if his hand lay directly on her skin. The sensation caused images of other places she’d like his hand pressed, sending a shiver of pleasure all the way to her toes.

He held her tight to his body. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking in the sensation of his hand holding her and his sweet scent of spice. He released her waist and she followed suit, gliding into the spin as he held her hand in his and gently guided her back.

She liked the airy way she sank into him, causing a plethora of mixed emotions. How can I hate someone so much yet want him so fiercely? She liked the feeling of protection that accompanied his smile. Unfortunately, she needed protection from him at the moment…both professionally and personally.

The end of the song played. They stopped swaying but his grip did not loosen and she didn’t attempt to leave. Even if she wanted to move, she couldn’t have…her legs puttied.

The next song started to play. Apparently the DJ, or the wedding party, really liked Jarrod Niemann because the next song was “What Do You Want From Me.”

He closed the short distance between them and kissed her.

Sarah viewed the pair as if in a movie theater watching herself being kissed, slow motion, with every sense heightened. His lips took ownership of hers, freeing her body to crave him. He moved her hand to his shoulder and grasped her face with his free hand. The steady stream of kisses intensified with every movement.

She blanked. Not hearing or sensing anything else but Gavin, she held him close. Her hands smoothly glided over Gavin’s back…enjoying every one of his muscles through his shirt. Craving more, she found the bottom of his shirt and slipped her hands under, touching his warm skin.

He moaned, and their kiss deepened. His hands roamed down and lifted her off her feet. She put her arms around his neck and cradled his face with her hand. There was no mistaking the energy passing between them.

She started to regain her senses and heard the words of the song, asking what someone wanted, repeating over and over. How fitting. That was the question of the hour.

What does he want? Why is he here? And why on earth does he kiss this well?

“Excuse me?” She heard a male shout behind her.

She stopped, only pulling away her face far enough to talk. “Hello?”

Gavin’s puzzled gaze stared back.

He forgot where we are, too. She kept her focus on him as he looked over her shoulder in the direction of the voice and his eyes widened.

Sarah slid from her position to stand on her own two feet again. This is embarrassing. I’m in public. Get control.

“Sorry, man.” Gavin sent a palms-up hand to the disc jockey and an almost apologetic look.

“This is embarrassing,” she whispered into his shirt and took in a healthy breath of his scent.

“Nah, it’s nothing. Could’ve been worse.” He lifted her chin to kiss her again.

Sarah pulled away from his grasp before she turned completely red from want and mortification. “Set up. Yes, we were setting up.” And I’m trying to get your cell phone, Gavin.

“Setting up.” Gavin nodded.

“Right.” She cleared her throat. Get a hold of yourself. In an attempt to collect herself, she pushed at her hair. She walked back over to survey the table of half-organized desserts.

“Where were we? Oh yes…you asked about cooking?”

“I did.”

He nodded again. Amusement filling the crinkles on the sides of his eyes.

Sarah sighed in grateful relief they were getting back to the task at hand.

“I don’t usually have time to cook meals.” He stood behind her as she resumed arranging the dessert tables. “I keep a bag of bars, energy snacks, energy drinks, and water with me. Always have to make sure to keep plenty of bottled water around.”

“What kind of a teacher’s schedule do you have?” Sarah looked back.

He stared for a moment and blinked. “Oh…yeah, I teach tactical classes. We’re in the field a lot.”

“I see.” I think I just caught you in a lie.

He handed her a plate of cake pops.

With quick moves, she arranged them in the blue-painted, half-sphere displays she’d made for the reception’s display. “So, why the need for a sabbatical? I can tell by the way you talk about your work and people you’re happy.”

“Yeah, but work isn’t all there is to life. Maybe sabbatical is just a fancy way to say vacation.” He laughed and slid his hands into his jean pockets. “I needed a vacation.”

“Hmm. Yeah, well, we all need a break sometimes.” She looked over the completed display. “I’ll need one when Fiona comes back.” Her frisky side kicked in. Getting answers to all her burning questions involved flirting—a skill she’d easily perfected over the years. She flashed a coy smile. “In your professional opinion…are there any security issues in my life I should be worried about?”

“You need a better lock on the back door for starters. Probably should mount a bell, as well.”

“Really?” She fought to keep her voice light. Is that because I came through it without you hearing me, and now I know you’re deceitful?

“That’s the main one I’ve noticed. You should also have pepper spray or something in the front, kitchen, and in your office. Just in case.”

So, I can pepper spray your face? She unclenched her jaw. “Anything else?” She marveled at how he took her questions seriously. He’d clearly given the bakery security issues thought. “You don’t think I can handle myself?”

“I’m sure you could.” He crossed his arms and moved to stand beside her.

“I hope you never have to find out.” Run while you can. You’re making a big mistake, buddy.

“Is that right?” A sly smile formed. “What if I attacked you from behind?”

A shiver crept up her spine, thinking of the possibilities of his hands around her. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

He laughed. “Fair enough.”

“I’ve done my fair share of traveling.” She jutted her chin. “I’ve taken some lessons on self-protection.”

“Good. More people should be prepared.”

“What would you do if you were attacked head on?”

He gave her the universal two finger “come here” gesture.

She struck high with her right hand and snuck in low with her left. He expertly diverted her right hand attempt and grabbed for her left hand and spun her around. Damn. I really wanted to hit him.

Holding both of her wrists, crossed in front of her body, he pulled her close.

She could feel his hard chest pressed against her back, his breathes were deep and sent a sharp chill up her spine. His thighs rubbed the back of her legs and she, momentarily, had visions of him whipping her around and pushing her high against a wall with his strong thighs. She surveyed the room. The pesky DJ is gone. Good.

Then he lowered his mouth to her right ear and spoke in a husky whisper, “I would detain them.”

Her body froze. “Detain.” All Sarah could do was repeat one of the now sexiest words a man had ever said.

Gavin kissed her ear, trailing his lips slowly down her neck. He released her and let his hands cling to her curves.

She turned to face him, melting as he wrapped his arms tight around her waist. She instinctively draped her arms around his neck and softly put her lips to his. I could stay in this moment forever.

He slipped his hands under her shirt, taking control. The need for him pulsed quickly. She didn’t flinch when his fingers tickled her bare stomach. Her heart thumped and her head dizzied, breaking their kiss.

She ran her hand over his firm hips, pulling him closer, and felt a hard rectangle in his back pocket. His cell phone. I need that. She reached in, trying not to make her goal obvious and slid out his phone, cupping it with her hand. She teased him with her tongue, hoping to keep his attention on her and not his back pocket. Now, where can I hide this?

She pulled back and looked into his bold green eyes, keeping her hand holding the phone behind him. His gaze beckoned her…called out to every fiber of her body. Her master plan was coming together—all she had to do was maintain control. With a sexy wink, she turned to walk back to the table and pocketed his phone, ever so smoothly, in her front apron pocket.

Success. I am one bad mother trucker.