Page 6 of Just Like This
“Then we’ll cancel all of our plans. Don’t go, Garrett. Not yet.”
I took one step forward to see better and stepped on an ancient floorboard that squeaked loudly under my foot. Dammit. Three sets of eyes landed on me.
“Sorry to bother you,” I stammered shyly. “Breakfast is almost ready.”
“I’m starving,” Jackson exclaimed with an exaggerated pat on his stomach. They all followed me into the dining room where I helped Lucinda serve breakfast.
It wasn’t hard to miss the eyes on me, and I knew who they belonged to. I brushed Garrett’s shoulder with my arm as I set down a serving bowl full of fruit salad, and he sucked in a sharp breath. Heat crept up along my neck and cheeks before I quickly retreated to the kitchen, to my comfort zone.
“Here, this is the last thing,” Lucinda said, handing me a platter of bacon.
I took it from her before heading to the dining room. I set it down opposite Garrett, but it was hard to miss his hungry expression. His hooded gaze was locked on me. Palmer latched onto my hand, startling me.
“Sit down next to me,” he said with an easy smile.
Reluctantly, I took my place next to Palmer. His arm slid around to rest on the back of my chair, and he squeezed my shoulder. With a wink, he told me, “Thanks for helping, Cami. This is fantastic.”
“I’m glad you like it,” I murmured.
“Guys, Cami is a fantastic baker,” Palmer gushed, cupping my shoulder and pulling me into him. “She used to be one of rising culinary stars in Seattle. I’ve been trying to get her to open a bakery here in Gig Harbor since she moved back home.”
I blushed and looked away uncomfortably. “Thank you, Palmer, but it’s not the right time.” His wordsused to bestung too. I still wantedto be,but I wasn’t about to sacrifice time with my father for a career. If it was meant to be, the opportunities I’d had in Seattle to rise to the top of my field would present themselves again.
I picked at the food on my plate, listening to Palmer’s easy conversation with Garrett and Jackson. They were discussing Garrett’s plan to return home. Their loud and boisterous voices spoke to their closeness with one another. They weren’t just members of the same unit; they were brothers.
“We’re all supposed to go to Vegas together,” Jackson whined. “It won’t be the same without you.”
“I’ve got some family stuff to take care of,” he said, clearing his throat. “I’m sorry.”
“Well, just let us know what your plans are,” Palmer said.
Breakfast was winding down, and I stood to start clearing away plates and dishes. I did my best to avoid Garrett’s side of the table, but I couldn’t help it. He was like a magnet pulling me closer. I reached between him and Jackson to pick up a dish when his hand landed on my arm. “I can do that,” he said when I glanced at him.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.” I forced a smile, but his hand remained on my arm, sending jolts of heat and electricity through my body.
Garrett’s chair skidded against the hardwood floor as he stood. His body grazed mine as he reached for the platter I was holding. Slowly, he took it from me. “I said that I can do that.” His words were low and deliberate.
“Thank you,” I whispered. My lips felt dry, and my tongue darted out to wet them. Garrett’s eyes were on me the entire time, tracking each movement. I jerked back, letting him take the platter, and rushed outside to the deck.
SHIT! This was totally insane. My attraction to Garrett was undeniable, but he was Palmer’s friend. Palmer was my friend too, and this could jeopardize both of our friendships. Was it worth losing Palmer’s friendship to pursue Garrett?
The wind picked up a bit as I headed back inside. Slowly, I made my way to the kitchen, preparing myself to be in proximity to Garrett. But he was gone. Confused, I returned to the dining room to see if he was picking up the remaining dishes, but he wasn’t there either. Both the kitchen and the dining room were empty. There was no one else was around. I looked down at my watch; how long had I been outside?
I walked to the front of the house to see everyone standing in the driveway. Lucinda stood on tiptoe to hug Garrett before Jackson reached out to shake his hand. Palmer was last and grasped Garrett in a brotherly hug.Oh, I thought to myself,maybe there wasn’t anything there. Maybe the spark that I felt was just in my imagination.
Everyone started to walk back toward the house as Garrett’s taxi left the driveway. I scrambled to the dining room and cleared away the remaining dishes. Palmer found me at the sink and snaked his arm around my shoulders.
“Hey,” he said softly. “You helped cook breakfast; you don’t have to clean up, too.”
“It’s okay,” I replied tightly. “Where did everyone go?”
“Just out front to say goodbye to Garrett. He left to go see his family.”
“Oh.” Palmer reached over and took a plate that I was rinsing. He dried it carefully before putting it away. “When are you and Jackson going to Vegas?”
“Tomorrow. You should come.”
“I can’t. We’re waiting to hear from the doctors about my dad and whether his cancer has spread.”
