Chapter Five #2
Laughter filled the space as the kids began leaving the stage.
Gunner watched as Emily and her mother gathered their belongings, the little girl’s eyes still sparkling with excitement. He sauntered over, his boots clicking against the polished floor of the community center.
“Heading out?” he asked with a smile.
Sarah nodded, her hand resting protectively on her daughter’s shoulder. “We are. Thank you so much. This meant the world to Emily.”
Gunner tipped his cowboy hat. “The pleasure’s all mine.” He crouched down to Emily’s level, his voice softening. “You keep practicing those exercises we talked about, alright? I expect to hear that beautiful voice of yours even stronger next time.”
Emily nodded shyly. “I will. Promise.”
As they turned to leave, Gunner called out, “See y’all tomorrow.” He watched them go, Emily’s small hand in her mother’s, and he smiled.
Well, I’ll be damned, he thought, running a hand through his hair. This feels better than any standing ovation I’ve ever had.
* * *
The next morning, Aubrey exhaled deeply, feeling the last traces of tension melt away as she rolled up her yoga mat.
The warmth from the heated room clung to her skin, a comforting embrace after the intense session.
She caught her reflection in the full-length mirror, noticing the healthy flush in her cheeks and the serene gleam in her eyes.
“Thanks for the class, Deb,” Aubrey said. “I needed this today.”
Deb smiled warmly. “Glad you could make it. See you next time.”
After saying her goodbyes to the other attendees of her weekly hot yoga class, Aubrey left the living room-turned-gym and stepped out into the refreshing air. The coolness provided a much-needed relief for her overheated skin.
Sliding into her car, she cranked up the heat and began the drive back to the farmhouse. The winding country roads stretched before her, endless fields of snow-dusted grass on either side. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her peaceful mood from yoga slowly evaporating.
As the old farmhouse came into view, Aubrey felt her stomach clench.
The flowered wallpaper and creaky porch were a far cry from her sleek Atlanta condo.
She parked and sat for a moment, staring at the house that she, Charly and Willow had renovated from top to bottom.
But both Charly and Willow had wanted to keep the farmhouse as close to its original state as possible.
Aubrey would have gutted it and replaced everything old with modern luxuries.
The thought of Willow potentially moving in with Eli down the road sent a conflicting wave of emotions through her.
On one hand, she would miss living with Willow.
She’d already lost Charly, who moved in with Jaxon at the ranch.
On the other, it meant she might finally have a chance to move into town and get out of these dusty country roads where she simply didn’t fit in.
“It’s just temporary,” she reminded herself, trying to summon some of the calm from her yoga session. “Soon, you’ll be back in civilization.”
But even as she said the words, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered that maybe, just maybe, Timber Falls would never feel like home. Which was simply terrifying, since it was all she had.
She quickly squashed that overwhelming thought, grabbing her yoga mat and heading inside. She had a busy day ahead, and dwelling on her conflicted feelings about this place wouldn’t do her any good.
When she pushed open the farmhouse door, the familiar creak accompanied her entrance. She made a beeline for the kitchen, her throat parched. As she reached for a glass, the sound of footsteps made her turn.
“Hey there, hot stuff,” Willow greeted, her wavy hair catching the morning light as she entered. “How was yoga?”
Aubrey poured herself some orange juice and took a long sip, savoring the tart sweetness. “Sweaty. Intense. Exactly what I needed.”
Willow leaned against the counter, her eyes twinkling. “Well, hope you’re ready for more intensity. Charly’s picking us up in forty-five for the caterer tastings.”
“Sounds good,” Aubrey said. “Any idea what we’re in for?”
“Knowing Charly? Probably enough food to feed half of Timber Falls.” Willow chuckled. “Oh, and don’t forget your discerning palate. We’re counting on those chef skills of yours.”
Aubrey felt a familiar pang at the mention of her former career. “I’ll do my best,” she said, forcing a smile. “Better go get ready then.”
“Be quick,” Willow said, moving to fix herself a coffee.
As Aubrey headed to her room, her mind drifted to the potential sale of the farmhouse. The extra cash could help her find a place in town, somewhere that didn’t constantly remind her of how far she’d fallen from her old life.
Standing before her closet, Aubrey surveyed her options. “Practical, but stylish,” she muttered, pulling out a pair of dark-wash jeans and a soft, cream-colored sweater. She added a statement necklace and ankle boots.
Once she’d showered and finished getting ready, she caught her reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked…different. Just nothing like the dream-chasing woman from Atlanta. Harder. Lost. So damn confused.
She reached up, smoothing the lines between her eyes away.
She glanced to her lips, missing her smile that used to come so easy.
She stared into her dark gaze again and saw each and every hurt she’d endured.
Her father. Chef Bisset. Boyfriend after boyfriend walking away.
And Gunner…the one that hurt most. Because she’d believed him, that he cared, and she was so stupid to have done that. She’d only known him a week.
But the truth was there, written in every hard line of her face. She missed the young girl she’d once been, who didn’t know people were so cruel.
Sick of her thoughts, she sauntered back into the kitchen, her heeled boots clicking against the weathered wood floor. The aromas of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread enveloped her, a comforting contrast to the crisp winter air seeping through the farmhouse’s old windows.
Willow stood at the counter, her waves cascading over her shoulders as she spread jam on toast. She glanced up, a warm smile lighting her face. “Just in time. I made us a quick bite.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” Aubrey said, reaching for a mug. “I swear, if I had to face Charly’s boundless morning energy on an empty stomach, I might snap.”
Willow laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “God forbid we unleash hangry Aubrey on unsuspecting caterers.”
Aubrey raised an eyebrow, fighting a grin. “Hey, my discerning palate comes with a price.”
As they leaned against the counter, munching on toast and jam and sipping coffee, Aubrey felt a familiar warmth bloom in her chest. As much as Timber Falls didn’t feel like home, being with Willow did.
“So,” Willow said, “on a scale of one to ‘I’d rather eat glass,’ how excited are you for today’s tasting extravaganza?”
Aubrey snorted. “Let’s call it a solid ‘mildly intrigued with a side of trepidation.’” She paused, her voice softening. “But honestly? It’ll be nice to be around food again. To see someone creating something…special.”
Willow reached out, squeezing Aubrey’s arm. “You could do more of that at the bar, you know? More than just apps and cocktails. We’d just have to find a way to make it work.”
Before Aubrey could retort that it wasn’t as easy as Willow suggested, the sound of tires crunching on gravel cut through the quiet morning. Charly’s arrival.
“Showtime.” Willow grinned and grabbed her coat.
Aubrey took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. “Let’s do this.”
As they gathered their things, excitement and apprehension swirled in Aubrey’s stomach.
She followed Willow to the door, and then stepped outside, her breath forming small clouds as she walked toward Charly’s car.
But her steps faltered as her eyes landed on an unexpected figure in the passenger seat.
Gunner, looking far too comfortable for her liking, flashed her a lazy grin through the window.
“Ugh. Why?” Aubrey muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing.
As they approached, Charly rolled down her window, her warm eyes sparkling with barely concealed excitement. “Morning, ladies! Hope you don’t mind our extra passenger.”
Aubrey forced a smile. “Don’t mind one bit.”
As she slid into the back seat, Gunner turned, his eyes locking with hers. “Hello, darlin’.” There was a hint of challenge in his voice.
Aubrey’s heart raced, a mix of irritation and something else she refused to name. This day had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
The car rumbled to life, carrying them through the snow-dusted streets of Timber Falls. Aubrey found herself hyperaware of Gunner’s presence in the front seat, his broad shoulders and tousled hair visible just beyond the headrest and beneath his cowboy hat.
“So, Gunner,” she said, unable to resist needling him, “I didn’t realize wedding planning was part of your…diverse skill set.”
He turned, a wry smile playing on his lips. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Aubrey. I’m full of surprises.”
Their eyes met briefly, a spark of electricity passing between them. Aubrey quickly looked away, her cheeks warming.
“I’m sure,” she muttered, focusing on the passing scenery.
Charly’s voice broke the tension. “Aubrey, didn’t you mention wanting to try that new fusion place in Deer Point?” Deer Point was a bigger city not too far away.
One Aubrey was wholeheartedly considering moving to after Willow moved out. “Oh, yeah,” Aubrey replied, grateful for the distraction. “I heard their Thai-inspired barbecue is to die for.”
Gunner chuckled. “Sounds like a culinary identity crisis if you ask me.”
Aubrey’s eyes narrowed on the back of his head. “And what would you know about culinary innovation, Mr. Beer-and-Pretzels?”
“Hey now,” he said, turning to face her again. “I’ll have you know I’ve dined in some of the finest establishments from Nashville to L.A.”
Their banter continued, a delicate dance of wit and barely concealed attraction. Aubrey found herself both irritated and intrigued by Gunner’s quips, each retort revealing a depth that had snagged her when they’d first met.
As they pulled up to the caterer’s, a quaint storefront with Timber Tastes emblazoned on the window, Aubrey’s professional instincts kicked in. The aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering spices wafted through the air, instantly transporting her back to her days in Atlanta’s bustling kitchens.
“Alright, folks,” she said, her voice taking on a no-nonsense tone. “Let’s see what they’ve got.”
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a whirlwind of activity. Chefs in crisp white jackets bustled about, putting finishing touches on an array of appetizers and entrees. Aubrey’s eyes widened, taking in the vibrant colors and artful presentations.
Charly and Willow were now talking to the caterer, who was instructing them to begin tasting the menu they’d proposed.
“Now this,” Aubrey murmured, more to herself than anyone else, “is what I’m talking about.
” Her fingers itched to grab a tasting fork, to sample the delicate balance of flavors she could already imagine dancing on her tongue.
For a moment, she forgot about Gunner, about her complicated feelings towards Timber Falls, about everything except the culinary masterpieces before her.
As she reached for a beautifully plated crostini, she caught Gunner watching her, an unreadable expression on his face. Aubrey broke eye contact first, turning her attention back to the food. She lifted the crostini to her lips, closing her eyes as she savored the blend of flavors.
“Mmm,” she hummed appreciatively. “The balance of the goat cheese with the fig compote is perfect.”
Gunner leaned in. “I’m more of a meat and potatoes guy myself, but even I can tell this is somethin’ special.”
Aubrey arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And here I thought your palate was limited to beer and regret.”
His lips quirked into a half smile. “Like I keep saying, there’s a lot you don’t know about me, darlin’.”
As they moved through the tasting stations, their banter softened, replaced by genuine discussions about the food. Aubrey found herself surprised by Gunner’s insightful comments.
“You know,” he said, gesturing to a delicate salmon appetizer, “this would be perfect for the talent show’s reception.”
Aubrey paused mid-bite. “Talent show? What talent show?”
Gunner’s eyes lit up. “The one I’m helping mentor for some of the local kids. It’s for an afterschool music program that ends in a talent show.”
“You’re mentoring an afterschool music program?” Aubrey couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.
He nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. “Figured I might as well put my experience to good use.”
Aubrey felt something shift inside her. Her image of Gunner as just another egotistical, self-absorbed musician was beginning to crack. “That’s…actually really great, Gunner.”
He shrugged, but she could see the pleasure in his eyes. “These kids have real talent. They just need someone to point them in the right direction. Feels good to give back to the community that’s been so kind to me.”
As they continued tasting, Aubrey found herself sneaking glances at Gunner while eating the rich chocolate torte, seeing him in a new light.
She thought, This is the Gunner I knew… The kind man.
Not the rebel the tabloids talked about who broke guitars and went through women like used socks.
Not the man who walked out on her. The man she had spent an unforgettable week with.
She’d liked this man. A lot, her heart reminded her.
At her silence, he raised an eyebrow at her. “Got something on your mind?”
She shook her head. “Just how dang good this torte is.”
A warm smile swept across his face. “I can’t argue with you on that.”