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Ansley
There was something so sweet and disarming in the gentle way Garrett handled the little boy, Theo. It’s such a contrast to his reputation as a drunken playboy. And I swear, a glimpse of the tenderhearted, romantic boy that he was back in our youth shone through at that moment.
There’s that treacherous tenderness toward him fluttering inside of me again. I force myself to look away as he waltzes from auction item to auction item, writing his bids on a few, and yet it does nothing to tamp down the coiled mix of attraction and rekindled respect I have for him.
Get yourself together, Ansley.
Damn the man for stirring my long-dormant heart. I ignore that little thrum of desire that is pulsing under the surface of my skin, and retreat to the refreshment table for a glass of punch, when I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see Kevin standing behind me.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hi yourself.”
“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight,” I say.
“I volunteered, remember?” he says, and I’m instantly embarrassed.
“That’s right; you did tell me that. I’ve been so busy, and my mind is mush at this point,” I muse.
“So, you and Garrett Tuttle?” he asks.
“No. Not really. I mean, we came together tonight, but it’s not what it looks like,” I stammer.
“What is it exactly?”
“Complicated,” I reply.
“Complicated,” he repeats.
The awkward exchange has me wanting to crawl under the banquet table, and I’m actually relieved when Garrett makes his way over to us.
“Bid on anything good?” I squeak.
“A few things. One in particular I’m hoping I win,” he says.
He looks from me to Kevin, and then he extends his hand.
“Hi,” Garrett says.
“I’m sorry. I’m being rude. Garrett, this is Kevin Crispen. Kevin, this is Garrett Tuttle,” I introduce them.
“Yeah, we knew each other a long time ago,” Kevin says as he shakes Garrett’s hand.
“We did? I’m sorry. I meet so many people; it’s hard to put names to faces,” Garrett replies.
“I’m sure it is.”
They stare at each other for a few moments, and then Kevin turns to me.
“I’d best get back outside. I’m on parking duty tonight. I’ll stop by the café to see you later this week. You look beautiful, by the way.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”
He walks away, and Garrett chuckles.
“What?” I ask.
“I leave you alone for a minute, and the sharks start circling.”
I roll my eyes because the only shark in sight is him.
“Want another?” he asks gesturing to my empty glass.
“Yes, please.”
He takes the glass and walks off to get me a refill and I hurry to the sanctuary of my father’s side. He is standing quietly against the far wall as my mother chats with one of the church’s parishioners.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders. “The event seems to be a success,” he tells me.
“I hope so. They cut funding even more this year, and the library needs every dollar it can get.”
He nods. “Sara-Beth tells me you and Garrett came together.”
I can hear the disapproval in his voice.
“Yeah, I kind of tricked him into coming. I thought if anyone could help raise more money, it was him.”
“Be careful, sweetheart,” he begins, but I cut him off.
“Don’t worry, Daddy. I have no intention of getting my heart tangled with Garrett Tuttle again,” I assure him.
He doesn’t look convinced, but he drops the subject when Mom joins us as they begin to announce the auction winners.
