Icing On The Date (The Bannister Brothers #1) (7 page)

“It’s not about last night,” the intern said. “It’s from earlier today. When Owen was selling cupcakes.”

“Cupcakes?”

Oh, shit.

“What the hell have you done this time, Bannister?” Harvey tilted the screen toward Owen and Bane as he read the tweets, his voice changing from anger to excitement.

Who is this mystery girl that has captured the attention of the elusive playboy Bannister?

How do I get Owen B to smear me with frosting?

I’d let OB frost my cupcakes any day.

Mystery girl is making Owen Bannister smile.

OB is caught with his hands in the batter. Does she let him lick the beaters or…

Pictures and tweets of Owen and Gabby goofing around on the cupcake truck filled the screen. Most of the pictures were taken during the time Gabby had creamed him with the cupcake. Their smiling faces were covered in frosting as they played around and teased each other.

“Look at these tweets.” Harvey read another a few more out loud.

Has Bannister gone from brawling to baking?

Who is this mystery baker? And are there wedding cupcakes in the future?

The favorite picture that seemed to have received the most attention was of Owen leaning forward and giving Gabby a frosting-smeared kiss. Gabby’s eyes were closed, and her face was tipped up in bliss. And Owen’s face was covered in a huge grin.

“What is this, Bannister? Who is this girl?”

Owen gulped. The last thing he wanted was to get Gabby involved in another one of his messes.

“Is that the girl from last night? The caterer?” Bane asked. “What’s her name? Gabby?”

“Gabby? Gabby who?” Harvey asked. “Somebody tell me who this girl is.”

Bane grinned. “She’s Owen’s angel.”

“Shut up.” Had he really told Bane that Gabby was his angel? He swore he was never getting drunk again.

“Well, she’s
my
angel now,” Harvey said, a smile breaking across his face. “Because this girl is going to be the answer to our prayers.”

“What are you talking about?” Owen could feel the scowl settling on his face.

“This is the first time I’ve seen the press portray you in a positive light in years.” He tapped the picture of the now infamous kiss on his computer screen. “Someone caught you on camera with an actual smile on your face instead of a scowl. Like the one you’re wearing now.”

Harvey studied the screen, chuckling as he read. “And the women are going crazy for this. Everyone wants to know who this girl is that seems to have captured the ‘elusive playboy.’”

Bane arched an eyebrow at him. “You do look pretty happy in that picture, bro.”

“We were just goofing around. It’s nothing serious.” He didn’t
feel
happy. The only thing he could feel was the tension in his forehead as he gritted his teeth. “It was no big deal.”

“It’s certainly a big deal now.” Harvey leaned back in his chair, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Tell me. Who
is
this girl?”

“Her name’s Gabby Davis. She’s a caterer who helped me out last night so I owed her a favor. She has this little cupcake shop and needed some help today because her brother bailed on her.” Actually she’d been the one to bail her brother out. “All I did was help her sell some cupcakes.”

“Looks like you were helping yourself to
her
cupcakes.” Bane smirked at him. “And she’s got some pretty nice cupcakes.”

“I said to shut up,” he growled at his brother.

Bane held up his hands. “All right. All right. Don’t need to get all
touchy
about it.” He grinned again, waiting for Owen to get the double entendre.

“Look, she’s just a girl. She’s not important,” Owen said, ignoring his brother. “We don’t need to get her involved.”

“Oh, she’s already involved. Up to her cupcake-baking eyeballs,” Harvey said. “You
need
this girl. She’s gonna be your icing-covered ticket out of this mess.”

He felt like he was in more of a mess now. He didn’t want to use Gabby.

In fact, he didn’t want to involve her at all.

“Look, she’s nobody. We barely know each other. And I made it pretty clear to her this afternoon that I wouldn’t be seeing her again.”

“Well, you need to make it
unclear
. In fact, I want you to see her again. And soon. Like tonight. Or even tomorrow. Why don’t you call her now?”

“Yeah, why don’t you call her now?” Bane chuckled. He was having way too good of a time with this.

“No. I’m not calling her. She’s a nice girl. And I’m not gonna use her to make me look better.”

“Yes, you are,” Harvey said. “You need the good publicity. And since when have you worried about how a woman was being affected by your nonsense?”

Since he’d met Gabby, apparently.

“She’s not like the usual women I go out with. They
know
what they’re getting into. They
like
the publicity. But Gabby’s different.”

Harvey tapped a pen on his desk. “Okay. I hear what you’re saying. She’s a nice girl, blah blah blah. So, don’t think of this as being bad for her. It’s only going to help her to be seen with you. It’ll give her cupcake shop more publicity. And
free
publicity. Did you help her sell a bunch of cupcakes today?”

He thought of Gabby’s grinning face as she’d announced that she was sold out. He had helped her today. “Yeah, I guess.”

Gabby had said that she’d used her advertising savings to bail her brother out of jail. Maybe he could actually use the press to his benefit. Or to her benefit. To help her get some more business.

He could feel his resolve weakening. Was it because of Harvey’s persuasion? Or was he using Harvey’s insistence as an excuse because he really wanted to see Gabby again?

“That settles it. You’ve got the exhibition game next weekend. Make sure you get her to come to that—I’ll arrange tickets. But we need something sooner—something to capitalize on this trending thing.” Harvey clicked the keys of his computer, studying the screen. “Here we go. There’s a charity event tomorrow night. A dinner. Santa’s going to be there, and they’re passing out toys to underprivileged kids. This is perfect. Call this girl, and get her to go with you as your date.”

“How am I supposed to do that? I told you, I didn’t exactly leave her on good terms today.”

“You better mend those terms then. And quick. This dinner is to help kids. How’s she going to say no? I’ll arrange the tickets and have them delivered to your place tonight.” He made some notes on a pad of paper. “Make sure you show up. With her. You’re a smart guy, Owen. You’ll figure it out.”

They were dismissed.

Owen followed his brother into the hall.

“Harvey’s right,” Bane said. “Gabby could be good for your reputation. And you need all the help you can get right now. What’s the problem?”

Owen shrugged. “She’s a sweet girl. I just don’t want her to get hurt in this deal.”

“Then don’t hurt her.”

That sounded so simple. If only it worked out that way.

How had he let this happen? He hadn’t meant for Gabby to get mixed up in this. It hadn’t been his choice to involve her at all.

But it didn’t sound like he was going to get a choice in the matter.

Bane gave him a good-hearted slug in the arm. “Don’t freak out about it. It’s just a dinner, bro. A simple charity event, with Santa and some kids. And a beautiful girl. What could go wrong?”

Chapter Six

A knock sounded at her apartment door at the same moment the microwave dinged. Gabby pulled out the steaming plate and set it on the counter, noting the time.

It was after eight. Who would be stopping by now? The Broncos had won, and she still wore her jersey, but she’d changed into pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. Not exactly the best attire to be receiving guests. With the jersey, she was still one step above answering the door in her pajamas though.

She peered through the peep hole and saw a delivery guy holding a large white box and a vase of flowers. Forget about who’d be stopping by—who would be sending her flowers?

Maybe it was a trick. A ploy to gain access into her apartment, then rape and kill her. She took another peek at the delivery man, well—more like delivery boy. He looked like he might still be in high school, his baby face sporting an angry red pimple on his forehead.

Still, they always say that the serial killers are the ones you never expect.

“I’ll get it, honey,” she yelled loudly into the room.

Thor sat by the sofa, staring at her and wagging his tail. Thor loved visitors. He let out one quick bark.

“Down, boy,” she said loudly before opening the door a crack. “Can I help you?” she asked the teen. The ‘please don’t rape or kill me’ was implied.

The teenager grinned. “I got a delivery for a Gabby Davis.” He held out the box.

She took it and set it on the floor of her apartment. Thor approached it and sniffed the edge.

“These, too.” He handed her the vase. It overflowed with a colorful mix of wildflowers.

She spied her purse on the coffee table. “Hold on, I’ll get you a tip.”

The teenager shook his head. “It’s already taken care of. He told me not to accept a tip from you.” He waved as he headed down the stairs of her apartment. “Go, Broncos.”

Who was
he
? She backed into her apartment, closing the door behind her and putting on the chain. Just in case.

A card was attached to the flowers. She set them on the counter, her cooling meal completely forgotten.

Could her brother have sent these? As a way to apologize for landing in jail again? Not likely. Where would he get the money?

Maybe a client? Someone who she’d done a catering job for that was pleased with her service? Maybe it was Carla.

That had to be it.

Pulling the card from the envelope, she read the typed message: Thanks for the great day. Let’s do it again sometime. Like tomorrow. I have tickets to the Tisdale Annual Charity Ball & Toy Drive and need a date. You’d really help me out if you said yes. Sincerely- Owen

Hmmm. What an odd way to ask her out. Was he actually asking her out on a date or asking her for a favor?

She pulled the lid off the white box and peeled back the layers of white tissue. Her hands flew to her mouth as she gasped at the gorgeous pale pink dress inside.

Lifting it out, she held the dress in front of her and didn’t think she’d ever seen anything so beautiful. Or so expensive. She peered at the designer label inside the neckline. No, she’d certainly never worn anything like this.

The dress was floor length with an empire waist, and curls of satin in the shapes of roses covered the bodice. It expressed elegance and beauty.

And she loved it.

The phone rang, and her hands shook as she reached for it. She’d been getting a few calls that afternoon from people who’d seen the Twitter pictures and had even been called by a reporter.

She didn’t recognize this number, but she knew who was calling. Her heart pounded in her chest as she held the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

“Hey, Angel.” His voice was warm and teasing. And sexy. So freaking sexy.

She couldn’t speak. Her mouth went dry, and the sound of his voice had her melting into a puddle in the middle of her apartment floor.

“Gabby? Are you there?” Owen’s voice changed to one of concern.

She swallowed. “I’m here.”

“Oh good. Did you get the flowers?”

“Yes. They’re gorgeous. Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to.” He paused. “Did you like them?”

“Yes.”

“Did you read the card?”

“Yes.”

He chuckled. “You’re killing me here, Gabby. Give me a little something. Any kind of reaction. The flowers came with an invitation for tomorrow night but you haven’t mentioned that. Would you at least
consider
going to the charity event with me? It would really help me out.”

“I’m considering it.” She’d already decided she was going to go. And she was going to wear the dress. But she didn’t want him to think she was too easy. Like a bouquet of flowers and a pretty dress were enough to win her over.

But they were. Oh, they totally were.

“Did my bribe help sweeten the deal at least?” he asked.

“Your bribe?”

“The dress. Do you like the dress?”

Her voice softened. “I love it. It’s beautiful.”

“It reminded me of the pink frosting we made this afternoon. And I can’t wait to see you wearing it.”

“The dress or the frosting?” Ack—did she really just say that?

He chuckled again, but this time his laugh had a hint of naughtiness to it. And the sound of that laugh had warm tingles stirring in her belly. “Can I request both? The dress is pretty but you make really good frosting.”

Was he really flirting with her? After the way he treated her this afternoon. What was the deal with this guy? And was he really asking her out? Or just desperate for a last minute date?

Somehow she didn’t see Owen Bannister as desperate for a date or as having a hard time finding someone to accompany him to a fancy dinner. Even at the last minute. He surely had scads of women who would jump at the chance. So why did he want her?

She tried to play it cool. “I was actually quite surprised to get the flowers. I got the impression this afternoon that I wouldn’t be seeing you again.”

He sighed. “Haven’t you also got the impression that I’m an idiot? I’m sorry about being kind of short with you earlier. That was stupid.”

Kind of short?
Is that what he called it? That’s like saying a glacier was kind of cold. Or the ocean was kind of wet.

Her head told her this man was only going to hurt her. That she should stop right now and save herself the heartache of getting involved with a guy who admitted to being an idiot and making stupid decisions.

She should tell him that she had plans and couldn’t make it tomorrow night. Save herself from becoming one of his stupid decisions. Yes—that’s exactly what she
should
do.

“So, what time are you picking me up?”

Okay—so she’d been known to make a few bad decisions herself. But that was the old Gabby. The new Gabby was more practical. She thought things through, made decisions based on facts and information. She was intent on making something of her life, of her business.

She was moving forward and putting bad decisions behind her.

But this bad decision was ridiculously handsome with a great smile and broad shoulders and made her laugh. And was a great kisser. Like a toe-curling, panty-melting great kisser.

“I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Okay. Should I bring anything? Like a gift?”

“Oh shit. I forgot about the gift. Yeah, I’ve got an email about it. I’m terrible with this stuff. If I pick you up
and
buy you a coffee, will you go shopping with me tomorrow afternoon to pick a couple of presents out?”

She mentally ran through her day. With the extra orders she’d picked up from the party, she needed to be in the shop in the morning. She had one order for three dozen that she needed to deliver but she could have Estelle, her baker, make the extra cupcakes in the morning, then she’d only have to frost them.

“I have a cupcake delivery that’s due at three, but I could meet you after.”

“Why don’t I pick you up at two-thirty and help you make the delivery? Then we can head to the toy store afterwards.”

Her heart beat in triple time at the thought of spending the day with him tomorrow. But she tried to play it cool. “Sure. I guess that would be fine.”

“Great.” She could almost hear the smile in his voice. “I’ll bring the coffee. What do you usually drink?”

She could take it easy on him and just say a caramel latte—but what fun was that? “I’ll take an iced caramel macchiato, skinny, light on the whipped cream, and upside down.”

“Got it.” That hadn’t been as fun as she’d thought. He didn’t even grumble. Instead he repeated it back like he was a champion barista. Maybe he had a good memory from keeping track of all those sports plays. “Pick you up at the shop at two-thirty tomorrow.”

“See you then.” She hung up and pressed the phone to her chest. Sinking onto the sofa, she glanced at the beautiful bouquet of flowers, their lovely scent filling the air of her apartment. What was going on? Was she really going on a date with Owen Bannister? She still wasn’t exactly sure.

But she felt like a princess about to go to the ball. She touched the silky fabric of the dress and laughed as she realized
her
fairy godmother was almost six-three and had a blond scruff of beard.

***

Owen pulled his Toyota 4Runner up in front of the Simply Sweet Bakery. His hands were sweaty on the steering wheel, and he realized he was nervous. Nervous about seeing Gabby.

When had he last been nervous around a woman? He couldn’t even remember. What was it about this one that had him fantasizing about all that wild curly hair and her delicious curves? There was something special about Gabby.

She walked out of the bakery balancing three cupcake boxes in her hands. He jumped out of the car and opened the back door for her. She had on a bright green parka, jeans and boots, and he couldn’t help but admire the way she filled out those jeans as she bent forward to set the boxes on the back seat.

“Are you checking out my butt?” she asked, her head still in the car.

He grinned. “Yep.”

She stood and slammed the door. “Figured.”

He opened the front door for her, and she slid into the seat. “You do have great looking cupcakes.”

He laughed as she rolled her eyes. Hurrying around the front of the car, he dropped into the driver’s seat and gestured to the coffee cup sitting in the cup holder. “Got your iced caramel macchiato, skinny, light on the whip, and upside down.”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m impressed.”

“One of my many talents—remembering things that please a woman.”

Oh my.
She could think of a few things he’d already done to please her, but her mind filled with several more that she’d be willing to try. Her belly fluttered with nerves as she tried to appear cool and gave him an “
Are you serious right now
” kind of look.

“Okay, that probably wasn’t my best material. And if you want to know the real truth, I worked two summers as a barista when I was in college.” He grinned and put the truck in gear. “Where to?”

She gave him the directions to a high-priced area of town, and he pulled the truck out onto the road. It only took about fifteen minutes to reach the house, and they drank their coffee and made small talk on the drive.

“This is it.” Owen pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. He got out and pulled the cupcake boxes from the back seat.

“You don’t have to do that. I can get them,” Gabby said, coming around the back of the vehicle.

“I got it. My mom would kill me if I didn’t offer to help. Us boys always did the heavy lifting for my mom. We still do.”

“Those cupcakes aren’t really heavy.”

“Actually they are. I just make them look light because of my massive strength.” He winked at her. “Just let me carry them for you.”

“Fine.” She led the way up the driveway to the front door. “You were obviously raised in a different kind of family than I was. My mom was expected to do everything and do it without complaining.”

Her voice carried a note of bitterness. Sounded like there was more to the story there. From the few comments he’d heard her make, it sounded like the Davis home wasn’t always happy. He knew her brother obviously had some issues, but Gabby seemed so independent and confident in herself. Maybe she had to be.

Maybe her tough act wasn’t always an act.

Before he could ask, the front door of the house opened, and a pretty woman wearing a broad smile welcomed them in. “Hi Gabby. I’m so excited to serve these cupcakes tonight.” She gave Owen a quick once-over before glancing back at Gabby. “Do they not pay him enough at the Summit that he has to moonlight as a delivery boy?”

Gabby seemed embarrassed. “He’s just helping me out.”

He offered the woman one of his most charming smiles. “She’s like a slave driver. And she only pays me in dessert.”

The woman grinned back. “Then you’re probably doing all right. I’ve had her desserts.”