Page 18 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
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.
