He shook his head. “When they were younger, I made sure to mess up some dishes and make it seem like I’d been slaving away.”
“But why?”
He shrugged. “I just didn’t want them to think I didn’t care enough to bake them myself. But I was so busy working at the Crooked S on top of rodeoing on the weekends—not to mention looking after them and the house—that I didn’t have much free time. And the time I did have, I wanted to spend with them. So I took a shortcut. I guess it was wrong of me.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t know this. After all of the years I was in and out of your house, there are still so many things I don’t know about you. But your heart was in the right place. That’s the important part.”
“Really? You’re not mad at me?”
“No. Why would I be? I think it’s sweet that you went out of your way to make your brother and sister’s birthdays special. And you kept your mother’s memory alive.”
“Thanks. But it has now gotten me into this mess. Beth thinks I can do this Bake-Off and I don’t want to let her down.”
“What do you plan to do?”
He shrugged. “I have to learn how to bake.”
“Really?”
Did she have to sound so shocked that he’d attempt to bake? He swallowed his indignation. He hoped when he spoke that his voice didn’t betray him.
“Can you help me? You know…teach me?”
*
Whoa!!!
Jillian had promised herself that she was done helping Avery Wainwright. He was a stubborn man who wanted to do things on his own. A man whose mere presence had devastating consequences to her common sense.
She needed to give him a polite no and walk away. But instead, she found herself standing there giving his request serious consideration. After all, it was for a good cause—
No. No. No.
She couldn’t fall into old patterns, not even for Harry’s House. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’ve got this new business. I can’t just skip out and leave Suzanna to manage everything on her own.”
Over Avery’s shoulder she saw Suzanna frowning at her and then signaling for her to go for it. What was up with Suzanna? Her friend knew that if she got involved with Avery again, it would just lead her to disappointment. He was only interested in one thing—the rodeo.
Avery’s eyes pleaded with her. “Please, Jillian. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important.”
Avery was begging her? She didn’t know what to do about this. It felt kind of good having Avery plead with her. And with every second that he stared at her like that, her resistance was melting.
But would he think of her as anything other than some sort of tutor? She doubted it. If he hadn’t noticed her before, he certainly wasn’t going to notice her now.
Avery pressed his hands to his trim waist. “I know I’m putting you in a tough spot, but I don’t want to let everyone down. Beth says that Harry’s family have already done the paperwork and put up the money to sponsor me.”
“But how did they know you would be home for the Bake-Off?”
“This all happened while I was out of town. As soon as Beth found out about my accident, she phoned Joanie or something like that. I’m a little fuzzy on the details. You know Beth. She talks quickly and skims over details. Anyway, I’m not sure how it all worked out, but I’m officially signed up now.”
“Jillian, you don’t have to worry about the shop,” Suzanna chimed in with a big smile. “I’ve got it.”
Both Suzanna and Avery looked at Jillian with expectant gazes.
“I…I don’t know.” Warring emotions raged within her—common sense versus compassion. “I’ll need to think about it.”
“Oh.” There was definitely a dejected tone in his voice. “I understand.”
Guilt ensued. She stifled it. Why should she always be waiting in the wings when he needed something? Any other time, he didn’t have time for her.