Free Icing On The Date (The Bannister Brothers #1) by Jennie Marts Page B

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