by Jamie Beck
Cat lifted a single brow. “Sometimes I still find it bizarre you and he actually ended up together. But it’s all worked out better than I ever imagined.”
“It’s better than I imagined too, which is really unbelievable!” Vivi laughed and shut the laptop. “So what about you? Ready to start dating again?”
“Not at all, so stop!” Cat considered sharing her diagnosis now that the wedding was behind Vivi. But her friend still basked in the afterglow of her honeymoon. Cat’s news could wait another week . . . or longer.
“Why not?” Vivi took a giant bite of her chocolate-filled croissant, completely ignoring Cat’s request.
“You mean aside from my terrible taste in men?” Cat winced at how she’d overlooked the warning signs with Justin—at what accepting his verbal abuse for so long said about her self-esteem. “I’ve got a demanding career.”
“Now you stop.” Vivi eyed the remaining pastries. “You’re not the only woman in the world who’s fallen for a bad guy. Justin was good-looking, and he pursued you all around the world. I can see how that possessiveness might’ve swept you away at first. But it’s been nearly a year since it ended. Don’t give up on love, or pretend you can’t have both a career and love. That’s just silly.”
“Let’s be brutally honest, V. I’m not good at relationships.” Cat tilted her head. She’d become cynical with age. In her world, most people only looked out for themselves. Somewhere along the way, it seemed smarter to accept and live by those rules. “Outside of my family, you’re the longest relationship in my life. Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me.”
“What are you talking about . . . how I put up with you?”
“Come on, I’m not warm like you. I can be prickly and aloof.” Cat puzzled at Vivi’s incredulous expression. Perhaps her friend clung to the Cat of yesteryear without noticing the way she’d hardened. “Admit it. I’m spoiled.”
“You’re not spoiled.” Vivi twisted her lips. “Well, you’re a little spoiled, but you aren’t self-centered. You stood by me for years when others bullied me. You offered me friendship and a place to call home. You’ve shared your secrets with me since childhood—I know you don’t trust easily, so I’m honored to have earned it, Cat.
“And you’re generous to a fault. Don’t think I don’t notice how overboard you go on birthdays, Christmas, and any other occasion you can invent.”
“You always give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I’ll take what I can get.” Cat let out a short breath and grinned. Choosing Vivi as a friend was one of the best decisions Cat had ever made, and thankfully the feeling was mutual. “Still, I really do suck at relationships, especially with men.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” Vivi scrunched her features.
“Am not. Before Justin, every guy I dated was more interested in my VIP passes than in getting to know me. It’s degrading, actually. And pointless. In my current situation, I’m better off alone.” Then, worried she’d accidentally revealed too much, she wiped her expression clean. Fortunately, Vivi missed the subtle gaffe.
“That’s sad.” Vivi stared through Cat, contemplating. “I get why you’re aloof in public, but maybe you should stop hiding your true feelings all the time. No man can love you if he doesn’t know who you are. That’s your only problem with relationships. Just let someone in, like you did with me.”
Cat didn’t like being psychoanalyzed, especially when the words had teeth. She twisted her hair in her fingers as she considered Vivi’s advice.
Of course, Hank had accused her of only liking assholes. Maybe he was right. Or maybe assholes were safe because, deep down, she knew they’d never look too far beneath the surface and discover all her faults.
And now, in light of her new circumstances, a superficial relationship might be all she should seek. She couldn’t be rejected or overly disappointed if there were no expectations from the get-go.
Yet her thoughts had continually drifted to Hank ever since Block Island. Being near him again had stirred up longing and unwelcome what-ifs. So frustrating, but those momentary butterflies were addictive.
Might the Boy Scout consider a casual fling? Now that would be tempting.
She rubbed her stomach, which had begun to churn. “Well, you let me know when my white knight arrives, and maybe I’ll give it a whirl.”
Cat noticed the gleam in Vivi’s eyes as she glanced at her watch for the third time in twenty minutes.
“Why do you keep looking at your watch?” Cat leaned forward as if her physical invasion would force Vivi to fess up. “Are you going somewhere, or expecting David?”
“Oh. No.” Vivi’s guilty expression set off alarms. “I, um, I’m still a little confused by the time, I guess.”
“You’re the worst liar.” Cat shook her head and tamped down niggling ill ease. “You’re up to something. Spill it.”
“Don’t get all fussy. I’m expecting a delivery.” Vivi’s enigmatic smile only heightened Cat’s nervous anticipation. “Relax! Tell me, are you all settled in the new condo?”
“As much as I can be. I need to rent some storage space.” Cat mentally contrasted Vivi and David’s sleek, contemporary condo with her cozy, prewar unit. “Honestly, I can’t believe Jackson didn’t notice the closets when we walked through the unit. Worse yet, I didn’t even notice.”
“First of all, guys don’t think about closet space. Secondly, no woman has a wardrobe like yours. You couldn’t really expect Jackson to take it into consideration.” Vivi’s wide eyes made Cat chuckle. “Plus, he was desperate to get you out of your old place before the restraining order expired.”
“Well, that’s why I moved.”
She frowned. “It still bugs me how Justin’s lawyer got him off with a slap on the wrist. I know he didn’t set out to hurt you. Still, no jail time and only an eleven-month order of protection?”
Cat contemplated the letters she’d received recently. “Hopefully Justin’s moved on by now.”
“Why the face?” Vivi’s eyes narrowed.
Cat tapped her fingers on the counter, debating whether to share her concerns. “I’ve received two anonymous letters in recent weeks. Someone has spotted me going in and out of the building, or maybe gone to the trouble of finding me.”
“Do you think they’re from Justin?” Vivi’s eyes filled with concern.
“I’m not sure. It’d be a violation of the protection order. Plus, I can’t imagine him sending anonymous letters. But the last one said I’ll soon realize we’re meant to be. Kinda like I already know the person, which points to Justin.” Cat shrugged. “Who knows for sure?”
“Are the notes threatening?”
“Not really. They’re more like love letters.” Cat wrinkled her nose. “No threats, but still a little creepy.”
“Maybe David’s firm can investigate.”
“I haven’t told David or Jackson. They worry so much, and I feel pretty safe in my place. I’m concerned but not panicked. They’ll panic. If it’s Justin, he’s probably enjoying toying with me. I could see him getting off on making me afraid. I don’t want to give him, or anyone, that power. If I go running to the cops or David or whatnot, he wins. Besides, I can’t prove anything.”
Vivi nibbled her lower lip. “You know I’ve kept all your confidences, but this one feels wrong, Cat.”
“If I get one more letter, I’ll take action, okay?” Cat tapped her fingers on the counter. “For now, no one has threatened or approached me, and I haven’t noticed anyone lurking around.”
“I still don’t like it.” Vivi shrugged her shoulder. “But I suppose it’s your decision to make.”
A knock at the door spared Cat further debate. Vivi’s eyes suddenly lit up with mischievous glee as she crossed the living room. Cat instantly suspected the much-anticipated delivery wasn’t innocuous. She smoothed her hair and braced for whatever was coming next.
Although she’d prepared for a surprise, the last person she expected to see was Hank. His mere pre
sence lit the room with sexual energy. Her stomach turned over as if she’d crested the tallest peak of a roller coaster.
Hank stood at the threshold holding an end table with a white ribbon tied around one leg of its pedestal base. His deer-in-the-headlights expression proved he was as shocked and discomforted to see Cat as she was to see him.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” He eyed Vivi. “You didn’t mention having plans this morning.”
“Oh my gosh!” Vivi ignored his remark as she held the door open and waved him inside. Hank entered haltingly and set down his gift in front of her. She bent over to inspect the table. “When you told me you made us a table, I never imagined something so gorgeous. Did you really build it from scratch?”
He nodded a greeting in Cat’s direction before returning his attention to Vivi wearing a proud smile. Meanwhile, Vivi quickly untied the ribbon and smoothed her hand across the tabletop.
“What is this wood?” she asked.
“Oregon walnut.”
The rounded corners of the tabletop lent a hint of feminine appeal. Natural knots marred the tabletop’s edges. The streamlined design should also appeal to David, who wouldn’t like something whimsical or fussy. It was perfect.
Upscale, unique, not easy to copy—exactly the kind of thing Cat would like to promote. What fortuitous timing. She glanced heavenward, as if her mom might appear at any second, having somehow orchestrated this with Vivi.
“Oh, Hank. It’s exquisite!” Vivi beamed at him before flinging her tiny body against his impressive chest and hugging him. Unbidden envy shot through Cat when Hank closed his arms around her friend. “I love it.”
“Thanks, Vivi.” Blood rushed to Hank’s neck and ears before he eased out of their embrace. Cat smiled at the involuntary sign of his shyness. Like Vivi, he couldn’t hide his feelings well, which made him seem more trustworthy than most. A rare find, that. “I hope David likes it, too.”
“He will, but it’s going on my side of the bed.” While Vivi continued to admire Hank’s work, Cat hopped off the kitchen stool to take a closer look.
Vivi hadn’t exaggerated. Exquisite aptly described his craftsmanship. Cat had heard Jackson boast about Hank’s carpentry skills, but she’d assumed he’d been referring to interior finish work and kitchen cabinetry installations. She hadn’t realized his talent extended to fine furniture.
While Vivi offered Hank a cold beverage, Cat studied the table closely, her mind racing with possibilities. But as she trailed her fingertips along its surfaces, her thoughts strayed from business. She pictured his hands caressing the wood. Envisioned him bent over, shaving, buffing, and staining each piece.
In her fantasy, he was shirtless, of course—his muscles bunching as he worked, his skin damp with perspiration, his expression keenly focused. The sensual imagery sent her body temperature soaring, as if he were attending to her body with that same attention. Embarrassed by the direction of her thoughts, she shook her head to dispel them.
“It’s beautiful, Hank,” she finally said on a soft breath. His green-gold eyes gazed at her with the intensity she’d been envisioning moments ago, making her heart kick inside her chest. Powerful lust produced mild throbbing throughout some important and long-ignored parts of her body. She cleared her throat and refocused on the furniture. “When do you have time to do this?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “At night and on weekends.”
“Does Jackson know?” she asked, curious about whether or not Hank seriously pursued this talent. “Have his clients requested custom-built furniture?”
“Jackson’s not interested in my hobby.” He cast his eyes downward for a moment. “Besides, we’re so busy lately it took me nearly eight weeks to build this small table. I don’t have time to build furniture for his clients.”
“Well, I’ll treasure it.” Vivi handed Hank a cold soda.
Once again Cat noticed Hank’s cheeks flush. She adored the boyish charm of his cute reaction. He couldn’t be faking it. Regardless, she shouldn’t pursue her growing curiosity. Oh, just confess already. It’s more than mere curiosity, and it’s for more than his talent.
“Thanks. I’m glad you like it.” He glanced around the apartment. “Sorry I missed David.”
“He had to work.” Vivi waved her hand. “He’ll be sorry to have missed seeing you, too.”
Hank popped the tab on his soda and took a swig. “Well, I don’t want to interrupt your visit, so I’ll head on out.”
“Wait a second. You only just arrived. Stay and catch your breath.” Vivi’s eyes shone as she looked to Cat. “Actually, Hank, you might be able to help us solve a problem.”
Cat held her breath. She had no idea what cockamamy scheme Vivi had just devised, but clearly it involved pushing Cat and Hank together.
Hank looked equally suspicious as his eyes flitted back and forth between Vivi and Cat. “What problem?”
“Well,” Vivi began, placing one hand on her hip while animating her speech with the other. “Cat’s new condo doesn’t have enough closet space. Since Jackson’s not around, maybe you could take a look and come up with some suggestions? With all the remodeling work you do, I’m sure you’ve come across this situation before. It’s only two blocks away. Fifteen minutes of your time, tops.” She finished her plea with a sweet-as-can-be smile.
Cat nearly choked, but she maintained an unruffled demeanor. Hank’s thoughts appeared to be racing while he scratched the back of his neck. She hoped to catch a peek of his abs when the hemline of his shirt rose up in tandem with his arm, but he dropped his hand too quickly.
Vivi had relied upon his polite manners to trap him, the wily little sprite. Cat should be annoyed by her interference, not grateful. Yet, her body tingled in anticipation of spending a little time alone with Hank.
Her gaze flickered back to the end table, seeing the possibilities it embodied. For a moment she flirted with the idea of testing his interest in some kind of joint venture with his furniture and her name, but then dismissed it, assuming he’d probably laugh at her idea.
“Sure, I’ll take a look.” He glanced at Cat. “But I can’t make any promises about finding a solution.”
“Great! I’m sure you two will figure things out.” Vivi grinned. She patted Hank’s shoulders then feigned a yawn with wide-stretched arms. “Sorry. Jet lag. I think I need a nap. You two feel free to take off anytime.”
“Guess that’s our cue.” Cat retrieved her purse from the kitchen island.
“Thanks again for the gorgeous table. I absolutely love it.” Vivi lifted up onto her toes and still barely reached Hank’s cheek. She gave him a quick kiss. “See you soon.”
As Hank started out the door, Vivi ensnared Cat in a tight hug. “Thanks for visiting,” she said loudly, then whispered, “Be your true self, Cat. Have faith!”
Cat rolled her eyes but hugged her matchmaking friend, who remained blissfully unaware of Hank’s tempered disdain for Cat. If she hoped to tempt him, she had her work cut out for her.
She shivered at the memory of how he’d spurned her proposition after the wedding reception. Frankly, he’d been the only man ever to walk away from her when she’d been half naked and in bed.
His rejection had unsettled her. She wanted his affection despite knowing she’d done nothing to deserve it.
Until she knew precisely what she wanted from him, she’d need to tread lightly.
She followed Hank to the elevator in silence, enjoying the view. The doors closed, trapping them together in the confined space. With the exception of a few stolen glimpses of Hank, she kept her eyes on the lit floor numbers overhead while fighting the urge to fidget.
Although she didn’t know him particularly well, she could tell he didn’t trust her, and he wasn’t someone to be ordered around—especially not by her. Whichever proposition she made—business or pleasure—would require a seduction of one kind or another.
Of course, one kind would be a lot more fun than the other. Then sh
e remembered the vow she’d made, the commitment to forging a new career.
Cat would be proud to associate her name with such extraordinary work. Of course, the limitations of a handcraft business were an issue, but she needed a challenge to take her mind off her sorrow.
First she’d need to assess his interest. Did she dare?
“Well, this is awkward,” she muttered. “You don’t have to come over just because Vivi strong-armed you.”
He folded his arms across his chest, his presence gobbling up the limited space. A hot flash that had nothing to do with Cat’s defective hormones heated her skin. “Do you really need help, or did she make that up?”
“No, I do have a space issue.” Cat’s heightened appreciation of his masculine build, his gorgeous mouth, thickened the air, making it hard to breathe. “But it’s not your problem. I’m the idiot who bought the place without thinking it through.”
“I’ll come take a look.” He glanced at his watch. “I have some time.”
“Oh, do you have plans later?” Her blood cooled when she remembered Vivi’s work friend lived in the city. “Are you seeing Amy this afternoon?”
“Amy?” His brows furrowed in confusion then arched. “Vivi’s friend?”
Cat nodded, fighting to sustain an air of indifference.
One corner of Hank’s mouth curled upward.
He can see right through me.
He cocked his head to the left as he spoke softly. “I have plans, but not with Amy.”
His evasive reply piqued Cat’s curiosity, but she resisted pressuring him further. Maybe because the shallow dimple in his left cheek distracted her. But more likely because he seemed to read her too easily.
If she planned to get involved in a business relationship with Hank, she had to rid herself of these schoolgirl feelings, or learn to manage them better. When she’d said she needed a new challenge, she hadn’t imagined this being one of them.
Five excruciatingly awkward minutes later, they entered her building and nearly ran into Esther, who was struggling out of the mail room with the aid of her walker.