Aundy grinned at Caterina, taking the potato in her hand like it was a prize. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s a potato, you silly girl. You are pazza.” Caterina laughed at her friend, digging enough potatoes they could enjoy them for lunch.
“Pazza?” Aundy asked, holding her apron out so Caterina could dump the potatoes into the makeshift basket.
“Crazy.” Caterina stood and brushed off first her hands, then her skirt. She snatched a potato from Aundy’s apron and held it out in front of her like it was a rare treasure. “My beloved potato. You are so beautiful. You’re the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen. I think I love you.”
Caterina waltzed around with the potato, making elaborate hand motions that went along with the dramatic expressions on her face.
Aundy nearly rolled on the ground with laughter.
“I think I missed the joke.” Garrett watched the two giggling women, both wearing dirt streaked aprons as they stood at the edge of the garden.
“He missed the joke.” Caterina waved her hand in the air, causing Aundy to resume her wild laughter.
“You two plant some loco weed out here?” Garrett couldn’t hide his grin. Caterina brought out a silly, playful side to his wife. Because she always acted older, he often forgot how entirely young his bride was at her tender twenty-one years. Seeing her giggling and carefree made him grateful for the friendship the two women shared.
“No.” Aundy took a deep breath, trying to gather even a small measure of decorum.
“No, signore. No loco weed.” Caterina marched up to Aundy and dropped the potato into her apron basket. “But we did find peas and potatoes.”
“Okay.” Garrett shook his head, uncertain what was so funny about garden produce. “I’m going to help Pops for a while and thought I’d see if you need anything from the ranch house or wanted to send anything over.”
“Yes, please.” Aundy ran up the kitchen steps into the house. She dumped the potatoes and peas in the sink, rinsed her hands then lifted a jar of strawberry jam from a shelf. “Take this to Nora for me?”
“You’re not going to leave me short of berry jam by giving it all away, are you?” Garrett asked, taking the jar and walking toward the door.
“The berries will ripen again, Garrett. Li and your mom both said so. I’ll make more jam. Besides you’ll have peach jelly and blackberry jam and apple butter, too.”
“I’m looking forward to it all.” Garrett’s mouth watered as he thought of all the good food his wife would preserve for the winter months. “I should be back in time for lunch then we can head into town.”
“We’ll be ready,” Aundy said, glancing at Caterina.
After eating lunch, including the fresh potatoes and peas, Aundy and Caterina changed their clothes while Garrett went out to hitch a team to the wagon, since the buggy seat was too narrow for all three of them to fit.
He quickly changed into clean clothes and still beat the girls out the door. Impatiently waiting on the front porch, he finally stuck his head back inside and hollered, “If we’re going, let’s go.”
“Oh, calm down.” Aundy breezed through the front room and put a gentle hand on his arm. She carried a large basket that Garrett took from her. He walked her down the steps and set the basket in the back of the wagon then helped Aundy up to the seat.
As he returned to the house, he met Caterina coming out the front door. He offered her his arm and a smile, escorting her to the wagon and giving her a hand as she climbed in next to Aundy.
“You both look lovely,” Garrett commented as he guided the horse down their lane.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Aundy squeezed his arm, a sign she appreciated his noticing.
“It’s a lucky man who gets to escort two such beautiful women to town.” Garrett spread his charm on thick, hoping he could finagle a treat from the basket behind him.
“You’re not getting any of the cookies.” Aundy shot a sassy grin to her husband. Caterina leaned around her and watched Garrett frown. “Your flattery, this particular time, will get you nowhere.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying.” Garrett shrugged his shoulders, making both girls laugh. He kept up a lively conversation on the drive into Pendleton. Once they arrived, he stopped the horse in the front of the bank.
“Ready to do this?” he asked Caterina and she nodded her head. Garrett stepped down from the wagon, swung Aundy to her feet and walked her around to the boardwalk, then gave his hand to Caterina as she climbed down.
He handed her the basket and she lifted the cloth covering it, removing a small tin. Caterina took a deep, fortifying breath while Garrett returned the basket to its place beneath the seat.
When they entered the bank, Garrett removed his hat and lifted a hand in greeting to a friendly-looking man behind a large oak desk.
“Grant, have you met our guest, Miss Campanelli?”
“I don’t believe I’ve had that pleasure,” the man said, getting to his feet and taking Caterina’s hand in his.
“Caterina, this is Grant Hill, our banker and friend,” Garrett said, making the introduction.
“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Hill.” Caterina offered an engaging smile that made him hold her hand longer than necessary.
“Yes, well, what brings you to the bank today?” Grant motioned for them to sit. Since only two chairs were in front of his desk, Garrett carried another over from where a few sat near the door.
“Miss Campanelli has a business proposal for you to review. I hope you’ll consider giving her a loan because we think she has a good idea.” Garrett looked at Grant then Aundy. She nodded her head in agreement.
“What is it you’d like to pursue?” Grant asked, accepting the papers Caterina handed him. He read the details then placed the plan on his desktop. Sitting quietly, he appeared to contemplate the best decision when he finally looked at Caterina and sighed. “As you probably know, Miss Campanelli, we like to have some collateral before we offer a loan. You’ve got nothing, even if it does appear you know what you’re doing.”
“I know, sir. I don’t have anything to put up against the loan, but I honestly believe the restaurant would be a success. Aundy and Garrett believe it would as well.” Tears pricked Caterina’s eyes. She wanted this so badly, she just couldn’t think about what she’d do if Mr. Hill refused her request.
“It’s been my experience that restaurants aren’t usually sound investments. They open and close with regularity around here,” Grant said, trying to be practical. “What makes you think your restaurant would be any different?”
“Because I would serve Italian food and it would be prepared with love.” Her eyes misted as she thought about how much of her heart and soul went into everything she made. “Please, Mr. Hill, before you state your decision, taste this.”
Caterina opened the tin of cookies and set it on his desk, sliding it over to him.
Grant looked to Garrett as he gave the cookies a hungry glance. The banker took one and popped it into his mouth. Rich buttery flavor with just the right amount of sweetness melted on his tongue and he lifted his head in surprise. Quickly taking another cookie, he ate it and grabbed a third then fourth before he realized he must look like an ill-mannered glutton.
“These are quite good.” He brushed the sugar from his fingers and settled his gaze on Caterina. “Would you, um…serve food like that at your restaurant?”
“That is my intent.” Caterina gazed at Mr. Hill with her most dazzling smile in place. “I want people to experience the food of my ancestors. It is rich, flavorful, and full of life.”
“I see.” The captivating aura of Caterina enthralled Grant. While she spoke, she waved her hands around. Her excitement was a palpable force that drew him in.
“Before you make a decision, Mr. Hill, we’d like to invite you to dinner. I’ll make an authentic Italian meal, like I plan to serve at my restaurant. Once you taste it, you can let me know if you think I could run a profitable business.”
“Well, I… that’s not how we normally conduct business.” Grant wanted very much to not only sample Caterina’s cooking, but also get to know the woman better. She was beautiful, passionate, intelligent, and spirited. Her friendship with Garrett and Aundy Nash was definitely in her favor, since Grant thought well of the couple.
He noticed her crestfallen look, grinned, and stood. “However, I’m willing to make an exception this one time.”
“Wonderful, Mr. Hill. You won’t be disappointed.” Caterina hurried to stand and flashed a winsome smile at the banker. “Would you be available to join us tomorrow evening?”
“I would.” Grant was completely entranced with the pretty Italian girl. “Where will we be dining?”
“Our home.” Aundy looped her arm through Caterina’s and pulled her toward the door. “Tomorrow at six?”
“I’ll be there.” Grateful Miss Campanelli left behind the tin of cookies, Grant walked with them to the door.
Garrett shook his hand before following the women outside. “Thanks, Grant. You’re in for a treat.”
“I expect I am.”
Caterina felt giddy as she and Aundy walked down the street toward the mercantile. Garrett grabbed the basket from behind the wagon seat and caught up with them.
“While you girls do your shopping, I’ll take this to Kade.” He noted the way Caterina perked up at the mention of the deputy’s name.
“Thanks, Garrett.” Aundy kissed his cheek before she pulled Caterina into Mr. Johnson’s store.
The women discussed what Caterina would make for dinner the following evening, what supplies they needed for the next week, and then spent a few moments looking at a shipment of new fabric that recently arrived.
“I wish I had some of the fabric I left with Ilsa. There are trunks and trunks of beautiful material, hat forms, ribbons and lace. I’d dearly love to make Nora something special.” Aundy fingered a piece of lavender silk.
“Why don’t you have her ship what she isn’t using?” Caterina suggested, as she looked at a bolt of deep violet taffeta. Vibrant and striking in color, it begged her fingers to linger over the smooth material.
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Aundy said. If she sent Ilsa some money to pay the shipping expenses, she was sure her sister would be willing to share the fabric and supplies. As soon as she had a free moment, she’d pen a letter to Ilsa with her request.
Lost in thoughts of her sister, she turned around and bumped into someone, begging her pardon.
“Oh, it’s you,” a dark-haired girl said, offering Aundy and Caterina a tight smile.
Aundy realized the young woman was none other than the saloon girl who helped her out of a tight spot the day she negotiated plans with a drunken Irishman to purchase his herd of sheep.
“Marnie, isn’t it?” Aundy asked, reaching out a hand toward the girl. Reluctantly, she took it in her own for a brief handshake.
Fashionably attired in a modest dress and matching hat without makeup on her face, she looked like any other respectable young woman.
“Yes, ma’am,” Marnie said, looking around to be sure no one watched the two women speak with her. She might not care about her own reputation but she didn’t want to tarnish theirs. Most of the proper women in town refused to look her in the eye.
“I’ve wanted to thank you for your help,” Aundy said, not willing to reveal any details about her adventures in Pendleton’s Underground to Caterina. She cautioned her friend to stay far away from the place, filled with debauchery and unsavory characters, knowing what occurred below the city’s streets from her first-hand experience.
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.” Marnie offered an impish smile to the two women. “Although I must say you look much prettier in your current attire than dressed like a man.”
With that, the girl spun around and hurried out the door.
“What did she mean?” Caterina asked, staring curiously at Aundy.
“Never mind.” Aundy glanced out the window and spied Garrett talking to Kade. She quickly changed the subject, nudging Caterina with her elbow. “The deputy looks quite handsome today, don’t you think?”
“Who?” Caterina struggled to ignore the fluttering in her stomach at the prospect of seeing Kade again.
“Kade Rawlings. Big man. Extremely handsome. My husband’s best friend and instigator of unlimited tomfoolery at our place when he isn’t busy keeping the peace here in town,” Aundy teased, moving aside so Caterina could get a better view out the window from where she stood craning her neck to see the deputy.
Despite her intent to pay no attention to Kade, she couldn’t keep from noticing the way the color of his shirt matched the bright green of his eyes, or how the sun glinted off his sun-streaked hair when he took off his hat to run a hand over his head.
“Oh, him.” Caterina waved her hand dismissively in the direction of the window then turned toward the counter. She tried to act indifferent to the feelings roiling in her at the sight of the good-looking man outside while Mr. Johnson boxed up their purchases.
If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought she heard Aundy snort behind her hand. Of course, that was ridiculous. Aundy was far too proper to do such a thing.
After paying for her purchases, Caterina started to lift the box when a scent that was becoming all too familiar floated around her and she felt a warm presence behind her.
“Let me get that for you, Miss Campanelli,” Kade said, easily lifting the heavy box in one arm and offering her his other.
Since Aundy already sauntered out the door with Garrett, Caterina forced a smile. “Thank you,” she said, trying to ignore the jolts of heat that zipped from her fingertips to her head as she placed her hand on Kade’s arm.
“Garrett said you’re hoping to go ahead with the restaurant.” Kade tried to keep up a casual conversation. It was difficult for him to string three words together in Caterina’s presence, let alone form complete sentences. Something flickered between the two of them that he was unable to explain, didn’t want to think about, and would prefer didn’t exist.
Only he couldn’t.
All he had to do was close his eyes to see her raven hair, rich brown eyes flecked with gold, and tempting lips. Just the sight of her made his blood stir in a most unsettling way. Her exotic fragrance, the sound of her voice, and the feel of her hand touching him was almost more than he could bear.
Yet, he couldn’t make himself stay away from her.
“Yes, I am. I’m hoping Mr. Hill will approve a loan so I can move forward with my plan.” Caterina stood beside Kade as Garrett took the box and set it in the back of the wagon. Aundy was already on the seat, ready to go, so Kade walked Caterina around to the other side.
“He’s a smart man.” Kade smiled down at Caterina with a light in his green eyes that made her feel weak and languid. “Garrett said you’re going to bribe him with one of your meals. After sampling your charms, culinary or otherwise, I don’t see how he could possibly refuse.”
“I’m not bribing anyone and there will most certainly not be any sampling of my charms, Deputy Rawlings,” Caterina spluttered, annoyed by Kade’s words. Sparks flew from her eyes and her temper flared as she fisted her hands on her hips. “I’ll have you know…”
Kade swept her off her feet and set her on the wagon seat, effectively stealing her breath and ending her tirade before it gathered any steam.
Purposely disregarding her, he grinned at Aundy. “Thanks for the invitation. I’ll see you later.”
Inordinately pleased with himself for once again ruffling Caterina’s feathers, Kade felt her hot glare boring into his back as he walked away. He turned back and winked at her then continued on his way.
“Oh, he is the most insufferable, annoying, egotistical man I’ve ever met,” Caterina fumed, bouncing once on the seat and stamping her foot against the floorboard of the wagon.
Caterina wanted to jump off the wagon and run the rest of the way to Nash’s Folly to wor
k off some of her anger. Kade could make her more frustrated than anyone she’d ever met. In her family, she’d had plenty of irritating males test her bad humor.
She released an exasperated huff and decided to try, once again, to do a better job of keeping her temper in check.
If she didn’t, it was likely she’d spend all her time around Kade thoroughly vexed.
Garrett looked at Aundy, swallowing back a laugh as he guided the horse through traffic and out of town. Wisely refraining from making any comments about Caterina’s disconcerted state, he couldn’t wait to tell Kade what Caterina said about him. Although his friend vehemently denied his interest in the beautiful woman, Garrett thought Kade was more than half in love with her.
Chapter Nine
“That may have been the best thing I’ve ever eaten.” Grant Hill politely wiped his mouth on a napkin and returned it to his lap. “What do you call it?”
“Gnocchi. They are little potato dumplings.” Caterina beamed at the banker, pleased he was impressed with her cooking. “Would you like some more, or maybe another helping of the pork?”
“As a matter of fact, I would.” Grant smiled at Caterina like she was an angel.
“I’d like some more, too,” Kade said from his spot next to her. Caterina glared at him, but passed the pork his direction once Grant took another serving.
In her efforts to impress the banker, she could ill afford the distraction provided by Kade’s good looks, charming smile, or virile presence at the dinner table. She should have known Garrett and Aundy would invite him for dinner, especially when he seemed so fond of her cooking.
Slightly turning in her chair so Kade was out of her line of vision, Caterina focused her attention on Mr. Hill. He sliced into the pork loin she’d seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and a few other spices before rolling the meat and baking it slowly during the afternoon. The meat was fork-tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
“I’ve never had such delicious pork,” Grant said, spooning more of the gnocchi, covered in a light sauce made with cream and seasonings, onto his plate. It was taking great effort on his part to eat with any semblance of proper comportment. He wanted to wolf down his food and fill his plate again and again. “And you say you’d serve food like this in your restaurant? Every night?”
Caterina (Pendleton Petticoats Book 2) Page 11