Katrina jogged through the subdivision, following one familiar road and a few streets leading to newly developed areas. She slowed her pace to admire many of the newer homes. The brick-and-stone houses were massive with three levels and double garages. Unfortunately, their appeal was hindered by similarity. Different curtains and outside lights were the only features to separate the look-alike homes.
Again she picked up speed, heading to the cabin as the sun cast its heat off the black pavement. Beads of sweat formed above her brows. She checked her watch and smiled. Well done for an hour. A fine way to make up for yesterday’s missed exercise.
Katrina rounded the curve to her driveway, spotting a few cars and a familiar truck. Walking slowly to the cabin, she returned a wave from two of Nick’s crew she recognized from the library, but Nick dominated her attention. He stood on the porch of the cabin sporting a blue T-shirt and jeans, his gaze following her as she approached. Katrina pressed her lips together, suppressing an enthusiastic smile.
She tugged the cord lying on her chest, releasing the tiny headphones from her ears. “Good morning.” She released the suppressed smile.
“I got a bit concerned, seeing your car here and receiving no answer at the door.”
Nick concerned about her? Her stomach fluttered. “I went jogging.”
“I see that.” His gaze roamed down her gray tank top, to her matching capris, and all the way to her white running shoes.
A tilt of his head and a boyish smile led her to believe he liked what he saw. Her stomach fluttered again. She paid no attention to the silly butterflies.
“You look good…I…ah…” Nick cleared his throat. “I mean, you look more relaxed.”
Strands of hair clung to her sweaty forehead. She pushed aside the hairs which had come loose from her ponytail. “Michael always makes me relax.”
He took a step back, grimacing. “Michael?”
“Michael Bublé. I love his music.” She held up her pink iPod.
“Ah, right.” Nick offered her a Tim Horton’s coffee cup. “I brought you this. Double-double, okay?”
“Oh, thank you.” Normally, she preferred her own company’s coffee, but accepted his kind gesture. The paper cup warmed her fingers.
“I designed a few sketches last night.” He glanced over her outfit again, smiling. “I’d like to show them to you whenever you have a moment.”
“That’s great. I’m anxious to see them, and I have a few ideas, as well.” I have ideas? When did this happen? “I need to shower first, and then I’ll meet you at the house in say, fifteen minutes?”
Nick nodded and walked across the yard, disappearing through the back door of the main house.
Seeing his lingering gaze over her outfit pleased her. She stopped her thoughts. Stay focused. There’s no point wondering what if. You don’t even like this guy. There’s a job to be done and then head back home.
After a quick shower, she took her time dressing, going through several outfits, none of them fitting the style she sought. She wanted a business look, but not too stuffy. She wanted cute, but not too look-at-me. Tossing the clothes on the bed, Katrina placed her hands on her hips. What was happening? She couldn’t even pick a simple outfit without wondering what Nick would like. Since when did his opinion become so darn important?
She decided to wear a royal blue skirt, falling to her knees and a sleeveless light blue blouse. A pair of hooped earrings, her watch, and white flat sandals completed her outfit.
Not wanting to seem too eager, Katrina leisurely walked to the main house. Nick was nowhere to be seen when she stepped inside the front entry, so she followed the noise of hammers and drills to the kitchen. He had his back to her and was deep in conversation with another man. They had papers flattened out on a makeshift table and scribbled notes.
Katrina didn’t want to disturb him, but before she turned to leave, she glanced around the kitchen and stiffened. The destruction was a frightening shock. The cupboards, countertop, and scruffy tiled floor were torn, lying in a heap in the corner of the room. Her loud gasp caused both men to abruptly straighten, turning on the heels of their work boots.
“Ms. Witherspoon.” Nick waved to his crew who were smashing holes into a wall with very large hammers.
The men ceased their demolition and proceeded to another room.
“My apologies on the mess. I should have warned you that my guys enjoy this part of the job.”
An understatement. Shifting her gaze from the debris to Nick, she forced a smile.
He pointed to the other man. “This is my contracting supervisor, Dean Wilson.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Witherspoon.”
“Call me Katrina, please.” She shook Dean’s hand, guessing by his salt-and-pepper hair and the tight creases around his eyes that he was in his late forties.
“Dean will answer any questions you have regarding the renovation,” Nick said.
“Isn’t that your job?” She quickly cut in and focused on his expression.
“Once I complete the design, Dean takes over. Don’t worry, he’s a pro.”
After everything they had been through to get here, Nick thought he could brush her off on someone else? Not likely. “I’m sure Dean is quite capable, but the agreement was that you’d oversee the renovation.”
“I am, but Dean will be here daily. If there are any problems, you can contact him, and he’ll call me.”
“I’m paying you to do this job, Mr. Porter.” She straightened her shoulders. “I expect to get what I’m paying for.”
Nick’s lips formed a firmly pressed curved line. He grasped Katrina’s arm and led her out of the kitchen and into the living room. “You embarrassed me in front of Frankie and Thomas, but I won’t let you do that here, not in front of my crew.”
She stared wide-eyed, shrugging his hand off her arm. “We had an agreement, and you’re dodging already.” His incompetence would not be acceptable in France. “You said you’d handle the renovation, and as long as I’m footing the bill, I expect you to be here.” Was her insistence more personal than professional?
He shook his head. “You hired my business, and this is the way we work. I come in, do the designs, set up my crew, and move on to the next job. I don’t babysit my men. I hire the best and trust them to do the work. That’s the way I run things. I’m the boss and the rules are mine. If you have an issue with my terms, we can part ways here and now.”
Katrina bit her bottom lip. This man changed moods quicker than she changed her shoes. Their pleasant interaction earlier had led her to believe they were past the sandbox shenanigans. “My intention wasn’t to embarrass you in front of Dean. I expected you’d be supervising, so forgive me if I was surprised. If you would have informed me of this last night, then we could have avoided yet another childish argument.”
Sighing, he ran his hand through his hair. “Does that mean you want me to continue?”
“I didn’t tell you to stop, and now that I’ve had a chance to process how your business works, I should communicate with Dean. Especially since you and I can’t go an hour without butting heads.” Katrina stood tall, hands on her hips. “Arguing each time we meet is not an effective way to conduct business.” If he wanted to be dismissed, she’d do just that. “I guess you’re done here. I’ll head to the kitchen and go over those designs with Dean.” She strode past him, resisting the urge to glance over her shoulder.
Katrina felt her mood elevate soon after Nick’s departure. Dean was fun and easy to talk to, nothing like his boss. Dean walked her through the house, plans in hand, and listened to her ideas. After Dean’s tour, she lingered outside the house, chatting to the crew until the scraping of shingles being removed from the roof became too much to take.
Glancing down at her outfit now covered in dirt and dust, Katrina had an excuse to go shopping. Hanging out at the construction site meant the clothes in her closet weren’t appropriate.
Too many hours spent shopping downtown had
Katrina rushing to the cabin to change before picking up her dinner companions. She’d called Frankie earlier to arrange a girls-night-out. Years had passed since she attended the jazz festival, and she was looking forward to a night out. Her cell phone rang. She recognized the familiar number from Paris. Katrina pressed End. Ignoring the call was a mistake, but she didn’t have answers to the questions she knew would be asked. She wouldn’t be pressured by anyone. Answering that phone call would also spoil the mood. She’d deal with the problem in Paris later—when the six-hour difference was more convenient with her schedule.
When Katrina arrived at Frankie’s, she was surprised to learn her friend had cancelled the sitter because Katie had a stomach bug.
“I opted to stay home,” Thomas said. “Frankie deserves an evening out, and will probably be her last before the baby arrives.”
Frankie hemmed and hawed.
“Go and have fun,” Thomas insisted, pushing his wife upstairs to get dressed. He then walked her to the door before she changed her mind.
The whole time Katrina and Frankie walked through the crowded streets, taking in the stroke of an acoustic guitar and the beat of a drum, Frankie continuously checked her cell phone for a call from Thomas. Even with the distraction, they managed to have a good time. A few bands and exhibits later, Katrina grew concerned that her friend needed to rest. They went into a small lounge and sat in the outdoor patio.
Katrina smiled, enjoying the atmosphere of jazz streaming through the streets. The appetizing scent from the on-site food vendors could please even the most finicky palate. Crowds flooded by, some people yelling to each other over the music, while many danced to a tune catching their fancy.
What a perfect spot for a café.
“One of your cafés would fit perfectly in this area.”
Frankie’s thoughts matched Katrina’s. She grabbed her phone from her purse and made notes, her thoughts wild with ideas. “The location is ideal for a With-Her-Spoon Café. Gram would be pleased to see me following in her footsteps by keeping my eyes open for a great business opportunity.”
Her friend pointed a finger at the historic brick buildings. “Have you ever thought about expanding the business here?”
“We’ve discussed the prospect, but a discussion is as far as the idea went. I have a sneaking suspicion Gram had been considering this expansion a lot more than I knew.” Katrina thanked the waitress and paid for their drinks. “I’ve been going through the files Glen sent me, which include reports indicating Gram researched several real estate locations here.” She held up her glass of wine to Frankie’s glass of water. “Since I’m staying longer than expected, maybe I should check out a few of the locations.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Frankie placed her glass on the table and then clapped her hands together. “Think of the time you’ll save not having to search for a local contracting company.”
“I don’t think so, Frankie.” Katrina took a sip of her Chardonnay.
“Why not? Nick’s perfect for you. I mean…your business.” Wide-eyed, Frankie swallowed a mouthful of water. “You won’t find anyone better.”
“Probably not.” Her words caused a bitter sweet taste to caress her tongue.
“Then why so negative?” Her friend’s brows rose, her gaze intently searching Katrina’s face.
“We can’t work together. Someone either gets physically hurt or has their feelings bruised every time we’re near each other.”
“Katrina.” Frankie squirmed on her chair. “If you’re referring to the first time you met him, that wasn’t your fault. You were defending yourself against what you thought was a prowler.”
Katrina shook her head. “Our butting heads isn’t just that one time. Nick and I are complicated, Frankie.”
“Life is complicated.” Frankie patted Katrina’s hand. “You know better than anyone. Please don’t give up on Nick. He’s a great guy. Just take some time to get to know him and you’ll see what I’m talking about.”
“You’re getting way ahead of me.” She forced a smile. “Tons of research has to occur before I even consider opening a café, and even if I do move forward, Nick’s business may be busy on other projects. We already know how he feels about messing with the schedule.”
Frankie scowled. “Just promise me you’ll consider his company first?”
Knowing Frankie wouldn’t let the subject go until Katrina gave in, she agreed. On the drive home, Katrina guessed Frankie’s insistence of driving to the jazz festival had been part of a master plan. Was her friend’s sudden eagerness to get home simply concern for her daughter? Or did Frankie have an ulterior motive?
Katrina’s suspicions were confirmed when Frankie pulled into her driveway and parked next to a familiar truck. “Did you know Nick would be here?”
“Of course not.”
Frankie’s sparkling eyes were far from innocent. Katrina probed her purse for her car keys. “I’m not going in there. One fight per day with Nick is my quota.”
“Don’t be so silly. Besides, you have to come in to get the apple pie and biscuits I made for you.”
She pressed her teeth together. Frankie definitely had a plan, a no-good sneaky plan. Her friend’s charade had become all too clear. Frankie had bribed Katrina with pie and biscuits, softened her with jazz, wooed her with wine and easy conversation, and then went in for the kill. “You’re a nasty friend, not to mention a terrible date.” Katrina sighed, begrudgingly following Frankie to the front door.
****
“She really is a piece of work.” Nick swallowed a mouthful of beer. “She’s sweet and innocent one moment, and then she’s a venomous snake preparing to bite.”
Thomas crossed his legs on the ottoman. “We’re still talking about Katrina, right? I thought you came over to watch the game. Warn me next time you want to have a girly heart-to-heart conversation. I’ll chill the wine instead of beer.”
Nick threw a cushion at his friend. “Why do I let her get under my skin?”
“Because you like her.”
Nick laughed, almost dropping the beer bottle from his hand. “Like her? That’s absurd.” If he had another cushion he would have thrown it at Thomas, but making sure he’d hit the target this time.
“You’ve only known Katrina a few days, yet she’s all you talk about. One would assume you’re sweet on her.” Thomas stood from his chair. “Want another beer?”
“No, to both. I’m not remotely interested in Katrina, and one beer is my limit when driving.” If the booze helped remove the image stuck in his head of those chocolate brown eyes, he’d drink the case and spend the night on Thomas’ sofa. However, Nick knew the vision would still be there in the morning, and he’d have one heck of a hangover.
“Yeah, getting you drunk wouldn’t be a good idea right now. You’d probably get all sappy and want to share feelings.” Thomas chuckled.
“You’re a riot tonight, aren’t you?” He wanted to slug his friend for poking jabs, but Nick deserved them. Thomas had invited him over to watch the baseball game, and Nick monopolized the evening by exhausting his aggravations over Katrina. He ran his hand through his hair. No woman had ever affected him so strongly, and so quickly. He had to get her out of his mind. “Let’s watch the game. I promise, I won’t mention her name again.”
Thomas raised a brow. “I’ll hold you to that.” He chuckled and then settled in his chair.
The front window was illuminated by headlights. Car doors closed and a key clicked in the side door. Women whispered and giggled in the kitchen.
With a groan, Thomas shut off the television. “No game for me tonight.” He stood and picked up his empty beer bottle.
Nick passed Thomas his bottle. “I’d better go.”
“What? And miss seeing the focus of your attention. No way, buddy.”
Thomas grabbed Nick’s arm, dragged him to the kitchen, and then pushed him into the kitchen.
Katrina and Frankie had their backs toward them.
&nb
sp; “Frankie, you’re not playing matchmaker, because if you are, I’ll break my promise and find another contractor,” Katrina said, one hand resting on her hip.
Frankie retrieved an apple pie from the refrigerator and placed it on the counter. “Don’t you dare fire him.”
“Fire who?” Nick couldn’t help but smile as both Katrina and Frankie jumped then turned, their cheeks flushed in pink.
Frankie kissed her husband’s cheek. “How’s Katie?”
“I told you on the phone, she’s doing fine. She managed a few pieces of toast earlier and is snug in bed. You didn’t have to rush back.”
“Oh, you know me. I’m a worrywart over my babies.”
Katrina’s gaze narrowed on Frankie, and then on Nick as he walked farther into the kitchen. She smiled.
His pulse faltered as her brown eyes met his.
“Nick, what a pleasant surprise! When did you arrive?”
Frankie’s surprise must be for Katrina’s benefit because Thomas had told Frankie that Nick was here when she called earlier.
“Thomas invited me over to watch the game.” He glanced over his shoulder, hoping his friend wouldn’t reveal the lack of game watching. “He mentioned you went to the jazz festival. How was the music?”
“Great, and we had a wonderful time. Katrina and I haven’t been downtown together in years.” Frankie rubbed Katrina’s arm. “Unfortunately, we had to cut short our outing. I don’t have a lot of energy these days. How’s the work coming along on her house?”
He loved Frankie’s blunt attempt at changing the conversation. Katrina remained silent, her arms folded over her chest. “The renovation is coming along.” Nick grabbed his keys from his pocket. “I have to go.”
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