the other day as they’d indulged in cobbler, her luck could run out if he got another close-up gander.
But her sunglasses hid most of her face, and the rest of her disguise was solid. A new hairstyle and color, along with the absence of her usual theatrical makeup, gave her a whole different look. Even an avid fan would have difficulty recognizing her—especially out of context.
Maybe the risk of being unmasked was lower than she feared.
Besides, she didn’t have to linger during the delivery. She could hand off the treat at the door and beat a hasty retreat. A few minutes in Zach’s presence to absorb a tiny bit of his warmth and calm would be sufficient.
She straightened her spine.
Yes. A quick visit was worth the gamble.
Forcing her feet to carry her forward, she continued toward his house, following the short path through the small grove of trees.
As she emerged, she paused to examine Zach’s home.
It was smaller than her rental unit, as he’d indicated, but attractive and welcoming. Constructed of redwood and stone, with several rooflines at various angles and large expanses of glass, it fit the image of coastal contemporary architecture to a T. Unlike her property, there was no manicured lawn. The structure was nestled into the landscape, as if it was a natural outgrowth of the terrain. The sea view wasn’t quite as expansive from here either, thanks to an abundance of trees, but the house felt private and cozy.
It was a perfect complement to the man who lived here.
She continued forward . . . but stopped again at a movement in her peripheral vision.
A slender woman dressed in jeans and a sweater rose from a chair tucked into a shadowed corner of the deck.
Kat clutched the plate tighter, remaining as still as the deer that froze at the slightest hint of danger back in Nebraska. If she retreated, the woman would notice her. If she stayed where she was, it was possible Zach’s guest would go inside.
Guest.
Her spirits tanked.
While he’d intimated there was no one special in his life, that didn’t mean he never dated. A guy like him would have no difficulty securing a companion for dinner . . . and perhaps more.
Man, this was awkward.
Neither he—nor his date—would be thrilled by the appearance of a gift-toting single neighbor in the middle of their tryst . . . or whatever it was.
If only the earth would open and swallow her up.
Since that wasn’t going to happen, all she could do was hope the woman angled away so she could—
Drat!
Zach’s lady friend emerged from the shadows and walked toward the railing at the back of the deck.
Any second now she’d notice—
Wait.
Kat squinted at the woman as she strolled through the late afternoon light. Despite her slender build, youthful aura, and chic russet hair, she was too old to be Zach’s date—unless he was into May-December romances.
Not likely, if the electricity that had sparked between them during their previous encounters was any indication.
It wasn’t his mother either. Zach had said she’d died eight years ago.
So who was—
The woman turned toward her, as if she’d sensed someone was nearby. “Hello!” Smiling, she lifted a hand in welcome and ambled over to the edge of the deck.
Busted.
Short of following the flee-and-vanish example of the mole crabs that populated Blackberry Beach, Katherine had no choice but to return the greeting.
“Hi.” She forced her stiff legs to carry her forward. “I’m renting the vacation house next door. Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know Zach had company.”
“No apology necessary. And I’m not company. I’m family.” She extended her hand and descended the two steps from the deck. “Stephanie Garrett. Zach’s aunt. I arrived this afternoon.”
Question answered.
She continued forward and returned the woman’s firm handshake. “Kat Morgan.”
“Nice to meet you.” The older woman inspected the plastic-covered plate. “Those must be for Zach.”
“Yes. They’re sort of a . . . thank-you.”
“Let me tell him you’re here. Come on up to the deck.” Without waiting for a response, Stephanie ascended the steps.
What else could she do but follow?
“Would you like to come in?” Stephanie called the question over her shoulder.
“No, thanks. After I give these to Zach, I’ll leave you two to visit.”
“You don’t have to rush off. I’ll be here awhile. He and I will have ample opportunity to renew our acquaintance.”
“If this is your first night here, though, I’m sure he’d appreciate having you to himself.”
“Hmm.” Stephanie inspected her. “I’ll let you two work that out. Give me a sec.”
She pushed through