rocks from around the property. There are ten acres, including a pretty good creek. It’s about a hundred yards behind the house. I’ll take you there sometime.”
She wanted to read more into his last sentence, knowing he referred to how often she’d be coming by to plan and plant the various gardens. “I’d love to see it.”
Katrina continued toward the open kitchen and dining area. “That’s the largest table I’ve ever seen.”
Chuckling, he walked to it, running his hand over the top. “I made it, since something this large wasn’t available anywhere. There are times half a dozen of the guys come over, most with wives or girlfriends.”
Stunned, her eyes widened. “You made it?”
“Part of the garage is a woodworking shop. I made the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, too. It’s what I do to relax.”
Glancing around, she couldn’t quite grasp the talent she saw in front of her. “You have a gift, Gunner.” Her gaze traveled to his cut, wondering how a good man such as him could be a member of an outlaw MC. She had to be careful with her next words. “Someday, after you’ve left the Brethren, you could make a good living making custom furniture and cabinets.”
He stared at her a long moment, reminding himself she knew nothing about the true nature of the Brethren. The wives were told what they needed to know and not much else. Parents believed their sons were SEALs, having no idea about their undercover work.
“Yeah. I might give it a try someday. For now, my life is good the way it is. I’ll show you the rest of the house.”
Katrina detected a slight stiffening in his posture as he walked down a hallway. “There are guest rooms and a couple baths down this way. The master bedroom is on the other side of the house.” He motioned toward several doors, not opening most. “The laundry room is the last door. Are you ready to eat?”
The change of subject startled her. “Can I help you?”
He walked past her to the kitchen. “I kept it simple. Steaks, salad, corn on the cob. There’s a quart of ice cream in the freezer to go with the pie.”
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Sounds wonderful. If the salad isn’t made, I can put it together.”
“Works for me.”
Gunner opened the large refrigerator, removing the steaks, already wrapped corn, and ingredients for a salad. “Caesar salad all right? I’ve already made the dressing.”
“Why, I do believe you’re a Renaissance man, Gunner.”
Barking out a laugh, he faced Kat. “Not quite. A man’s gotta eat, and I’m not all that partial to pizza or burgers every night. What can I get you to drink? I’ve got beer, wine, soda, water…”
“A beer would be great.”
Grabbing two bottles, he removed the caps, handing one to her, taking several swallows from his own. Picking up the steaks, he headed outside. “Do you mind bringing the corn?”
“Not at all.” Grabbing the foil-wrapped corn, she followed him out the back door to the large deck, and a grill big enough to hold at least a dozen steaks.
Setting down the corn, she wandered to the edge of the deck. From this spot, she could see the valley below, hear the creek Gunner mentioned. His property, the home he’d built, created a sense of tranquility Katrina hadn’t experienced since well before leaving Las Vegas.
“If there’s time after we finish eating, we’ll walk to the creek. I want to show you the spot where I plan to locate a bench.” He stood within inches of her, so close she could feel heat radiating from him, breathe the scent she’d come to associate with Gunner.
“I’ll take measurements and snap some pictures.”
Chuckling, he placed an arm over Kat’s shoulders, tugging her close. “I don’t think you’ll need to do anything except get a sense of the area.” Turning them both around, he walked back to the grill. “Steaks and corn are about done.”
Katrina stared at him before her eyes went wide. “The salad!” Hurrying to the kitchen, she heard his laughter before sliding the door closed.
Assembling the salad didn’t take long. Romaine lettuce, dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese. She’d just finished when he stepped inside, grabbing plates and utensils, including what appeared to be two expensive steak knives.
“How about we eat outside?”
Picking up the large salad bowl, she smiled. “Perfect.”
Following him, she again found herself studying his cut. Getting attached to a man associated with an MC would be a huge mistake.
There were some men she’d