seeing the blank layout. “Having problems?” She glanced down at the open notebook, seeing copious scribbles in Kat’s handwriting. “Take a break. It’s seven in the morning and I’ll bet you haven’t had anything to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
Janie reached in front of her, closing the screen. “Go to the café next door and get breakfast. When you return, I’m betting you’ll be ready to tackle the design. And don’t think about arguing with me. Go on.”
Katrina knew Janie was right. Still, it irked her. She’d been awake a good portion of the night considering options for Gunner’s property, finally falling asleep close to four in the morning. Waking at six, she’d hurried to dress and get to the nursery. So many ideas raced across her mind. She’d been excited to try them out on the computer design program, save the good ones and discard the others.
From the moment she’d fired up the program, Katrina hadn’t been able to do anything except stare. Images of Gunner lowering his head so his lips could meet hers filled her thoughts. It was unprofessional, ridiculous, and worse than a teenage crush.
“It was a thank you for driving out to his place, Kat. Nothing more.” The muttered words were eaten up with the sound of her boots grinding into the crushed rock on the way to the neighboring café.
She almost stopped when spotting the number of cars in the parking lot. The café did a booming business most mornings. Mondays were no different. Opening the decades old screen door, she glanced around, seeing a couple open spots at the counter. Settling on the stool, she didn’t bother with a menu.
“Morning, Kat. The usual?” Doris rested a hand on the counter, attention moving to the next person coming through the door. “Damn bikers,” she muttered under her breath.
Katrina glanced behind her, stiffening when she saw Gunner, her throat tightening when he took the empty stool next to her.
“Kat. Doris.”
Doris grunted, but grabbed him a cup, filling it with coffee. “Know what you want?”
“Pancakes, eggs, and sausage.” When Doris walked off, he turned to face Kat, taking a sip of his coffee. “Such a welcoming woman.”
“She’s set in her ways, Gunner.”
“Doris isn’t old enough to be set in anything.” Taking another sip, he set the cup down. “I saw your—”
“Don’t you dare call my car a junker.” She stirred honey into the hot tea Doris set before her.
“Hadn’t planned to,” he lied, enjoying pushing her buttons. “Are you still working until noon today?”
“Unless Janie asks me to stay longer.”
They stopped, waiting as Doris delivered their meals. “I added a chocolate chip pancake for you, Kat. You love them but hardly ever order ‘em. Monday’s a good day to splurge. Powdered sugar’s in the little bowl.” She walked off before Katrina could respond.
“Chocolate, huh?” Gunner put a forkful of eggs and sausage in his mouth, chewing slowly.
“Guilty. I love it, but try to keep my distance.” She looked over at him with a weak grin. “It tends to land on my hips.”
He made a point of letting his gaze wander over her before moving back to her face. “And the problem is?”
“Women aren’t blind to how they look. I’m no different.”
Setting down his fork, Gunner picked up his coffee. “I don’t know what you’re seeing in the mirror, but from where I’m sitting, you’re a beautiful woman, Kat.”
Something caught in her throat. Not since she was young, before her father left, had anyone called her beautiful.
“I wanted to thank you again for coming out to my place. How long before you have some ideas for me to see?”
She relaxed, ready for a change in subject. “I’ll be getting my ideas into our computer program after breakfast.” At least she hoped Janie was right and a break would help focus her thoughts.
Finishing his breakfast, Gunner shoved his plate away, pulling out several bills. “I’ve got to get going. Should I come by at noon to see what you’ve done so far?”
“Too soon. Tomorrow afternoon would be better.” She took the last bite of her pancake, savoring the mixture of chocolate, butter, and powdered sugar. “Doris really knows how to whip up a great pancake.”
Standing, he placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kat.”
Watching him leave, she felt a slight surge of disappointment that he hadn’t tried to kiss her again. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.”
“You all right, honey?” Doris’s somber expression indicated she’d heard Katrina deriding herself. “Did that biker say something to hurt you?”
Eyes wide,