Hank stood at the threshold holding an end table with a white ribbon tied around one leg of its pedestal base. His deer-in-the-headlights expression proved he was as shocked and discomforted to see Cat as she was to see him.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” He eyed Vivi. “You didn’t mention having plans this morning.”
“Oh my gosh!” Vivi ignored his remark as she held the door open and waved him inside. Hank entered haltingly and set down his gift in front of her. She bent over to inspect the table. “When you told me you made us a table, I never imagined something so gorgeous. Did you really build it from scratch?”
He nodded a greeting in Cat’s direction before returning his attention to Vivi wearing a proud smile. Meanwhile, Vivi quickly untied the ribbon and smoothed her hand across the tabletop.
“What is this wood?” she asked.
“Oregon walnut.”
The rounded corners of the tabletop lent a hint of feminine appeal. Natural knots marred the tabletop’s edges. The streamlined design should also appeal to David, who wouldn’t like something whimsical or fussy. It was perfect.
Upscale, unique, not easy to copy—exactly the kind of thing Cat would like to promote. What fortuitous timing. She glanced heavenward, as if her mom might appear at any second, having somehow orchestrated this with Vivi.
“Oh, Hank. It’s exquisite!” Vivi beamed at him before flinging her tiny body against his impressive chest and hugging him. Unbidden envy shot through Cat when Hank closed his arms around her friend. “I love it.”
“Thanks, Vivi.” Blood rushed to Hank’s neck and ears before he eased out of their embrace. Cat smiled at the involuntary sign of his shyness. Like Vivi, he couldn’t hide his feelings well, which made him seem more trustworthy than most. A rare find, that. “I hope David likes it, too.”
“He will, but it’s going on my side of the bed.” While Vivi continued to admire Hank’s work, Cat hopped off the kitchen stool to take a closer look.
Vivi hadn’t exaggerated. Exquisite aptly described his craftsmanship. Cat had heard Jackson boast about Hank’s carpentry skills, but she’d assumed he’d been referring to interior finish work and kitchen cabinetry installations. She hadn’t realized his talent extended to fine furniture.
While Vivi offered Hank a cold beverage, Cat studied the table closely, her mind racing with possibilities. But as she trailed her fingertips along its surfaces, her thoughts strayed from business. She pictured his hands caressing the wood. Envisioned him bent over, shaving, buffing, and staining each piece.
In her fantasy, he was shirtless, of course—his muscles bunching as he worked, his skin damp with perspiration, his expression keenly focused. The sensual imagery sent her body temperature soaring, as if he were attending to her body with that same attention. Embarrassed by the direction of her thoughts, she shook her head to dispel them.
“It’s beautiful, Hank,” she finally said on a soft breath. His green-gold eyes gazed at her with the intensity she’d been envisioning moments ago, making her heart kick inside her chest. Powerful lust produced mild throbbing throughout some important and long-ignored parts of her body. She cleared her throat and refocused on the furniture. “When do you have time to do this?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “At night and on weekends.”
“Does Jackson know?” she asked, curious about whether or not Hank seriously pursued this talent. “Have his clients requested custom-built furniture?”
“Jackson’s not interested in my hobby.” He cast his eyes downward for a moment. “Besides, we’re so busy lately it took me nearly eight weeks to build this small table. I don’t have time to build furniture for his clients.”
“Well, I’ll treasure it.” Vivi handed Hank a cold soda.
Once again Cat noticed Hank’s cheeks flush. She adored the boyish charm of his cute reaction. He couldn’t be faking it. Regardless, she shouldn’t pursue her growing curiosity. Oh, just confess already. It’s more than mere curiosity, and it’s for more than his talent.
“Thanks. I’m glad you like it.” He glanced around the apartment. “Sorry I missed David.”
“He had to work.” Vivi waved her hand. “He’ll be sorry to have missed seeing you, too.”
Hank popped the tab on his soda and took a swig. “Well, I don’t want to interrupt your visit, so I’ll head on out.”
“Wait a second. You only just arrived. Stay and catch your breath.” Vivi’s eyes shone as she looked to Cat. “Actually, Hank, you might be able to help us solve a problem.”