Worth the Trouble(30)

Cat held her breath. She had no idea what cockamamy scheme Vivi had just devised, but clearly it involved pushing Cat and Hank together.

Hank looked equally suspicious as his eyes flitted back and forth between Vivi and Cat. “What problem?”

“Well,” Vivi began, placing one hand on her hip while animating her speech with the other. “Cat’s new condo doesn’t have enough closet space. Since Jackson’s not around, maybe you could take a look and come up with some suggestions? With all the remodeling work you do, I’m sure you’ve come across this situation before. It’s only two blocks away. Fifteen minutes of your time, tops.” She finished her plea with a sweet-as-can-be smile.

Cat nearly choked, but she maintained an unruffled demeanor. Hank’s thoughts appeared to be racing while he scratched the back of his neck. She hoped to catch a peek of his abs when the hemline of his shirt rose up in tandem with his arm, but he dropped his hand too quickly.

Vivi had relied upon his polite manners to trap him, the wily little sprite. Cat should be annoyed by her interference, not grateful. Yet, her body tingled in anticipation of spending a little time alone with Hank.

Her gaze flickered back to the end table, seeing the possibilities it embodied. For a moment she flirted with the idea of testing his interest in some kind of joint venture with his furniture and her name, but then dismissed it, assuming he’d probably laugh at her idea.

“Sure, I’ll take a look.” He glanced at Cat. “But I can’t make any promises about finding a solution.”

“Great! I’m sure you two will figure things out.” Vivi grinned. She patted Hank’s shoulders then feigned a yawn with wide-stretched arms. “Sorry. Jet lag. I think I need a nap. You two feel free to take off anytime.”

“Guess that’s our cue.” Cat retrieved her purse from the kitchen island.

“Thanks again for the gorgeous table. I absolutely love it.” Vivi lifted up onto her toes and still barely reached Hank’s cheek. She gave him a quick kiss. “See you soon.”

As Hank started out the door, Vivi ensnared Cat in a tight hug. “Thanks for visiting,” she said loudly, then whispered, “Be your true self, Cat. Have faith!”

Cat rolled her eyes but hugged her matchmaking friend, who remained blissfully unaware of Hank’s tempered disdain for Cat. If she hoped to tempt him, she had her work cut out for her.

She shivered at the memory of how he’d spurned her proposition after the wedding reception. Frankly, he’d been the only man ever to walk away from her when she’d been half naked and in bed.

His rejection had unsettled her. She wanted his affection despite knowing she’d done nothing to deserve it.

Until she knew precisely what she wanted from him, she’d need to tread lightly.

She followed Hank to the elevator in silence, enjoying the view. The doors closed, trapping them together in the confined space. With the exception of a few stolen glimpses of Hank, she kept her eyes on the lit floor numbers overhead while fighting the urge to fidget.

Although she didn’t know him particularly well, she could tell he didn’t trust her, and he wasn’t someone to be ordered around—especially not by her. Whichever proposition she made—business or pleasure—would require a seduction of one kind or another.

Of course, one kind would be a lot more fun than the other. Then she remembered the vow she’d made, the commitment to forging a new career.

Cat would be proud to associate her name with such extraordinary work. Of course, the limitations of a handcraft business were an issue, but she needed a challenge to take her mind off her sorrow.

First she’d need to assess his interest. Did she dare?

“Well, this is awkward,” she muttered. “You don’t have to come over just because Vivi strong-armed you.”

He folded his arms across his chest, his presence gobbling up the limited space. A hot flash that had nothing to do with Cat’s defective hormones heated her skin. “Do you really need help, or did she make that up?”

“No, I do have a space issue.” Cat’s heightened appreciation of his masculine build, his gorgeous mouth, thickened the air, making it hard to breathe. “But it’s not your problem. I’m the idiot who bought the place without thinking it through.”

“I’ll come take a look.” He glanced at his watch. “I have some time.”

“Oh, do you have plans later?” Her blood cooled when she remembered Vivi’s work friend lived in the city. “Are you seeing Amy this afternoon?”

“Amy?” His brows furrowed in confusion then arched. “Vivi’s friend?”