Kat continued her exploration and caught sight of a wall of “featured” artists. A sign bearing Nick’s name and photo grabbed her attention immediately. She stepped closer, and her heart somersaulted. With one thigh perched on a table, his goggles pushed up, his smile shone brighter than the spotlights on the art.
Looking at the photo, she could practically feel the warmth of his smile, his presence. She remembered his touch and— Her breath caught. Nick had been to her apartment, to some of her favorite places in the city, to her exhibit at the museum, but this was the first time she’d been in his space. Nick’s touch was all over this place.
“Here you go.” The woman thrust a paper toward Kat. “You can fill this out and drop it by, or you can find the same thing online and fill it out that way. I’m Trena. Call if you have any questions.”
“Thank you, Trena.” Kat folded the paper and tucked it into her purse.
The chimes above the door sounded, and Trena moved away.
Kat turned back to Nick’s work. She ran a hand across a wooden bowl and remembered the pretty, delicate bowl he’d given her mother. She wished she’d have confiscated it when she was home. Maybe having a tiny piece of his work would’ve… She let out a soft sigh. In her earlier state of mind, it probably would’ve served only as a sad reminder.
As Kat moved to the jewelry cases, she passed the cash wrap area. Another woman leaned against the counter chatting with Trena.
“Nick left early, but the checks are ready,” Trena told the younger woman.
Ah, must be one of the artists. Kat couldn’t help listening in. After all, they were discussing her reason for being there.
“Early on a Friday, huh? Is he headed for New York again?”
“No, he has to get to Denver for his big date.”
“Oh, right.” She gave a light chuckle. “I heard about that.”
Kat’s stomach churned. Nick had a date in Denver? And was excited enough to tell the people he worked with? As if she’d been doused with ice water, her entire body went cold. She’d waited too long. He’d given up on her. Stupid, stupid. A guy like Nick Summers had options—lots of them. They hadn’t talked much about previous relationships, but you didn’t have to be an accountant to see he checked a lot of boxes in the asset column. He was eye candy for sure, but there was his integrity, his warmth, his sense of humor. All the things she missed. On numb legs, she turned toward the door.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Nick arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early to avoid keeping Ms. Rose waiting. She’d spent good money on the museum bid, and he wanted to make it an enjoyable evening for her.
Felt a little weird to not know who he was expecting. He checked in with the hostess then took a seat across from the door. An older man also waited alone in the lobby. Each time the door opened, Nick looked up with a smile, ready to greet his date. So far, only couples had entered. He checked his watch again. Just shy of seven.
Tantalizing scents of spices and sizzling meat from the kitchen wafted through the room. He visualized the menu he’d seen on their website and remembered he hadn’t eaten lunch.Come on, Ms. Rose.
When the door opened again, the older gentleman stood and moved forward. Nick let out a sigh and glanced toward the door. He did a double take as a familiar head of white hair appeared at the entrance. Kat’s grandmother stepped inside, and the elderly gentleman took her hand while pressing a kiss to her cheek. Whoa, Kitty had a dinner date? Here? Tonight? Nick rubbed a hand across the back of his neck What were the chances?
He rose to greet her but hung back, waiting for the bottleneck at the door to clear. A couple of women, one carrying a toddler, jostled forward laughing and talking. Nick stepped aside, not sure whether Kitty had seen him. When he turned back, he almost stumbled.
“Kat!” He yelped in surprise, finding himself face-to-face with the woman constantly on his mind. His heart thumped. Blood pounded in his ears. She looked amazing in a bright yellow-orange dress, red lipstick, and hair curling onto her shoulders.
Wide eyes met his, and her mouth fell open. She stopped in her tracks, and he barely caught the door before it hit her.
“Nick! What are you doing here?”
“Um…having dinner.”
Kitty stepped forward. “Hello, Nick. How lovely to see you again. Kat, Nick, this is my friend Charles.”
“Pleased to meet you both.” Charles extended his hand to Nick.
Nick shook the man’s hand but couldn’t take his eyes off Kat. Kitty was having date night and dragging Kat along? Weird.
The hostess interrupted. “Mrs. Andrews, your tables are ready.”
Tables?
“Excellent.” She glanced from Nick to Kat. “Surprise!” Her voice pitched up, and she clapped her hands together. “Nick, I have to confess a little white lie. I’m Cathy Rose.”
“You’reCathy Rose?”
