* * *
Kat was curled up in the sunroom with a book two days later when she heard a knock at the door. Knowing her mother was expecting Nick Summers, Kat stayed put but closed the book. As much as she’d like to see the design ideas by Nick—not to mention the man himself—she didn’t want any comments from her to jeopardize the job for him.
She listened as best she could from the cozy armchair while her mother ushered Nick inside.
“Hello, Mrs. Andrews,” Nick greeted Kat’s mother cheerfully. “I’ve got several options to show you today.”
“Excellent. Let’s go into the living room.”
“Sure. Did you all have a nice holiday?”
That low, easy-going tone of his did something to Kat’s insides.
“Yes. It was lovely,” her mother answered Nick’s question.
Kat noted that her mom didn’t bother to ask Nick abouthisChristmas.
They walked farther into the room, making it impossible for Kat to hear the conversation. Curious, she put her book aside and tiptoed to the kitchen, careful to remain out of sight. She really wanted to know her mother’s reaction and how much Nick had modified his style to fit her tastes. Footsteps coming her direction startled her, and she jumped back. When she peeked around the corner again, she saw Nick open a bag and withdraw several pieces of wood. He returned to the living room and sat on the sofa opposite her mother then spread the samples on the coffee table, which he’d covered with a black cloth.Nice attention to detail.
“Katherine?”
Her mother suddenly called her name, and Kat startled, knocking her elbow against the refrigerator door.
“Katherine? Could you come in here a minute, please? Come look at Mr. Summers’ ideas.”
What?Her mom wantedheropinion? News flash—hold the presses. Rubbing her tingling funny bone, Kat moved just inside the living room.
“Hi,” she greeted Nick. “Wow. You work fast.”
His smile widened.
Maybe it was the white teeth against the dark beard that made his smile seem so bright. Whatever, it put off some power vibes.
“Come look.” Her mother motioned her over.
Gingerly, Kat picked up the sketches and leafed through them, stopping for a close look at a few. “These are great,” she said simply, smiling from her mother to Nick. She could see his flair for design in each one of the sketches, and it was also obvious that he’d toned down the more modern artistic details. The vertical slats of wood above the bookcases would make the wall feel taller.
“Look at these samples.” Her mother held up a piece of mahogany wood, richly stained with a high gloss finish. It was beautiful. “How do you think this would look in here?”
“Well,” Kat stalled. What was the right answer? “I think it’s pretty. You’d want to coordinate the wood choice with the rest of the design, though. Have you picked out paint and tile colors, Mom?”
“Hmmm. I’m not sure.” Her mother turned to Nick. “I’d like the tile to match the new floors in the sunroom. Could I keep these samples for a few days until I can show them to Susie, my designer?”
“Absolutely,” Nick assured her. “Keep them as long as you need to. Any of these designs can be made in any of those woods and stains. I’ve got the costs broken down here.” He held out a sheet of paper to her mother, but his eyes were on Kat.
Her face grew warm under his gaze, and she was glad when her mom diverted Nick’s attention.
“Have you ever worked with Susie Morrison, Mr. Summers? Have you heard of her?”
“The name sounds familiar,” Nick said. “I haven’t personally worked with her. I’d be happy to meet with you together, though, and talk about coordinating the design and schedule.”
“Yes. We would probably need to do that. Let me check my calendar, and I can tell you when Susie and I are scheduled to meet. I’ll be right back.”
With her mother out of the room, an awkward silence settled over Kat and Nick, and Nick began shuffling papers and samples.
“I’ll look forward to seeing the finished room next time I’m home,” Kat said.
“You come home often?” he asked.
