A moment later, she caught herself comparing shades of green to the color of Nick’s eyes. It was crazy to be this excited about having dinner with someone she barely knew. But those eyes… Too bad she couldn’t hibernate until Thursday.
* * *
Kat was waiting in the foyer when Nick arrived at the restaurant Thursday evening. When he smiled and waved, she caught her breath. “Hi!” she managed.
Oh. Get. Out. He was gorgeous. He wore a black shirt and black coat with khaki slacks that perfectly fit his solid frame. Everything about him said sexy and confident. And Kat wasn’t at all sure she could handle the power he was giving off. Her heart pounded so furiously, she wondered if he could hear it.
As he stepped closer and kissed her cheek, she laughed nervously.
“Hey.” His voice was low and husky. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” So did he. What was a guy like this doing in Colorado Springs? He definitely had city style.
With the hostess leading the way, Kat was aware of Nick’s presence behind her. Feeling a little lightheaded, she gratefully dropped into the chair he pulled out for her at their table.
“How are you doing in this weather?” he asked. “Seems colder here than in Colorado.”
“Well, I don’t love it,” Kat told him. “But I do like to wear sweaters and scarves. I just hope it doesn’t go into April, you know?” She so hoped for a nice weekend for her show opening and for Nana and her parents to visit. It’d make it much easier for Nana to get around and one fewer thing to irritate her mother—if she even showed up.
“Yeah. I’m not a big fan of long winters, either.”
Kat ordered a lemon drop martini then settled into her surroundings, enjoying the dim lighting and soft music—and the fact that she was sitting in a nice restaurant with a handsome, intelligent guy. It’d been a while since she’d been on a real date. She was determined to put the fact that it could go absolutely nowhere out of her mind and simply enjoy the moment.
When the server returned with drinks, she picked up her martini. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” He tapped his glass to hers then lifted his menu. “What do you recommend?”
“Oh, I always get the same thing—grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. You might want something more substantial.”
“Actually, that sounds great.”
When the server returned, they both ordered the dish. She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed. “Are you ready for your interview?” she asked.
“Ready as I can be. Probably run through my slideshow one more time in the morning.”
“Is it just a presentation? No actual demonstration?”
“As far as I know, just the presentation. I only get thirty minutes.”
“Ouch. You came all this way for thirty minutes?”
He shrugged. “And I get to spend a few hours in the company of a lovely woman. I’m not complaining. Besides, it’s worth a shot. It’s an incredible opportunity for the winner.”
Kat’s face warmed. He gave the compliment matter-of-factly, but she felt it inside as heat rushed through her veins. Apparently, she was his bonus in coming to New York. Just as he had been an unexpected highlight of going to Colorado for Christmas.
“Is the prize a one-time thing?” she asked, letting his remark pass.
He sat back in his chair and swished the wine in his glass. “Not sure. They billed it as being featured on HomeBuilders. I suppose that leaves the door open. Not sure I’d want it to be a long-term thing, anyway. I’ve got commitments and jobs to finish up at home.”
Kat heard the fondness in his voice. “Have you always lived in the Springs?”
“Yep. Born and raised. What about you?”
“Born and raised in Denver, but no desire to live there now.”
Nick shifted, his brows raised. “Tell me about your family.”
“My family?” She took a long sip of her drink before meeting his eyes again. “What do you want to know?”
