Hannah didn’t believe that for one second. “Why do you live in a cottage, by the way? Why not some bachelor pad with a gaming chair and a console.”
Gabe laughed. “Is that how you see me?”
“That’s my point. I’ve only got my imagination to go off.”
Gabe flashed her a look. “Tell me more.”
Hannah eyes widened. “Not that kind of imagination.” She took another sip of coffee. “I do know one other thing about you.”
“And what’s that?”
“You’re very good at deflection.”
“What do you mean?”
“See, you did it again.” Hannah laughed. “Every time I ask a question, you answer it with one of your own.”
“Maybe I’m trying to create an air of mystery. I thought you women like that?”
Hannah shook her head. “And there it is again.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just not used to talking about myself.” He drank some coffee. “Okay, here goes. I’ve been a full-time personal trainer for just over two years. Before that I worked in IT.”
“Really?” Hannah’s eyes widened. “That is a surprise. Seeing you as a gamer is one thing. I’d never have had you down as an outright computer techie.”
“Why not?”
“Because IT workers don’t usually look like Greek gods.” As soon as her words were out, Hannah regretted them.
“And I do, do I?” Gabe held her gaze a tad longer than necessary and feeling her cheeks redden Hannah was forced to look away.
“Why the switch?” she asked, composing herself.
“When Mum died it was obvious Dad wasn’t coping very well.”
Hannah understood why. Aunt Dorothy had struggled after Uncle Denis’s death.
“When he moved in with me, I wanted to be able to work my own hours. I’d always been a fitness freak, and personal training seemed a natural choice.” Gabe picked up his cup. “I have no children.” He took a couple of gulps. “Neither do I have any siblings.”
“Why are you still single?”
Gabe stared at Hannah. “Registering your interest, are you?”
“And if I was?” With yet more unwanted words spilling out of her mouth, Hannah wondered what was wrong with her.
“Now who’s deflecting.” As Gabe glanced over Hannah’s shoulder, his expression froze.
Curious as to why, Hannah turned to see a woman walking in their direction. No wonder she’d caught his eye; the woman was stunning.
She had long, dark shiny hair that spilled down her shoulders, gorgeous brown eyes, and full plump lips. Like Hannah, the woman wore hardly any make-up. However, whereas Hannah abstained because she couldn’t do with the fuss, the woman before her simply didn’t need it. Neither did she need to dress up. Teamed with a plain black fitted T-shirt, the woman’s black skinny jeans and bright red high heels weren’t just simple, they emphasised her already-long legs. Much to her surprise, the woman approached their table.
“Roger told me you’d probably be here, Gabe,” the woman said.
Hannah looked to Gabe, who for some reason appeared furious. “What’s going on?” Hannah asked. “Who is this?” When Gabe didn’t answer, Hannah redirected her attention to the woman. “Who are you?”
“I think that’s a questionIshould be asking?” The woman held out her hand for Hannah to shake. “I’m Kate.”
Recalling that same name come up on Gabe’s phone, Hannah’s confusion grew. She couldn’t understand why a client of Gabe’s would unexpectedly turn up like that. Gingerly accepting the gesture, Kate’s grip felt firmer than Hannah thought necessary.
