Drat!
Zach’s lady friend emerged from the shadows and walked toward the railing at the back of the deck.
Any second now she’d notice—
Wait.
Kat squinted at the woman as she strolled through the late afternoon light. Despite her slender build, youthful aura, and chic russet hair, she was too old to be Zach’s date—unless he was into May-December romances.
Not likely, if the electricity that had sparked between them during their previous encounters was any indication.
It wasn’t his mother either. Zach had said she’d died eight years ago.
So who was—
The woman turned toward her, as if she’d sensed someone was nearby. “Hello!” Smiling, she lifted a hand in welcome and ambled over to the edge of the deck.
Busted.
Short of following the flee-and-vanish example of the mole crabs that populated Blackberry Beach, Katherine had no choice but to return the greeting.
“Hi.” She forced her stiff legs to carry her forward. “I’m renting the vacation house next door. Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know Zach had company.”
“No apology necessary. And I’m not company. I’m family.” She extended her hand and descended the two steps from the deck. “Stephanie Garrett. Zach’s aunt. I arrived this afternoon.”
Question answered.
She continued forward and returned the woman’s firm handshake. “Kat Morgan.”
“Nice to meet you.” The older woman inspected the plastic-covered plate. “Those must be for Zach.”
“Yes. They’re sort of a . . . thank-you.”
“Let me tell him you’re here. Come on up to the deck.” Without waiting for a response, Stephanie ascended the steps.
What else could she do but follow?
“Would you like to come in?” Stephanie called the question over her shoulder.
“No, thanks. After I give these to Zach, I’ll leave you two to visit.”
“You don’t have to rush off. I’ll be here awhile. He and I will have ample opportunity to renew our acquaintance.”
“If this is your first night here, though, I’m sure he’d appreciate having you to himself.”
“Hmm.” Stephanie inspected her. “I’ll let you two work that out. Give me a sec.”
She pushed through the sliding glass door that led to what appeared to be a great room. Like the one in the rental house next door, it had a vaulted ceiling—but the space was much smaller, and the floor plan wasn’t as open. She could only follow Stephanie’s progress a short distance before the woman disappeared around a wall.
Left on her own, Katherine surveyed the deck. A glass-topped table set for two, with placemats and cloth napkins and a small vase of wildflowers in the middle, hugged the railing.
Zach had planned a welcome dinner for his aunt.
Thoughtful.
She wandered over and set her offering on the far side of the table.
Was he doing the cooking?
If so—and if it was half as tasty as that blackberry cobbler—his aunt was in for a treat.
As if she’d tuned in to Katherine’s musings, Stephanie reappeared. “He’s putting the finishing touches on dinner, but he’ll be out in a minute or two.” She strolled over and gave the horizon that was visible through the trees a slow sweep. “This is a beautiful spot.”
“Yes, it is.”
After a moment, she swiveled around and leaned back against the railing. “Zach says you’re here on vacation.”
Katherine fidgeted.
What else had he said? Like, had he mentioned how reticent she was? Or how spooked she got whenever people were around?
Best to proceed with caution.
“Yes.”
“I can see the appeal. In all the traveling I’ve done, I’ve never had such positive vibes about a place so fast. I’ve been here barely six hours, and I can already feel my stress level plummeting. I bet you’ve noticed that too.”
The woman hadn’t asked a single question, but her open-ended statements invited responses.
Katherine caught her lower lip between her teeth. Maybe if she asked a few questions, she could shift the spotlight.
“Yes. It’s very peaceful. Tell me about your travels. Are they job related?”
The tiny twinkle that appeared in the other woman’s irises indicated she recognized the diversionary tactic. But she didn’t fight it.
Apparently everyone in the Garrett clan had the know-how-to-take-a-hint-and-back-off gene.
“Yes, my job took me all over the globe. It was quite glamorous . . . on the surface.”
Katherine’s ears perked up. This woman had also had a job that appeared exciting to the world but wasn’t quite as glitzy in reality? Was it possible they were kindred spirits?
Before she could explore that question, Zach opened the sliding door and joined them, wiping his hands on a dish towel. Not a traditional symbol of masculinity—but the snug T-shirt that showcased his muscular chest and broad shoulders, worn jeans that hugged his lean hips, and chiseled jaw more than compensated.
His pulse-quickening smile warmed her from her toes to the tips of her ears as he approached, and she almost groped for the railing to steady herself.
Thank heaven she wasn’t holding the blackberry truffles or they’d be melting into a gooey puddle.
Like she was.
And the man hadn’t yet uttered a word.
“This is a pleasant surprise.” He flipped the towel over his shoulder. “I’d do the introductions, but Aunt Stephanie says she’s already taken care of that.” He shot the older woman a teasing look. “That’s twice in one day.”
A tiny hint of color crept over his aunt’s cheeks.
Must be an inside joke.
“What can I say? I’m a take-charge kind of woman.” His aunt shrugged.
Hmm.
She and Stephanie may not be kindred spirits, after all. In Katherine’s world, others took charge—and she was prone to let them.
Or she had been until she’d walked away to try and regain control over her life.
“More like a woman who knows her own mind,” Zach countered. “Guys respect that, you know. At least the ones worth having do.”
What was this conversation about?
Clueless, Katherine remained silent.
“I agree with you.” Stephanie motioned to the table and changed the subject. “Kat brought you a present.”
Zach leaned closer to examine the plate of perfectly formed truffles, and the musky scent of his aftershave wafted toward her. “No one’s ever given me candy.”
“They’re my specialty.” Somehow she managed to find her voice despite the heady fragrance that was playing havoc with her concentration. “I, uh, wanted to thank you for the cobbler.”
“You made these?”
“Yes—using the local blackberries for flavoring.”
“Blackberry truffles?” Stephanie joined him, lifted the plastic wrap, picked one up, and examined it. “This is beautiful.”
“If you touch it, you have to eat it. House rule.” One side of Zach’s mouth rose.
“No hardship, trust me—and I doubt one will suffice.” She directed her next comment to Katherine. “I have to confess—I’m a chocoholic.”