was concerned about the cost—and of course, the contract amendment—but there was nothing he could do but give her an honest appraisal. She’d probably been screwed before and was wary. He couldn’t blame her.
He checked his watch again, careful to leave himself enough time to shower before he saw Rita, but there was still time to banish Catherine’s worries. “There’s no reason for you not to have all the space you want. Most of the remodeling we do on these old houses is combining rooms. It seems everyone wants open-concept floor plans these days, so we’ve gotten pretty creative about them. It’s a nice surprise to have someone who wants to preserve the history of the building. I actually have someone in mind who’ll be a very good fit for the restoration.”
“So you won’t be doing the work?”
“Not personally, no. Not now that I’ve taken over the office. But I’ve worked hands-on with all my crews, and they don’t last unless they’re the best.”
“Taken over? What about your father?”
Tony hadn’t wanted to say, but he supposed there was no secret as to what had happened. He just didn’t want her to think he was second best. “Dad’s had some health issues. His doctor advised him to step away from work. Some guys have all the luck, huh?”
His attempt to lighten the mood had fallen flat. Her lips were parted, but she didn’t rush to speak. And again, he watched this chameleon of a woman change before his eyes. The unmistakable look of sympathy made her brow crease, her deep blue eyes darken. “I’m so sorry.”
“He’s fine. Really. It’ll take him a while to adjust, but he’s gonna be around for a long time. And he’ll still make sure we don’t do anything he wouldn’t approve of.”
Catherine leaned forward just enough that he could see a few millimeters of her creamy skin where her blouse showed off her long neck. “Please don’t think I was questioning your ability.”
He cleared his throat, which gave him just enough time to remember the thread of their conversation. “Nope. It never crossed my mind. The business has been in the family for generations, and we’ve made it this long on referrals.”
“I swear I’m not making up this restoration amendment.”
“Catherine.” Leaning toward her, Tony nearly reached for her hand before he caught himself. “Ms. Fox—”
“Catherine is fine,” she said, with an unexpectedly shy smile.
He nodded. “I didn’t believe for a single second that you were lying.” What had thrown him was that he’d almost made the mistake of touching her. “I meant what I said about your budget. You’ll be in charge all the way. Well, the state and the city have a lot of sway here, so they’ll win most of those battles.”
She nodded, looked past his shoulder, then closed her eyes for a moment.
Catherine was an attractive woman. If he had to guess, he’d say she was in her late twenties. But that was based on her confidence and the way she carried herself. There was something about her face that made her look younger and, while not innocent, exactly, protected. That was why he’d almost screwed up. If he’d touched her she might have fired him on the spot and no one would have blamed her, least of all him. She was a client, for God’s sake.
Shit. He’d never done anything like that before. It wasn’t like him.
He needed to stop staring. It didn’t help that her clothes affected him almost as much as her face. But...a black skirt that skimmed her thighs down to her kneecaps. A starched white blouse. How was that so hot? And yet...
She looked at him again, and when her fingers brushed her blond hair back, leaving trails in their wake, he was mesmerized.
The coffee gave one last loud gurgle, and she stood up so quickly he jerked back and jarred the whole couch. He took the opportunity to take a few heartening breaths before he followed her. Whatever the hell was going on with him was nuts. He didn’t know her. She wasn’t the kind of woman he typically went for.
Not that he was looking to go for any woman at the moment. Except for Rita. Safe, fun, comfortable Rita. That was who he should be thinking about. So, Catherine Fox? Transference. That was all this was. After tonight things would go back to normal.
Before he reached the kitchen, he checked his phone. He always turned it to Vibrate when he was with a client. So far, no messages, which was a good sign.
Joining Catherine at the counter, he bumped her shoulder as she turned, and she dropped a teaspoon.
“Sorry,” he said, and bent to pick it up, but so did she and they almost collided.
“Oh.”
He heard her breath stutter, a little gasp right in his ear. Instead of picking up the spoon, he steadied Catherine, his hand on her shoulder. The exact wrong move he’d just lectured himself about.
Her eyes widened and she made a sound. It was a blend of a squeal and a whimper, setting off a chain reaction that went all the way down his body.
He lowered his hand and they both straightened. He caught a glimpse of pink-splashed cheeks before she turned away. He stepped back, stealing a second to adjust himself and will his dick to knock it off.
“Cream? Sugar?” Her voice was completely controlled. Not what he’d expected.
“Uh...”
“I’ve also got honey, but that’s more for tea.”
Okay, so she wasn’t quite as unruffled as she’d sounded. Coffee, though. Something to do with his mouth instead of sticking his foot in it. “Black is fine, thanks.”
She got a new spoon, poured and added a packet of raw sugar to her cup. No more pink on her cheeks. Just silky smooth skin, pale and perfect.
“I’m used to living in major cities,” she said, and he tried to remember the last thing they’d discussed, but came up blank.
“My last apartment was in London and that was ridiculously expensive. Worth it, though. I loved living there. I almost kept it, but that didn’t seem very practical. I think New York is a better fit. There’s a rhythm to the city that revs me up. I like the bustle and the sounds. The smells could be improved, but all in all, I’m glad I moved.”
Europe, London, New York? He wondered what she did for a living. Something glamorous, he imagined. Definitely high up the social ladder.
They were back at the couch again, and her calm speech had relaxed him enough to gather his wits. “Listen, I have some time before my next appointment. Why don’t you tell me more about what you’re looking for in your overall plan?”
“Oh.” She put her cup down on the end table next to her chair. “Please. Take a seat,” she said, nodding at the couch. “I’ve collected some pictures.”
“Ah, good.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Nope, the more I learn about what you like, the easier it will be to make your wishes come true.”
She gave him a smile that made him
