Her brows shot up. “You like women who like to eat?”
“I like women who are hungry and not afraid to show it.”
She cleared her throat and straightened in the seat. I was getting to her and loving every second of it.
“Another question, if that’s okay.”
“Shoot,” I said, not able to hide the twitching of my lips at the blush still spreading on her cheeks.
“How old are you? I’m thirty-three.”
“Just turned thirty. Are you okay with spending last night with a younger man?” I peered at her over my coffee cup.
“You just turned thirty, and you already own your own business? Wow. That’s pretty damn impressive. Areyouokay with spending last night with a woman in her almostmid-thirties?” She drained the rest of her coffee, her eyes still on me.
“I spent last night with a beautiful woman I couldn’t get out of my head all morning. I’mveryokay with that,” I rasped, meaning every single word.
A shy grin curved her lips. “Like you said, it’s a tiny town, and I don’t want it to be awkward between us. But last night is as far as we can go. I’ve only known you for less than a day, but I can tell you’re a good guy, it’s not—”
I held up my hand. “No need for the ‘it’s not you; it’s me’ speech, I get it.” I forced a smile to hide the confusing disappointment flooding my gut.
“I don’t regret spending the night with you. At all. And I’d like to be friends while I’m here. You make a pretty awesome breakfast, it would be a shame to miss out on that this week.” She grinned, her honest beauty hitting me right in the chest. I’d get to see her again but couldn’t touch her again. No matter how I spun that in my head, it still sucked.
“Looks like it’s clearing up,” I noted, motioning to the sun peeking through the window. “You don’t have to butter me up for my Wi-Fi anymore.”
“I’m not,” she whispered, her lips pursed as she met my gaze. “I wanted to see you again, too. The timing is just ...” Her eyes darted everywhere before coming back to mine. “You deserve better than the woman I am right now.”
A heavy silence fell over us. No matter how much of an anomaly Caterina was for me, she wasn’t ready for anything beyond one night. Normally, I would have been relieved as hell. Even though she’d be here for the next week, she wouldn’t pressure me for more than I had to give. My focus could stay on keeping this place in the black, without any silly distractions.
But Caterina was already the very distraction I’d managed to avoid, no matter what zone she pushed us into today. But she was a temporary one that I wouldn’t have to worry about for too long.
I should’ve felt relief, but I didn’t.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it.” She scooped the rest of her eggs onto her fork. “I thought I’d work until the early afternoon and maybe walk down to the beach and get some sun, explore the town. Not used to all this free time—or being alone.” She giggled, sounding a lot more relaxed than when she’d first sat down.
“There’s a food festival tonight. All the businesses in town pitch tents along the beach, kind of like the street fairs back in the city. You should come.”
“That sounds fun. Maybe. I’ll see.” Her eyes landed on my lips but darted away. Giving in to the attraction between us last night didn’t work it out of our systems or even take the edge off it. If anything, it had doubled it. But, she wasn’t ready for anything beyond that, and I wouldn’t push.
“If you need to come back and work, you’re more than welcome—anytime.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Caterina packed up her laptop before pulling her wallet out of her purse.
“What are friends for? And keep your money.” I shoved her hand away. “I offered to make you breakfast, so it’s on me.”
“Not again,” she groaned. “I can’t let you do that.”
“I own the place, remember? It’s not like I’m stealing.” I stood and extended my hand. “I’ll walk you out.”
She stiffened, regarding me with caution as if I were offering her a bomb. When she finally grabbed it, her fingers quivered against my palm. Last night could’ve been the beginning of something great, and I believed we both knew that even if we couldn’t understand it.
Too bad we couldn’t do anything about it.
“This is so cute. He’s holding her hand!” Jordan’s loud whisper as we passed made Caterina’s head jerk around.
I cast Jordan a cursory glance over my shoulder as I guided Caterina out the door.
