“That’s a shame. They could have enjoyed the Christmas events in Sapphire Bay.”
“They would’ve liked them. Although I might have had to keep Mom away from The Christmas Tree Farm. You weren’t joking when you said they have some amazing gifts.”
“It’s one of our hidden gems.” Katie waved at Adele’s mom as she arrived to collect her daughter. “And talking about gems, I’d better tidy the meeting room. Someone else is using it tonight.”
“Do you need a hand?”
“It’s okay. I only have to push the tables to the side of the room and stack the chairs. Have you finished your report?”
“Not yet, but I’m getting there.” Peter cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet for coffee tomorrow? I read the information you sent me about self-publishing and I have a few questions.”
Katie wasn’t sure why Peter looked so nervous, but it was kind of cute. “I’d like that. Does two-thirty suit you? We could meet at the café in The Fairy Forest.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “The Fairy Forest?”
“I’ll send you the address.”
“Is this another one of your hidden gems?”
Katie grinned. “How did you guess?” Impulsively, she hugged Peter. “I hope you feel connected to Sapphire Bay.” As soon as his body tensed, she knew she’d made a mistake. She liked Peter. He was kind, thoughtful, and had a great job, but that didn’t mean he felt the same way about her. And even if he did, it wouldn’t make any difference. She was going back to Los Angeles in a few months.
Dropping her arms, she quickly stepped away, hoping he didn’t notice the blush heating her face. “Oops. Sorry.” And before he could reply, she hurried back to the meeting room.
With another volunteer looking after the children in the dining room, she should be relieved that everything went so well this afternoon. But hugging Peter wasn’t the most intelligent thing she’d ever done.
She just hoped he still wanted to meet for coffee with a woman who had more on her mind than was good for her.
CHAPTER5
Diana opened the dishwasher and placed her breakfast bowl inside. “You really need to stop hugging people you’ve only just met.”
Katie’s sisters had repeated the same thing so many times that she was beginning to think there was something wrong with her. “He didn’t seem to mind, but I’m worried he won’t want to meet me for coffee.”
“What did he say after you hugged him?”
“I don’t know,” Katie said miserably. “I left so quickly that I barely looked at him.”
“Have you talked to him at all since yesterday afternoon?”
“No.” Katie bit her bottom lip. “I could call him? At least that way I’ll know if he thinks I’m crazy.”
“You aren’t crazy. You’re an extrovert.”
That didn’t make her feel any better. She really was trying to be less enthusiastic, but it wasn’t easy. With a sigh, she added another cup of flour to the mixing bowl in front of her. Baking was so much better than worrying about what she’d done yesterday. Especially when she was baking her favorite muffins. “If Peter doesn’t arrive at the café, I’ll speak to Daniella about your wedding.”
“Do you have a copy of our spreadsheet?”
“It’s on my laptop. What’s happening with your gown?”
A smile lit Diana’s face. “I didn’t buy the dress I thought I would.”
“And that makes you happy?”
Her sister shook her head. “The surprise you’ll get when you see it will make me happy.”
“Does that mean you aren’t showing anybody your dress before you get married?”
Barbara walked into the kitchen. “I asked her the same question last night. My guess is that Diana’s wearing an elf costume.”
