I swing my gaze to Kiki, smiling as she struggles to keep from losing the cheese on her overloaded slice of pizza, and realize that I’d like to spend more time with her.
Plus, it’s innocent. Two friends sharing an afternoon with a six-year-old.
“What do you say, Kiki? Want to check out some dinosaurs with us this week?”
She blots her mouth with the corner of her napkin as her gaze volleys between Theo and me. “Sure. Sounds like fun.”
Just like that, Theo scores a second date with Kiki.
The boy is learning young.
“It’s your turn to answer a question.”
Kiki catches me off guard with her segue, but I recover quickly. “I was wondering if you two would ever get around to me. Go ahead, hit me.”
She swirls her wine with a little too much enthusiasm, the deep red climbing dangerously close to the rim before settling back. Theo watches in wide-eyed wonder at her unintentional magic trick. It occurs to me we’re both equally besotted with the woman sitting across from us. But if she notices my lingering gaze, she hides it well.
“Your craftsmanship is exceedingly impressive.” She inchesforward, her expression turning thoughtful. “Your attention to detail—the things most contractors would overlook or write off as too time-consuming or expensive—you never miss. You find them, and you make them shine.”
Do I love that she’s noticed that aspect of my business? Absolutely.
“Well, thank you,” I reply, dusting my fingers against my shirt in a faux show of bravado. “There’s an adage that the devil is in the details, but the truth is that’s where the heart lives, too. The trick is distinguishing between the two.”
“See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. But rumor has it you’re relatively new on the scene. I didn’t want to pry, but sinceyoucame up with this game… how long have you been a contractor?”
“Let’s see. I started right after I got out of college, so… eight years now. Wow.” How time flies.
Kiki sputters her wine. “Hold up. You were incollegeeight years ago?”
“Is that a trick question? Why do you look so freaked out? Graduating at twenty-two is pretty standard, right?”
Am I missing something here?
“Yes, it is.” Kiki clears her throat as her fingers play with the thin gold chain around her neck. “You’re just… huh.”
No way am I letting that statement lie. “I’m just what?”
“Young. Really young.” Her gaze holds mine, steady and strong, but her teeth worry her lower lip. “I have nail polish older than you.”
If she only knew how many days I feel two steps from death’s door. Swinging a hammer for ten hours straight will do that to a man. “I’m thirty. I left young a while ago.”
Kiki’s eyes widen at my words, and I’m tempted to crawl under the table. Talk about providing the worst possible retort.
Eddie, open mouth and insert foot. Better yet, just shut up.
“God, I’m archaic by comparison.” She mutters the words under her breath before running a hand over her brow.
Look, I know Kiki is older, but it never crossed my mind that our age difference would be an issue.
For me, it’s not, and I’m going to make damn sure it doesn’t become one for her, either.
With a shrug, I grab another slice. “If archaic means beautiful and brilliant, then sure, the term fits.”
Kiki freezes, the pizza halfway to her mouth, as we both realize what I just said. Aloud.
I drop my food and hold up my hands in surrender. “I hope I didn’t offend you by saying that.”
Then it happens. That subtle magical glow I’ve heard so much about seeps back into her being as the corners of her lips curve upward. “I think I’m okay with you calling me that.”
