Full Contact Decorating by Robin Weaver

Author:Robin Weaver [Weaver, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary, Holiday, Humorous/Romantic Comedy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2015-08-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Rockin’ Around the Relationship Tree

“Hunter!”

Hunter recognized Kaley’s voice, but couldn’t find her. Jingle Bells was well lit and surprisingly non-dive-ish, but there was a lot of people. Even so, he spotted her waving at him from across the cafe. He paused when he noticed she was alone.

Deciding it would be rude to just walk away, he meandered through the crowd to reach her. “Where is the bunch?” he asked, working hard to keep his tone light.

She laughed, as if she’d already assessed his fears and dismissed them. “Don’t worry. My friends will be here.”

He really hoped so, because he hated games. Thus far, he liked the brunette, liked her even better now that she’d shunned the coffee shop apron. The girl had a chest that would make any guy look twice.

“And where’s the band?” he asked. He’d purposely arrived late, not keen on a lot of conversation until he got a better take on the situation. If there were no band and no bunch, he might just have to be rude.

“They’ve just taken a break.” Kaley’s grin signaled she knew he had doubts. “Relax, Yankee Boy. The drums will be banging soon.” Was there a hint of suggestion in her tone?”

A waitress showed up and he ordered a beer, glad for the interruption. Kaley passed.

“Designated driver,” she said, making him wonder about the bunch again. If she were the designatee, why hadn’t the bunch ridden with her? “How was your day?”

Hunter’s collar seemed a little tighter. He sure didn’t like the quick change of subject. “Okay,” he replied, not wanting to discuss his time in Katarina purgatory. “How was yours?”

“Awesome.” She smiled her cute smile, certainly not looking like a master manipulator. “I know a lot of people might not think owning a coffee shop is all that, but I love it.”

A person who knew what she wanted and went after it. Hunter decided he liked her a little better.

“And how was the beast?”

He set his beer down on the table. “I don’t follow.”

“The beast. Katarina. Can’t be easy working with her. What are you working on, exactly?”

“I gather you don’t like her?” Hunter didn’t really need a reply. He didn’t like Katarina much either until he figured out her hostility was simply a defense mechanism. Now, he rather liked the beast. He’d never get involved with her—far too much maintenance. Not that he wanted any kind of relationship right now. His business was a very demanding mistress.

“I wouldn’t say I dislike her exactly,” Kaley said. “In high school, she was one of the cool kids and ignored me completely. I could live with that, but she really picked on Suze after she returned to Merryvale.”

That didn’t add up. “Really? Suzette does nothing but sing her praises.”

“She does now. Before the Christmas Tree Contest last year, Suzette would turn green if Katarina was on the same block. Suze was that scared.”

Suzette scared? Kaley must be mistaken. He doubted a pack of grizzlies would scare Suzette.

Kaley shook her head. “I don’t know what happened at that contest and neither one of them will talk about it.

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