The Auction by Lyn Austin

Author:Lyn Austin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, contemporary, rekindled love, second chances, ski resort, bachelor auction
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Chapter Twelve

Kat hummed along with her favorite jazz singer, Diana Krall, as she tossed a green salad. Steaks sizzled with a tangy aroma, and the tantalizing smell of baking lemon bars gave the kitchen a fresh scent of spring. Celeste was setting the dining table for four, using Kat’s best china and linen napkins. Fresh rolls sat in a covered basket, and candles were ready to be lit as soon as the steaks were finished. Homer was in the living room watching the six o’clock news.

Kat poured a glass of wine for herself and one for Michael. She removed her apron, took one long-stemmed goblet in each hand and mounted the stairs, but she stopped dead in her tracks at the top when she saw the mess. A burst of blue paint was spattered across the hardwood floor.

“What happened?” she exclaimed.

Michael was in the hall instantly. High-strung, agitated.

“What the hell does it look like? I had an accident with the roller, but don’t you worry your pretty head about it. You paid four thousand dollars for this little project, and by God you’ll get your money’s worth.”

Kat almost dropped the wine glasses. On shaky legs, she walked into the nursery and set them on the window seat. “Michael, what’s the matter?”

“What do you think is the matter? I dropped the damn roller. Does there have to be something wrong more than that?”

“No,” she said cautiously. “But don’t worry about the hall, I’ll help you clean it up. And then we’ll have dinner. I’m sure you’ll feel better after you get something in your stomach.”

“I’m not hungry,” he snapped.

“You were starving an hour ago.”

“Well, that was an hour ago,” he threw back.

She just stood staring at him.

“Look. I’m not coming down to dinner. I’m not hungry, and I don’t want your help. Any questions?” He walked away before she could reply.

Kat sat down on the rough wood of the window seat in a puzzled stupor. Michael was obviously greatly disturbed about something. What had happened? She sat there until she heard Celeste at the bottom of the stairs calling her name.

“Kat, dear? I’m afraid the steaks are quite well done, and the lemon bars are a touch too crispy.”

“I’ll be right down.”

Kat tried to salvage the burnt meal. The steaks were edible, but she threw the lemon bars in the trash, pan and all. She lit the candles for Celeste and Homer and put their food in front of them, but her mind was racing.

“I’m sorry about this,” she said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me for a minute, I’m going to take Michael’s food up to him.”

The older couple looked at her with curiosity.

“He’s right in the middle of a project, and he doesn’t want to clean up to eat,” she lied. “I’ll be back in a minute.” She was actually afraid to go back upstairs, but she had to see if he was still as upset as he had been a few minutes earlier.

When she reached the attic, this time she found him sitting cross-legged in the middle of the nursery with his head in his hands.

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