Knowing that over time, her ex would work to destroy any happiness she discovered was enough to make Katherine shy away from men in general. It was shocking how easily Ben had infiltrated her private life. Even before today, he was constantly on her mind as she doubted the possibility that anyone could really be so caring and considerate.
Not many men bought flowers at all in this day and age, so buying flowers for a complete stranger was rarer still. He had gone above and beyond to let her know he was sorry, and to Katherine that was unheard of. Just sitting across from him, she felt special, looking deep into his green eyes.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, his face laced with curiosity.
“What do you mean?” Katherine shot back too quickly, hoping to stall.
“I can tell you’re thinking of something. What is it?”
She loved his directness, despite the fact that it put her on the spot. Deciding to follow his lead, Katherine didn’t lie.
“You’re very kind, and it’s not what I’m used to,” she responded honestly.
“Ah, yes. Gentleman have become a bit of a collector’s item these days,” Ben said, with a sexy smile that made Katherine’s thighs press together. He was handsome beyond words, but when his eyes landed on hers, it took things up another notch.
“Is that what you are? A gentleman?” She made the quip intentionally, watching his response closely.
Without missing a beat, Ben shot back, “I like to think so. Would you say different?”
“I’ve never known of a gentle-stalker,” Katherine teased, trying to make light of their failed interaction in the market. “So I guess gentleman it is.”
For a second, Ben looked shocked and possibly embarrassed. Katherine’s stomach turned with fear thinking that she had made him uncomfortable, ruining what was shaping up to be a perfect morning. Then, the smile she had already begun to miss slowly spread across his face and her shoulders dropped with relief watching his eyes light up with excitement.
“Okay, I can tell you’re not going to let me live that down, and maybe I deserve it,” Ben started, a soft chuckle spacing his words.
“I’m kidding! I won’t bring it up again,” Katherine rushed the words through giggles, happy she hadn’t offended him.
“I think I deserve to be ridiculed, and I still can’t believe I said that,” he shook his head remembering that fateful evening.
Just then, the curly haired waitress returned with a tray carrying two mugs. Careful not to spill a drop, she set the steaming mugs on the table. “Your meals will be right out.”
“Thank you,” they both said, then giggled because they had spoken in unison. Turning back to face each other, Ben had a smile on his lips, staring into Katherine’s eyes again. It was strange how awkward it felt, but how much she enjoyed it. The uncomfortable connection was growing on her.
“So, you like mornings?” Ben asked.
Katherine found herself beaming at his simple question, mentally preparing herself to answer. There was something about him that brought out her jovial side, and she found herself smiling more than she ever had as the two continued to lock eyes.
“Everything I’ve learned about San Francisco has been Talia’s doing. I stumbled into the perfect neighborhood, and she has introduced me to so many cool places,” she admitted, giving her new friend all the credit she deserved.
“I’d like to join the welcoming committee, if there’s still room,” his subtle invitation was more than Katherine could handle, and she bit her bottom lip to stop the grin from spreading across her face.
Thankfully, the waitress bailed her out, arriving with a tray so large she had to use a folding table to set it on. With her hands now free, she carefully placed the plates on the table before checking to see if either Ben or Katherine needing anything else.
“I think we’re good,” Ben answered for the both of them, glancing to Katherine to make sure she agreed. After receiving her approval he nodded to the waitress. “This looks amazing,” he smiled, kindly dismissing her.
Left alone, they both enjoyed their food, continuing their banter between bites as Katherine tried to understand the butterflies fluttering in her belly. It had been so long since she’d been interested in a man, it all felt like the first time.
“That was delicious,” Ben said after finishing his last bit of banana waffle.
“I can’t have another bite,” Katherine said with a sigh, pushing her plate away.
“I knew your eyes were too big for your stomach, but I’m impressed with the damage,” Ben smirked, looking to her plate.
“All done here?” The waitress arrived on cue, clearing the plates to no objections.
“Can we have the check, please?” Ben asked, catching Katherine off guard.
“Here you go. Take your time,” she instructed with a smile as she sat the black leather billfold on the table.