“I bet you’ll feel even better after your massage, tomorrow,” Gary said.
“Oh, I’m sure I will.” Guilt flooded her. She shouldn’t accept gifts from him, even if he was only offering as a friend. “Thanks so much for booking it for me. But I really want to pay
you back.”
“No, it’s my treat.” Gary touched her hand as she reached for her glass. “I owe you, since I’m the one who talked you into going.”
“No one talks me into anything. I made that decision myself.” Katie pointed to her chest. “And I’m glad I went.”
“You’re getting a massage tomorrow?” Steven interrupted, wearing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
She’d forgotten tomorrow was Monday. He’d be expecting her to work.
“It’s only for an hour. I promise I’ll have plenty of time to get some work done.”
“No, no. I want you to relax. You deserve it!” Steven said. “You should get your hair and nails done, too. On me. Whatever you like. Even if you want to get some fancy stuff done to your hair.”
Katie fumbled her fork, and it clattered to the table. “Oh, I couldn’t let you do that, Mr. Gherring.” He paid her a generous salary, but he’d never given her a gift of any sort. It couldn’t be proper, could it?
“You’re supposed to call me Steven, remember?” His brows skulked over his eyes, and she knew she’d offended him.
“It’s hard to call someone by their first name when they’re so intimidating, isn’t it?” Gary laughed, unapologetically, and Steven glowered even more.
Gary really ought to take his teasing down a notch.
She hurried to pacify her boss. “I’m sorry, Mr. Gher—… I mean, Steven. I’ll try to do better.”
“Just let me do this one thing for you,” said Steven. “I don’t think you realize how important you are to me, Katie, and this is a way for me to show it.”
Was it her imagination, or did Steven just make a face at Gary? What was going on with those two? Before she could figure it out, the restaurant owner approached.
“Did you enjoy your dinners?” asked Caroline, a willowy woman who appeared to be in her fifties. She’d given them plenty of personal attention, something Steven was probably accustomed to, though he was as gracious as ever.
“Caroline,” said Steven, “this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.”
Caroline blushed, her fingers fidgeting. “Thanks, I’m glad you liked it.”
“We saw a flyer for this place inside our beach cottage,” said Steven. “My mouth was watering, just from the pictures.”
“My son, Dallas Harper, owns the cottages you’re staying in,” Caroline said. “I hoped you would come, Mr. Gherring, but I can’t believe you’re actually eating in my restaurant. I’ve been a nervous wreck all night, but I’m so excited. This ought to give my business a boost, just telling people you liked my food.”
“I have an idea,” said Steven. “Why don’t we take a picture together and I’ll sign it. You can hang it on your wall.”
Caroline’s face lit up, and she clapped her hands together. “Would you really do that? Oh my gosh! That would be fantastic!”
“All I ask is that you don’t spread the word about me until we’re gone, so we don’t get swamped.”
Caroline twisted her mouth to the side. “Were you hoping to stay under the radar while you’re here?”
“For the most part,” said Steven. “Just to keep our privacy.”
“I’m afraid you’ve already blown your cover. Several of our customers have been asking about you.” She waved at a couple sitting a few tables away, who waved back, sporting goofy grins. “And, of course, Lucille recognized you right away. Nothing gets past that woman.”
“Who’s Lucille?” Katie asked, trying to remember if that was their waitress’ name.
“Lucille Sanderson. She’s one of our locals. Very sweet, but very nosy.” Caroline gestured with a jerk of her head. “Don’t look now, but she’s sitting over there. She’s the one with the dog.”
Since she was facing the door, Katie gave a surreptitious glance that direction. Sure enough, a blond-haired woman was sitting at the table by the door, at her feet a fluffy white dog with a bright blue jeweled collar.