Dominic gave her a sidelong glance. “Really? I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage, then.”
Michael’s eyes narrowed.
Crap.
“Michael and Nicole are attorneys at my firm,” Kate rushed in. But she gazed nervously over at Dominic, her eyes pleading with him not to blow her cover. “I’m sure I’ve mentioned them, sweetie.”
Other than raising an eyebrow, Dominic didn’t give anything away.
So far, so good.
“We were picking up a few things for the house,” Kate said and stepped closer to Dominic. She thought about placing her hand on his arm but figured that might be pushin
g her luck. “Looking at paint samples, getting a few odds and ends. I don’t want to keep you two…”
“That’s right,” Michael said, not taking the hint. “I heard you took the plunge into home ownership. You know, if you’re looking for professional help, I have some contacts of my parents I could send you.”
Kate couldn’t help but notice Nicole’s ramrod posture stiffen measurably, even if her gaze didn’t leave the phone screen.
“Actually, Dominic is helping me out.” She’d have to skate carefully here. “It just so happens his expertise is in restoration. It’s how we met.” Her face had to be three shades past radish red, and she kept her eyes on the row of paintbrushes behind Michael, wondering if Dominic had figured out her little story yet. Not that what she’d just said wasn’t perfectly true.
It was what was said between the lines that was giving her a small anxiety attack.
“And you’re a contractor? Have I heard of you?” Michael asked. Lord, he was relentless. “Are you licensed professionally?”
“My family runs Sorensen Construction,” Dominic said. “We recently completed the new office building on the Draper Parkway for that pharmaceutical company.”
Michael nodded but didn’t seem to want to let it go. “And how are you qualified for residential construction?”
Kate laughed uneasily. “Michael, I’ve already vetted Dominic. I’m satisfied.” Her tone took on a warning note.
“Michael, honey, we should be getting on our way,” Nicole intervened, not looking particularly happy. “Remember we have brunch with your parents in an hour? They get worried when we’re running behind, and we still need to stop and pick up dessert.” She delivered a megawatt smile to Kate.
It was as if the woman knew where to hit her where it hurt most.
Despite dating Michael for three years, Kate had never scored an invitation to the Langfords’ weekend brunches. After a disastrous first dinner where Mrs. Langford peppered Kate with not-so-subtle questions about her family and social connections—none of which Kate had—Michael’s mother had deemed her unworthy. Kate was too blue-collar for them and, more particularly, their son. Something that wasn’t exactly new to Kate, having attended a private school on scholarship for six years with people very much like the Langfords. All the same, it had stung.
“You’re right,” Michael said, still not meeting Kate’s gaze. “We should go.”
“Besides, I’m sure you’ll be able to catch up with them next weekend,” Nicole said and tucked her cell phone back in her pocket. “I’m assuming Dominic will be your guest at the firm’s retreat?”
Kate clenched the cart. And there it went. She’d been so close…
“I—well, we haven’t—” Lord. She was a terrible liar.
“She’s working on me,” Dominic cut in smoothly, saving her from further stuttering. He was a godsend.
Michael took a last look at her and smiled. But it didn’t seem like the smile quite met his eyes. “We’ll look forward to seeing you both.”
Kate watched them walk away, hand in hand, with a heavy lump in her throat until they were well out of sight.
“How long did you date him?”
“Three years.” She turned to face him. Color returned to her cheeks as she remembered the lie she’d been caught in. “Thanks for covering for me.”
Dominic nodded and looked at her carefully. She braced herself for the next round of questions he would inevitably ask.
But instead, he turned back to the paint samples. “I’m thinking for the kitchen, something light and warm. Maybe this one?”