“Do I detect some apprehension in meeting the famed Mr. Konewko?” Gage gave her his slighted crooked smile, teasing her. Even in his cold-dazed state, his humor wasn’t hindered. “You’re still worried after everything Keenan and I have said about him?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I guess I shouldn’t be.” Brynn wanted to talk about it—wasn’t that the reason she’d come by?—but she didn’t want to appear weak or ridiculous. How much better it would be if Gage could be at her side. Too bad he had his own commitment, because she’d seriously considered begging him to act as buffer in the meeting—invite him on the pretext of explaining all they’d done in the construction or something.
“What makes him so scary?” Gage’s eyes twinkled their amusement, but he didn’t laugh. “Tell me what it is so I can help.” Brynn clamped her lips tight, but Gage persisted. “Come on, Brynn. You’ve got to give him a chance, you know, so let me make it easier.”
She twisted in the leather recliner she’d chosen across from him. It was far too large for her to be comfortable in—her feet didn’t even reach the floor—and she’d much rather be snuggled up to his side, but she didn’t want to get sick.
“It sounds petty and stereotypical. And stupid.” She looked down at her lap, rolling her hands in the bottom of her baggy sweater. “It’s all the things that will make him a great business partner, I’m sure, but I guess I’m worried that he’ll be old and won’t take me seriously. He’s got all this business experience with his plans and high expectations, and I’ve never done anything like this before. But I don’t want him to know that, because he probably wouldn’t give me a chance. I don’t want to fail, and I don’t want him to assume I’ll fail because of who I am.”
Once she started talking, Brynn had a hard time turning it off. As the words tumbled out, she felt the pressure of keeping it all inside lessening a little. She was surprised she could allow herself to be so vulnerable in front of this guy she barely knew yet wanted to know so much more. Hopefully, she wasn’t driving Gage off with all her insecurities.
But his eyes were on her, soft and understanding. “What makes you think he would assume any of those things?” Leave it to Gage to be levelheaded and logical about it. “You might find he’s a lot like me.”
“Ha!” Brynn scoffed. “Mr. Konewko is nothing like you. You’re kind and funny and supportive, and he’s … well, not.” She sighed. It wasn’t the first time Brynn wished that Mr. Konewko was Gage. “It doesn’t do any good for me to focus on the negative. I just wish he were like you.”
Exactly like you.
Gage seemed to choose his words carefully, mulling over each. “What if he’s a lot different than what you originally thought?”
Brynn reflected over the emails and how things had gotten so much better since that first one. “I guess he could be.” Why did she feel so insecure?
“I can assure you, Brynn, that he has been impressed with your contributions so far. They’ve been significant. If he hasn’t told you so, he should have, but that doesn’t change what I know he thinks of you.”
A single tear threatened to roll down her cheek, but Brynn took a deep breath and stood, walking to look out the window into the bright sunlight to keep it from falling. When she turned back to Gage, he peeled the blanket from his side and motioned for her to come closer. She didn’t even think about it. She slid in next to him, leaning her head against his chest, feeling comforted and something else. It was dizzying. Definitely the distraction she needed, though the cold remained a deterrent.
“Does this mean you’re willing to take the chance of getting sick, then?” he teased, wrapping his arms around her so she remained close.
“I decided it’s inevitable. Everyone I know is getting sick.” Granted, she didn’t talk to too many people on a regular basis, so “everyone” was the embarrassingly small number of two.
“Everyone?”
“Well, okay, just you and Mr. Konewko.”
“How do you know he’s sick?” Gage cleared his throat.
Brynn closed her eyes to enjoy the sound of Gage’s heart in his chest. “Email,” she whispered.
Gage settled back into his seat, silent for a moment. “Back to what we were talking about—don’t worry about your partner. He’d be crazy not to see how intelligent you are and how much better the business will be with the two of you working together. He’s going to love you, Brynn. I know I do.”
Did he just say what she thought he said? She chanced a look at him, but by the time she did, he’d leaned his head back against the back of the couch again, his long, thick eyelashes resting on his cheeks, eyes closed. He looked relaxed and happy. Maybe he wasn’t expecting a response. She buried her face into his chest again, and they snuggled quietly for a few minutes.
Brynn had almost fallen asleep when a harp-like melody came from Gage’s pocket and they both jumped. “My alarm.” He located the phone and switched it off. “I set it so I would know when to shower for my meeting.”
Brynn noted the numbers on his screen, surprised time had passed so quickly. She jumped up, smoothing her hair. “I need to go too.”
“Yes,” he said, looking longingly at her eyes as she moved away from him a few inches. “You don’t want to be late.”
The nerves threatened once again, but with Gage’s smile and lingering gaze, she found herself comforted. “Can I bring you dinner tonight?”
He smiled and winked. “I would never turn down dinner. Why don’t we plan on it, but I’m flexible if something comes up at your meeting.”
She appreciated his thoughtfulness. “Thanks, but you said it would go well.” She needed one last validation before she left.
“It will.” He stood and walked her to the door. “See you later.”
Much more relaxed and ready to make this happen, Brynn’s drive back to her duplex completely contrasted the drive out there. She was so lucky to have met him during the construction and was pretty sure she’d be seeing more of him. She liked the idea. Too bad she hadn’t been lucky enough for him to be her business partner. If she was going to be forced into something for a year, she could have suffered through a year of Gage. Brynn shook her head. There was no sense wishing for what couldn’t be. Gage could, however, be the one she looked forward to after work, which would make almost anything palatable.
Not sure what would pass for business attire for an outdoor outfitter owner, Brynn opted for a semi-casual skirt and her killer heeled black boots. She had just enough time to run a straightener over her auburn hair and add to the light makeup she’d worn to Gage’s. She looked pretty good, she decided, and her phone clock told her it was time to go.
It didn’t take ten minutes to walk to Basque in d’Light, and she was fine the entire time, calm and confident until she opened the door to the pastry shop. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she felt dizzy again. She spotted her friend behind the counter. “Espe,” Brynn managed to squeak out, coming close. “Help!”
“What can I do?” Espe’s eyes grew large. “What’s up?”
“I’m supposed to meet my new business partner here today.”
“Today? Why didn’t you tell me?” Espe put an arm around Brynn and led her to a side counter, where she poured Brynn a glass of water and shoved it into her trembling hands.
“He just emailed me last night.” For the first time, Brynn felt slightly ashamed that she’d gone to Gage for reassurance that morning instead of to a girlfriend, but it made sense at the time. Gage knew Mr. Konewko, and he knew her. “I know it’ll be all right, but I’m nervous.” Brynn tried to smile, remembering the pep talk Gage had given her.
“Nervous?” Espe echoed. “More like scared out of your wits,” she teased. “How can I help?”
“Is he here yet?” Brynn swallowed, her throat thick. “His name is Mr. Konewko. I assume he’ll be sitting alone.”
Espe drew her eyebrows together. “Hold on. Let me check the dining room.”
Espe glided to the arch i
nto the dining room and scanned the group as if checking for needed refills. She disappeared through the doorway, and Brynn pretended to be reading the flavors of the pastries in the display case. After a moment, Espe returned.
“He’s here.” Espe put her hands on Brynn’s shoulders. Could she hear Brynn’s heartbeat take off? “There’s only one person sitting by himself, and I did ask him if he was Mr. Konewko—I hope you don’t mind. I told him you’d be right in.”
Brynn gulped. No going back now, not that she would have. She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. With assurance from Gage, she knew she could do this. She took a step toward the dining room.
“But Brynn…” Espe’s comment stopped her completely. “I’m confused. I thought you said you don’t know him.”
Brynn gave her a sideways glance. “I don’t.” She said it hesitantly, realizing something was up. “Why?”
“It’s just that … I think it’s … well, he has the same look as … your friend Gage.”
Brynn felt her eyes grow wide—first with shock, and then with a growing sense of understanding. “Espe, are you sure?”
“I think so. After you bought scones the other day—was that only yesterday?—he came in and ordered a bagel sandwich for his dinner last night on his way home from working at your store. He told me he heard about my shop from you—thank you very much for that, by the way—”
“So wait.” Brynn put up a hand to interrupt her. “You’re saying Gage is sitting out there?” It could be. After all, he’d said he had his own business meeting—he just hadn’t said when and where.
“Pretty sure.” Espe smiled at a customer who walked through the door. She seemed to wait to make sure the customer wanted to browse first before returning her attention to Brynn.
“But you said he was Mr. Konewko.” It came out almost as an accusation, as if it were Espe’s fault. Brynn should have just gone into the café and seen for herself.
“Yes.” Espe put a hand on Brynn’s arm. “Go easy on him.”
Brynn exhaled. “Thank you.” She gave Espe a hug and pushed her gently toward the customer at the pastry counter.
With another deep breath, Brynn tried to remain calm. Clues were starting to click into place. She should have figured it out sooner. She felt a ripple of frustration—Gage should have told her. Even as she thought this, another thought occurred to her—wasn’t this exactly what she had wished for earlier in the day?
Chapter 16
Brynn stepped through the archway into the café with a question on her face. At least it wasn’t anger. Yet. Gage put on his best smile, and she walked straight toward him.
After she’d left his place at noon, he’d showered and taken his next dose of cold medicine, and hoped he looked more presentable than he had that morning. He’d dressed in khakis and a light blue button-down shirt, but with the chill, he’d added a sweater. By discarding the grubby work clothes and fessing up to his identity, he was finally free to be himself. And that, at least, felt good.
Brynn too had changed since he’d seen her. She’d looked great then, her hair pulled back in her usual ponytail, light makeup, and jeans. Now, however, she looked amazing. Her skirt landed just above her knees and hugged all the right places. The fitted blouse and jacket showed she meant business. If he knew nothing about her other than their emails and the way she presented herself today, he still would have been impressed.
“Please don’t hate me,” Gage said as soon as she was close enough to hear. He was quiet so none of the other café patrons could overhear, but he was willing to beg if that’s what it took. He couldn’t bear it if she walked away from him now.
Brynn pulled out a chair across from him, the legs scraping across the rustic pavers on the floor. Even after she sat, she said nothing, looking at him with eyes that didn’t seem to recognize him, and he couldn’t tell if she was mad or in shock.
“You’re not old,” she said. It was shock. Complete shock.
He would have laughed at this reaction if he weren’t so worried still that she was mad. “Neither are you.” Funny they had worried about the same thing.
“And you’re not Japanese either.” Her face was stoic, stony.
“No. Polish.” He tried to get her to laugh, but she didn’t respond. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I know I should have.” He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. He took it as a good sign that she didn’t pull away, but she didn’t seem completely warmed up to the idea yet, either. “Please let me explain.”
She nodded quickly, but her lips were pinched into a thin line. While she didn’t pull her hand away, her eyes seemed to sparkle with faint tears. He didn’t blame her. She probably felt betrayed, but she was holding strong. And being more than fair.
“I had every intention of telling you that first day when you walked in.” He swallowed hard, scrambling to figure out the words and the order they should go in until he reminded himself this was Brynn. He knew her. And she knew him. It would be okay. He resumed his story. “The day before, my last day at the expo, Keenan texted to say he and Avery had to be a day late. I didn’t want to leave you stranded, so I took off early to cover for them. I was going to introduce myself properly, but when I heard what you thought of me …” He winced at the reminder of the well-deserved attack. It had been both painful and enlightening.
“Sorry for that.” Brynn wiped some of the condensation off the outside of the water glass he’d ordered for her. “I didn’t know who …”
“Who you were with?” he finished for her. “Of course you didn’t. That was completely my fault. I should have let you know right then, but …” He didn’t want to make excuses, but the reason he hadn’t was because he didn’t want to embarrass her at the time. Nor did he now. “I was ashamed. I knew I needed a chance to alter your perception of me, if at all possible, so we could work together. So I opted not to tell you at first. It was a snap decision I’ve regretted ever since.”
Brynn seemed to recall the situation and her rigid body posture relaxed a little. He’d passed the first hurdle, but she still hadn’t spoken yet.
A sip from his hot chocolate soothed his sore throat, and he allowed the pumpkin and spice flavoring to roll over his tongue. Contemplating what to say next, Gage had been about to speak when Brynn suddenly turned to look over her shoulder. It only took a second for her to make eye contact with the shop owner, who took that as an invitation to head over.
“What will it be today?” Espe asked her friend when she reached the table.
“Peanut butter hot chocolate,” she responded. The two of them seemed to be sharing some kind of inside joke.
Gage loved watching Brynn interact with people. She was genuine and friendly, and it warmed him to know he hadn’t completely ruined her day.
“Anything else?” Espe seemed to be asking about more than refreshment.
“We’re good for now,” Brynn assured her, and then returned her attention to Gage. He wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but her face seemed more open now and he took that as positive feedback to his explanation.
He took another sip and continued. “As time went by, it just got harder to come out and tell you.” Gage stared into Brynn’s amazing hazel eyes, seeing more golden-green than brown today—probably a product of her mustard-colored blouse—and he couldn’t pull away. “If it helps any, I felt horrible about it the entire time.”
If only she could read his emotions in that one look. His regret, his love, his hope for the future—if she could just accept him. He pressed her hand again, and this time she responded by squeezing back slightly.
Finally, she sighed. “I guess I can’t really fault you.” Yet she withdrew her hand from his. “I remember that first day.” It was a statement of fact, not an apology, and not forgiveness either. “But what about the emails? Is your name Joseph or Gage?”
He squirmed a little. He’d never gone by Joseph, and he knew having his email refer to him that way, especially d
esignating him as a Third, was pretentious. “Joe is my dad and Joseph is my gramps, so I’ve always been Gage—our middle name. But using the whole name for business and legal transactions is more professional.”
“That makes sense.” She went quiet again.
He waited for her to ask more. Now was the time to get it all out.
“This explains so much.”
He wondered what exactly she was referring to but didn’t get a chance to ask. Without a word, Espe left a steaming mug on the table. Bending down to the bag beside her chair, Brynn extracted a leather portfolio and opened it on the table to a well-organized bullet-point printout and sheaf of papers. It signaled a huge change of subject. Gage wanted to believe he was forgiven. Hesitantly, he waited for her to continue. He’d follow her lead. She’d earned that, at least.
“Much of this will be moot now that I know we’ve hammered it out over the past couple of weeks.” Brynn studied at him across the table, her eyes softening. “I would have treated you differently if I had known.”
“That’s what I was afraid of,” he admitted. “And part of the reason I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“I didn’t mean that I would …” She trailed off, and he wondered what she could possibly be regretting. “No, I probably would have.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate before beginning again. “I would have let you make more of the decisions, asked your opinion about more things.”
“I didn’t want to take over. You were doing fine. You have great ideas and solid reasons for your suggestions.” He shrugged. “I got what I wanted on the few times we differed in opinion.”
He reached into his own attaché case and pulled out a manila folder. “I actually admire how you accepted help, utilized others’ expertise, asked for advice, and ultimately made your own decisions. It was fabulous—and exactly what I’m looking for in a partner.”
“Like you have a choice.” A faint smile cracked through her solemn surface.
Kayaks and Kisses: A Romance Renovation Novel (Vintage Romance) Page 13
