He unfolded himself off the floor and stood up. “You know what? I think I’ll hold out for the real deal. How about you let me know when you’re up for it.”

Once again he surprised her. “All right, but it might be a while.” If ever.

“Lucky for you I’m a patient man. I’ve done as much as I can in the kitchen until the cabinets come in, so I’ll be starting on the downstairs bathroom. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

At the door, he turned to study her with those sleepy, sexy green eyes of his. “I don’t know what happened to you, Clare, but you don’t need to be afraid of me.”

She held his gaze for a long moment. “I like talking to you, too.”

He smiled and waved on his way downstairs. A minute later, she heard the front door close quietly behind him.

Chapter 16

Kate stepped to the microphone, and a hush descended upon the crowded room. It was her first official appearance with the Rafters, and she’d been sick with nerves all day. But the butterflies disappeared when the band played into her cue. Then she did what came so naturally it was like breathing. She lost herself in a sultry rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Kate’s black silk cocktail dress moved with her as she swayed to the music. The dynamic with the band had been magical from their first practice together. As part of her deal with them, she would be performing her own material during their breaks. They were playing tonight at an estate in Hendersonville, just north of the city.

The first song ended, and the lead guitarist, Billy Weston, moved to the microphone. “Give it up for our new lead singer, Kate Harrington.”

The crowd erupted in applause. “Thank you,” Kate said without showing the relief she felt. By the time their first set ended, Kate owned the room, and she could tell the band was pleased with her.

“We’re taking a short break, but Kate’s going to keep the music coming, so don’t go away,” Billy said.

Kate picked up her guitar and sat on the stool Billy put on the stage for her. She adjusted the microphone and plugged in her guitar. When she looked up, she saw Reid come into the room wearing a tweed sports coat over a cream-colored shirt.

He smiled and winked at her but was forced to look away when someone said hello to him.