Free Rebound by Nikki Mathis Thompson Page B

after she had gotten married and had Teddy. But bonus…he looked amazing! The last decade had been good to him. He was about 5’10, with a slim, athletic build. She could tell he took care of himself. No pooch in sight. He had dark, wavy hair and blue eyes. Wow, she had forgotten how blue. This night was looking up!
    “Katrine, you are even more beautiful than I remembered, how is that possible?”
    “Right back atcha, Ian. You look great! It is so nice to see you. I was about to go hide in the women’s restroom and here you are, liberating me from my embarrassing solitude.” He gave her a huge smile.
    Um, survey says…yummy!
    “As witty as I remember. Brains and beauty my favorite combination... Sorry, I am blatantly flirting, and you are a married woman.”
    Oh right, she was available now and he didn’t know. This night was looking up alright. Hot damn!
    “Well, as of a few months ago, I am now very unmarried.” She glanced down for a second, feeling a little shy all of the sudden.
    “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said.
    “God Ian, could you smile a little bigger when you say that!”
    “Let me rephrase that. I am sorry if you were hurt in anyway, but I am not sorry you are currently unattached.”
    “Oh, okay. I forgive you then,” Katrine said and shot him a huge smile of her own. “What brings you to this fancy shindig?”
    “Well, my architecture firm designed the new rehabilitation center at the children’s hospital. I helped with the design.”
    An architect, this guy just keeps getting better.
    “Uh, there is a guy over there shooting daggers at me with his eyes. Is that your date or your boyfriend?” Ian asked, a little amused.
    Katrine turned around and saw the guy in question. She rolled her eyes. “Neither. That is my boss and he’s probably angry that I’m actually enjoying myself. He isn’t the most pleasant person.”
    “How could anyone not be pleasant to you? Maybe he needs a good ass kicking...Well if that means you are currently single, I would like to take you out. And I will not take no for an answer by the way, just so you know.”
    “Probably about the ass kicking, but I should pass on the offer. As to the other, I would love to.”
    His face lit up.
    “You would? That’s great! How about tomorrow? I want to strike while the iron is hot, so you don’t have a chance to change your mind.” 
    She gave him her number and told him to call her in the morning. He was eager, but it did not come off as desperate, it came off adorable. They gave each other a nice long hug then pulled away reluctantly.
    “I will talk to you tomorrow,” he said and it was a promise.
    She smiled the whole time he walked away, the goofy “shit eating grin” kind. Then she turned her attention to a very angry-faced Alexander Abbot.
    What the hell is his problem?
    He strode up to her with purpose and determination.“I have been looking for you everywhere!”
    “Well you found me. I have been here the whole time, not to mention well before you arrived.”
    “We are here on business, not for you to pick up men,” he spat at her, with some serious venom.
    “Not that it is any of your business, but he is a very old and dear friend. Who, unlike some people, was being a gentleman and keeping me company. I have been standing alone here for over an hour.” Katrine spat back, but less viciously.
    He stopped and seemed to calm down and actually see her for the first time. His features softened ever so slightly. “My driver ran into some traffic or I would have been here much earlier. You look very nice, Ms. McNamara. Thank you for dressing appropriately.”
    Dressing appropriately?  
    Like she was going to wear spandex and a tube top, this guy had some serious issues. She always looked impeccable when she came into the office.
    “Um, thank you, I think. So who do we need to meet, greet and mingle with? I am here to work. I will make every effort not to enjoy myself, sir.” 
    Okay, laying on the