Free Dating the Guy Next Door by Amanda Ashby Page B

she’d be arrested for becoming a public menace. She licked her lips and lowered her gaze. “But it has recently been brought to my attention that my dating stance is a bit too inflexible and that it might have some . . . er, side effects.”
    â€œI see.” He raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything else, for which Kate was profoundly grateful. “Does that mean you will go on a date with me?”
    â€œI—” She paused and silently groaned. No one should have to have a conversation like this without coffee. “The thing is that I’ve been known to make bad decisions when it comes to the opposite sex and right now I have so much going on with this commission, not to mention the gaping hole in my ceiling. So even if I did want to go on a date, I’m not sure that now would be the right time. I’m sorry.”
    â€œIt’s okay,” he cut her off, his voice soft and warm. “I won’t say that I’m not disappointed, but I don’t want you to think of me as the terrible guy from next door who must be avoided at all costs.”
    â€œO-of course I wouldn’t think that.” Kate’s cheeks warmed. Did he know that she’d been avoiding him? Then she offered him a small smile. “But thank you for asking. It was very kind of you.”
    â€œTrust me, being kind was the last thing on my mind,” he confessed before catching sight of the six framed paintings that had been delivered half an hour ago. “And I can see that your framer got them done on time. They look amazing. So when’s the big pitch?”
    â€œTomorrow,” she admitted as she stuffed her hands into the pockets of her jeans to try and hide her telltale nerves. Mind you, the fact that she’d just turned down his dinner invitation meant that he probably didn’t care how nervous she was. “Actually, I’ve still got a lot of things to do before then.” Like trying to forget that the gorgeous man in front of her had just asked her out.
    â€œWell, just make sure you have an early one tonight. Because when you’re tired it’s harder to think straight. You’ll find you get a much better result if you’ve had your seven hours,” he said before his face twisted into an apologetic grimace. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to go into business mode on you. Emma says I’d organize the world twenty-four-seven if I could. “
    â€œIt’s okay,” Kate said, secretly touched that he even wanted to give her advice. With Harry it had all been about his career and what was best for him. “And speaking of Emma, how are the twins?”
    â€œItching, scratching and moaning,” he replied. “But apparently that’s all part of it and things should start easing up soon.”
    â€œThat’s good news.” Kate nodded, not sure whether to be pleased or upset that he seemed to be taking her rejection so well. “Anyway, I’d better get moving.”
    â€œOf course—” he started to say before pausing. Then he grinned as he threw his hands up into the air. “Oh, to hell with it. Kate, let me help you.”
    â€œWh-what?” She blinked. “I’m not sure I follow.”
    â€œYou have bags under your eyes, you couldn’t even unzip your smock and tomorrow you have one of the biggest opportunities of your life. Plus, you look like you need a hand.”
    â€œBut we just discussed this and I said that I wasn’t ready yet,” Kate said as she resisted the urge to pat her eyes to check for bags.
    â€œYou weren’t ready for a date, and I respect that, but all the things you’re dealing with are all the things that I happen to excel in. So, let me help you. In a totally non-datelike manner.”
    â€œWhy would you do that?” Kate sucked in her breath. When she’d first started dating Harry, he’d wooed her with flowers and pretty words, but no