Such fun and games, Brodie thought. Brodie slipped out of her lightweight cardigan and draped it over her bag. It was hot in the coffee shop, something she’d never experienced before. Usually the air-conditioning made her feel chilly. She also had a headache; damn, she hoped she wasn’t getting sick again. That was all she needed.
Brodie heard the tinkle of the chimes announcing a new arrival into the coffee shop. She looked toward the door and immediately sighed. Kade embodied business casual in his dark gold chinos, steel-gray jacket and checked shirt under a sweater the color of berries. Successful and urbane. Too sexy for words.
And she wasn’t the only one reacting to his arrival. She felt the collective intake of female breath and knew many sets of ovaries were shivering in delight. Kade pushed his sunglasses onto the top of his head and looked around. He smiled when he saw her and her heart stumbled. Stupid organ.
Kade bent down and brushed his lips across her cheek, and she inhaled his cologne. Sandalwood and spice and something all Kade. She felt her nipples prickle and cursed. Yep, the attraction hadn’t lessened one damn bit.
Annoyed she couldn’t control her reaction to this man, she frowned at him. “You’re late.”
“Two minutes and hello to you, too,” Kade replied as he sat down. He leaned forward and gripped her chin. “Why are you looking tired? And pale?”
So nice to know she was looking her best, Brodie thought. “I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“I had a chest infection shortly before the auction, maybe it’s coming back.”
“Are you coughing? Short of breath? Should you see a doctor?”
“I’m fine, Webb. Jeez, stop fussing.” She pulled her tablet toward her, hitting the power button. “Shall we get started?”
“Tired and pale and grumpy. Can I order some coffee first?” Kade tapped her hand with his finger and waited until she met his eyes. “This situation is crazy enough without us snapping at each other.”
She heard the rebuke in his voice and blushed. She was acting like a child. Okay, it wasn’t the ideal situation, but she shouldn’t be taking her bad mood out on him. He didn’t want to be set up any more than she wanted to set him up and he was right, it would be a lot easier if she acted like an adult, even better if she could be friendly.
Pull yourself together, Stewart.
Brodie straightened her shoulders and sent him an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Hi...how are you?”
Kade nodded. “Good. Sorry we haven’t been able to meet before this but I’ve been swamped.”
Brodie had realized that. If the papers weren’t talking about his upcoming dates, then they were discussing the Mavericks’ purchase of Josh Logan, superstar wing, the negotiations to buy the franchise and the legal action against the Mavericks for unfair dismissal by the former star rookie. “What do your lawyers say?”
“About the dismissal?” Kade asked to clarify. He shrugged. “He’s wasting his time, and mine, but we all know that. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. It’s just a pain in my ass, to be frank.” Kade scowled at her tablet. “As are these stupid dates. Seriously, Brodie, I don’t want to answer your questions...just choose three women and let’s get it over with. Nobody will know but us.”
She wished she could but it went against her nature to cut corners. Besides, her questionnaire revealed a lot about her clients and she was curious about Kade.
Not professional, but what the hell? They’d never date and this was the only way she’d be able to assuage her curiosity. “I can’t enter the data until I have the answers and I can’t match you until I have the data.”
“How long does it take?” Kade demanded as Jan approached their table.
“An hour for the long version, half hour if you only answer the compulsory questions.” Brodie looked at Jan. “Kade, this is my friend Jan. Jan, Kade Webb.”
“I figured.” Jan shook his hand. “What can I get you, Kade? Brodie here usually has a coffee milk shake.”
Brodie shuddered. She couldn’t stomach it today. Too rich...
“Not today, Jan. I’ll just have a glass of water.”
Jan frowned at her. “You okay?”
“I’m feeling a little flu-ey,” Brodie reluctantly admitted. “Hot, a little dizzy and I have a headache.” Jan put her hand on her forehead and Brodie slapped it away. “I don’t have a temperature and I’ll see a doctor if I start coughing, okay?”
“When did you last eat?” Jan demanded.
Maybe that was what was wrong with her. She’d had soup for supper last night and she’d skipped breakfast. She was, she realized, starving. A hamburger would chase away her malaise. “I am hungry.” She turned to Kade. “Jan’s hamburgers can cure anything from depression to smallpox. Do you want one?”