Courting Katarina. Carol Steward

and a prototype,” she said when they were settled.

      “Katarina!” Emily gasped. “That’s wonderful. When is the presentation?”

      Katarina took a deep breath and mentally slowed her racing mind. “Wednesday. At eleven. They’re trying to beat a deadline. That’s why I have to get on the road as soon as possible. It’s around a thousand miles. I figure it should take—”

      “What? That’s the day after tomorrow.” Emily furrowed her eyebrows. “You’re going to drive a thousand miles? Why don’t you fly?”

      Katarina stood up and walked over to the deck railing. “Right, I’m going to get my entire portfolio into two suitcases. And even if I could, do you know how much airfare is to Spokane?”

      “Spokane? Kat…” Emily started to protest.

      “I can’t afford to fly. End of discussion. According to the map site on the Internet, I’ll make it in plenty of time.” Katarina had been suppressing a scream of excitement since the call had come early that morning, and now finally let out a high-pitched squeal. She’d called Ron to share her news, but he’d had to rush off to a meeting.

      “Congratulations, Katarina.” Alex’s voice resounded through the house and out the screen door. He slid the screen open and the two men joined them. Ricky rushed past them to climb on his new swing set. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I could hardly miss the news. Would you mind giving me a lift?”

      He casually wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a friendly hug. Katarina tried to ignore the piney scent of Alex’s aftershave. “Thanks, but where are you needing to go? I’m going to Washington.” Katarina stepped away.

      “I’m aware of where Spokane is. Missoula is right on the way. If Kevin’s going to need me to help him for a while longer, I need my own truck.” Alex leaned back against the deck railing and crossed his arms over his chest. “I can’t keep borrowing everything, especially now that we aren’t in the same house. I’d be glad to share the driving and the expenses. As you say, airfare isn’t cheap. You’d save me a lot of money, and having a second driver would make the trip easier.”

      Kevin had a puzzled smile on his face.

      “That’s a perfect solution!” Emily got out of her chair and nuzzled up to her husband. “Isn’t it, Kevin?”

      “That’s great news, Katarina. Sounds like Alex has everything at work running smoothly and we’re back on schedule. It would be a big help to have his own supplies. I don’t see any problem with you going, Alex.”

      Katarina was speechless. She looked from Emily to Kevin to Alex.

      “I’m so relieved you won’t be driving alone,” Emily exclaimed.

      Kevin agreed.

      Alex waited for her response.

      There was no way Katarina could explain why this was a terrible idea without her sister claiming Katarina still had that teenage crush on the man. There couldn’t be anything further from the truth. Having had three days to get to know him better, she knew her first impression of Alex was obviously wrong. Mr. Nice Guy—what a joke. The man was annoying. He was domineering, pushy and presumptuous. That might work on a mountainside, but not on her!

      Yet, before she knew it, Alex had convinced her to let him ride all the way to Montana with her. He and Kevin left, while she and Emily packed.

      Katarina added the finishing touches to her portfolio of drawings and tried to make her sister understand why she wanted to find a place of her own. Then Katarina, Emily and Ricky had the oil changed on the car and filled it with gas. On the way home, Katarina took Emily to see the apartment she had looked at to rent. When they returned to Emily’s, the discussion was still going strong.

      “You don’t even know how long you’re going to need a place to live, Katarina. And if you do get married, what if Ron doesn’t want to move to Colorado after all? What if you sell your designs to a company that wants you to relocate? Kevin and I don’t mind if you stay here until you’re more certain of your plans.”

      “I came here to set up my business, Emily. Ron understands how important this is to me.”

      Emily sighed. “How many times have you two broken up in the two years you’ve dated, Kat?”

      “This isn’t the same. We’re just taking a short break to concentrate on our careers before we have to settle down.”

      “If the man were any more settled, he’d be petrified, Kat. Surely you don’t think that’s going to change? I cannot see you ‘settled down’ with anyone, let alone Ron. If he wanted to be here with you, he would be.”

      “We have complementing personalities,” called Katarina as she carried the last ten-gallon tote from the basement to the back of her station wagon. She hoped her sister would stop talking about Ron before Alex returned.

      When she saw Alex at the top of the stairs, Katarina realized it was already too late. He’d probably heard the entire argument. Without a word, Alex stepped out of her way.