Hidden Talents

think you should take advantage of the opportunity to work with the man who is arguably one of the best, if not the best, start-up consultant in the Northwest.”
    Serenity widened her eyes. “And so refreshingly modest, too.” She yanked the kettle off the stove and poured boiling water over the tea leaves in the pot.
    “Take it easy.” Caleb's tone softened as he watched her wield the kettle. “I know you're upset. You've obviously been through a traumatic experience today, what with finding Asterley's body and all. When you've had a chance to calm down, we'll talk about future plans.”
    “Don't hold your breath. I might not calm down for a long, long time.”
    “I'll wait.” Caleb's brows rose as he watched her prepare the tea. “Mind if I have some? It was a long trip.”
    Serenity hesitated. The temptation to refuse him a cup of tea was almost overwhelming. But that would be petty and spiteful, she told herself. “All right.” She reached reluctantly into the cupboard and took down another mug, one fashioned in the shape of a bright yellow flower.
    “I don't use milk or sugar,” Caleb said helpfully.
    “I didn't ask.” She shoved the flower mug into his hand.
    “I know. But I'm sure you would have sooner or later.” Caleb examined the beautifully worked pottery mug he was holding. “An example of local craftsmanship?”
    “Zone makes them in her spare time.”
    “Who's Zone?”
    “She works for me as an assistant at Witt's End Grocery.”
    “I like her style.” Caleb ran a long finger over the abstract petals of the mug. “Clever and whimsical. But it's got a sharp, crisp, modern edginess to it.”
    Serenity was surprised by his perception. “That's a good description of her work.”
    “It'll sell.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    Caleb looked up from the mug. “I said, it will sell. We'll put her mugs in your catalog. Assuming, of course, that Zone can produce a sufficient quantity in a reliable time frame.”
    “I'm sure she can.” She hesitated. “How do you know her mugs will work in the catalog?”
    “It's my business to know that kind of thing. I have a feel for it. It's one of the reasons I'm so good at my job.”
    “Have you ever sold mugs?”
    He shrugged. “Not until now. Trust me, Serenity, these will work.”
    “If you say so.” Enthusiasm surged through her. He liked Zone's beautiful mugs. He thought they would sell. Serenity could hardly wait to tell her assistant the good news. Zone would be thrilled. Serenity had to struggle hard not to betray her excitement.
    Caleb sipped tea thoughtfully. “I don't think you're pond scum, you know.”
    “Yes, you do.” She started toward the doorway where he stood blocking her path. “But I don't particularly care what you think. I should have known better than to get involved with a man like you in the first place.”
    Caleb waited until the last possible moment before moving out of her way. “A man like me? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
    “Arrogant, elitist, rigid, self-righteous, and inflexible.” Serenity was intensely aware of the heat and strength in him as she brushed through the doorway. He was much too close. She hurried into the living room and sank down into the corner of the over-stuffed sofa.
    “That's quite a list.”
    “Is it? Let's be honest here. How would you characterize me?”
    He considered her question as he seated himself in the room's single armchair. “Naive, gullible, too trusting, emotional, and completely inexperienced in modern business practices.”
    “You may have a point,” Serenity said. “I must possess a host of those sterling attributes or I wouldn't have misjudged you so completely.”
    “Believe it or not, I didn't intend for this conversation to degenerate into a slinging match.”
    “What did you expect it to degenerate into, what with me being so emotional and all?”
    “I'd like to talk business,” Caleb said calmly.
    Serenity pursed her lips. “I doubt that we can do that now that we've discovered we have nothing in common.” She would not let him see how much his condescending words offended her, she vowed silently. And she definitely would not let him see that at least some of the barbs had struck deep.
    No, make that all of the barbs, she thought glumly. She had been naive. She had been too trusting. She had also been emotional, and she was certainly inexperienced in dealing with men like Caleb.
    “Try to keep this situation in perspective,