Page 17 of The Friendship Pact

“Love you too.”

She shut her laptop. What had she done? She never should have mentioned Nick to her parents, but he’d been on her mind lately. Her excitement over their budding friendship had overruled any common sense.

Kate opened the door to Nick—how ironic. Hopefully, his ears weren’t on fire.

“I brought dinner.” Nick stood on the back steps, holding up a bag of food. “Can I come in?”

“Of course.” Kate stepped away from the door. “What’s the occasion?”

“I stopped at the lodge, and Cole mentioned the long hours you’ve been putting in lately. I heard you’ve taken on more of the baking duties than just Santa Days.”

Nick had been stopping by on his breaks and after work almost daily. They’d been enjoying each other’s company. He made her laugh. Her spirits lifted with the unexpected food delivery.

“I have, but I really don’t mind. Pete has everything handled here for now, and I love baking.” When Nick’s brow rose in question, she added, “I’m happy to help. Really.”

Nick placed the food on the island. “I hope it’s not too late. I got off work, and I hadn’t had time to stop at the grocery store, so I headed to the lodge. Cole didn’t think you’d eaten.”

“I haven’t, and it’s not too late. Thank you. My late start this morning had me rushing around, and I forgot to eat. I hurried home to video chat with my parents. We try to talk every Tuesday night.”

Nick set the containers on the counter. “I hope I didn’t interrupt.”

Kate pulled plates and silverware from the cupboard. “Not at all. You have perfect timing. My mom is determined I date, and Dad is always hounding me about being safe.”

One corner of Nick’s mouth tilted up.

Kate chuckled when she realized how it sounded. “Safe as in my dad buying me mace and other trinkets to stay safe from nefarious people hiding in the shadows. He’s always warning me I can’t be too careful—even small towns aren’t always safe.” Kate shrugged. “And my mom wants grandbabies.”

“It must be a mom thing. I’m reminded almost daily that I’m single. As if I didn’t know. And she, too, wants grandbabies.”

Kate opened one of the Styrofoam containers. “So, what have we got here?”

“Well, I noticed you eat mostly meat and vegetables, so I ordered two burgers. A bacon and barbeque with cheddar, and one with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and fried onions. You choose.”

Kate reached for the one with the lettuce. “Thanks, it smells delicious.”

He’d noticed her food choices? Wow. She’d eliminated almost all processed sugar and carbohydrates from her diet for over a month before Jacques asked why she hadn’t ordered a potato with her steak.

“What can I get you to drink? I picked up a six-pack of Loon Lager and a bottle of pinot grigio. I also have iced tea or water with lemon slices, or I can make hot chocolate or coffee if you prefer.”

“Water’s fine. I can grab it. What would you like?” Nick asked.

“I’ll have water too. With ice.” She removed two glasses from the shelf. “The pitcher is in the refrigerator. Do you mind if I change?”

“Why? I like you the way you are.” He smiled.

“Funny.”

“No, go ahead. Mind if we eat in the living room? There’s a game on.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll be right out.”

It was crazy how easy it was being friends with Nick. With the fun banter and the thoughtfulness, she wanted to hug the author of “Ten Ways to Keep a Guy in the Friend Zone.” There wasn’t any reason to tell Nick about her conversation with her mom; it would only ruin their budding friendship. Positive her parents wouldn’t come to visit at Christmas, she figured she had plenty of time to “break up” with him before the grand opening.

* * *

Kate walked into the living room wearing her navy CPD hoodie and leggings as Nick finished arranging their food on the coffee table. He needed to stop staring at Kate in her cute and comfortable clothing. He’d always been attracted to petite figures. Her silky black locks were pulled high into a ponytail, making her look younger than her thirty-two years. He had noted her age before handing back her driver’s license when they met. It was hard to believe they’d only known each other a short time. Good thing they were only friends. She probably wouldn’t want to date someone pushing forty.

Kate flipped the fireplace on, turned off the overhead lighting, and flicked the switch to turn on the Christmas tree lights. “I hope you don’t mind. I’ve been in harsh lighting all day.”