Page 34 of The Friendship Pact

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said.

He closed his hand around hers.

“I bought the church when I was here visiting in July. I made a spontaneous decision because of my breakup, but I also wanted to pursue my dream of owning a business. When I overheard people wanting a coffee shop in town, a light bulb went off. When I inquired about the nearest bakery, your mom said the town once had one, but it closed when the owner moved.”

Nick nodded. “Patty. She moved to Florida to be closer to her grandkids.” He squeezed her hand. “No matter what played into your decision to open Sacred Grounds, I’m glad you’re here. Plus, I’m a huge fan of coffee and donuts—especially cake donuts with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.”

Kate smiled. “I’ll remember that.”

He let go of her hand and tapped her thigh. “Come on. We’re going snowshoeing.”

“Really? I’ve never been.”

“I need to show you the trails, right? You’ll need to experience them in the winter so you can direct your customers. The lodge rents snowshoes and cross-country skis.”

“Give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”

“Only five? I’ve never known a woman to get ready that quick.”

“What about your sister?”

“True. Okay, no one I’ve ever dated.”

“Maybe you’re dating the wrong women,” she said.

“I probably am.”

“That’s why I’m good for you. A friend who’s a woman, I mean.”

“How’s that?”

“You’re experiencing the traits of a woman you like as a friend and then you can look for your perfect mate based on things you like or dislike about said friend. It’s a win-win.”

He shook his head as she hurried toward the bathroom. She had a point. He liked Kate—their ongoing banter, and the way she cared for others. He had already started a list of traits he’d like in a girlfriend. So far, Kate would be perfect. If only his profession didn’t make him so determined never to commit to a serious relationship.

* * *

Kate struggled to lift herself onto the truck’s tailgate. Nick’s vehicle was huge, and she was vertically challenged.

Nick lifted her up with ease. “I hope you didn’t break your back,” she joked, her insecurities rising because of the earlier post. Being cast aside and feeling upstaged by Jacques’s new fiancée didn’t help her self-image. Tall and model thin, she was not.

Nick’s brow quirked up. “Not hardly. Here. Let me help you with these. The leather bindings are tricky.” He placed her boots into the snowshoes one at a time and tightened the straps.

“These are referred to as Bear Paws,” he said. “They’re rounded for varying snow conditions, used in deep forests and on long-distance hikes.”

“They’re beautiful.”

“Thanks. I made them from a kit.”

“Impressive.” She pointed at the snowshoes already on his feet. “Did you make those as well?”

“I did. They’re referred to as Ojibwe. Usually beginners start out on them, but . . .”

“They’re as long as I am tall?”

Nick laughed. “Basically. Plus, they’re used mainly for deep snow in fields and hills.”

With her straps secure, he helped her down onto the snow-covered pavement. “Wait here while I lock up and grab some supplies.”