Page 47 of The Friendship Pact

Nick sucked in a deep breath and clenched his fist. “He’ll be re-qualified by the end of the week.”

“See to it, or the fine people of this town will find out you care more about playing with our newest resident than being their sheriff.”

“Is that all?” Nick seethed.

“As long as we understand each other, you’re dismissed.”

“Jealous much?” Nick mumbled under his breath.

“What’s that, Sheriff?”

“Have a nice day.”

Nick suspected there was more to the mayor’s grievance than not re-qualifying Sawyer. It had to do with Kate. Morty had always wanted what Nick had, ever since high school, and Kate Davis was on his radar. Never in a million years had he thought Mortimer Benson would become mayor and he’d be working with him directly.

Although the mayor was right about the fact he had neglected to re-qualify Sawyer, he didn’t deserve to be called out for not performing well. He’d given his all to this job since he returned to town, both as a deputy and now as sheriff. Yes, he’d spent time with Kate, but he’d done so on his scheduled time off. Maybe he needed to re-examine his friendship with Kate. He couldn’t afford to have feelings for her if it affected his job. Apparently, being friends with a woman had the same consequence as dating, and that was exactly what he’d tried to avoid before Kate arrived in town. His goal had always been to be the best sheriff this town had seen in a long time. He needed to take a step back and focus on his career.

* * *

Sawyer was at his desk when Nick returned from speaking with the mayor. “Sawyer, do you have a minute?” Nick asked.

“Yes, sir.” The deputy followed him to his office and stood in the doorway.

“Meet me at the training center at the beginning of your shift tomorrow morning.” Nick wasn’t in the mood to work with Sawyer today. He was a good kid, just really green, too green to be left alone.

He needed to do right by Sawyer and see that he became the best officer he could be. Nick had signed up for the responsibilities of sheriff, and he’d put aside his personal life if he had to.

“Will do.” Sawyer nodded and left.

Nick’s cell phone rang. Kate. His gut churned. What would he say? Sorry. I didn’t mean to kiss you. Although it was amazing and I can still taste you, and I lost sleep because I envisioned your lips on mine.

He couldn’t let their kiss affect his work. He needed to stay sharp. Nothing, not even Kate, could distract him from protecting and serving the citizens of the town he loved.

“Hi, Kate.”

“Hey, Nick. I hope you’re not in the middle of anything. I wanted to invite you to dinner, maybe a movie tonight?”

The fact Kate knew his schedule proved he needed to step back from this relationship to avoid it turning into more. He ran a nervous hand through his hair. “I can’t tonight,” he said, even though he had nothing to do except relax and watch mindless television.

“Okay. That’s fine. Just thought I’d ask.”

He felt like an ass for lying, but he had to stop seeing Kate daily. His mom had asked him to bring Kate to the family dinner on Sunday. Clearly, she assumed more than friendship had blossomed between them.

“Thanks for asking. Maybe another time?” he said.

“Sure. I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Enjoy your evening.” Really, Reid? Enjoy your evening? That’s the best you could come up with? Kate sounded disappointed, and he didn’t like that he was the cause.

Nick guzzled his now-lukewarm coffee and started on his paperwork.

After sheltering in his office for over an hour, he was interrupted by his phone ringing. He dug it out from under a pile of papers. “Hey, Ethan. What’s up?”

“A bunch of us guys are going snowmobiling. A moonlight trail ride. You want to join us?”

“Who’s all going?”

Paige’s voice was audible in the background. Ethan said, “One sec, Nick.”