Page 58 of The Friendship Pact

“Mom, Dad. This is—”

“Nicholas Reid, her boyfriend,” Nick supplied with a grin. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Kate has told me a lot about you.”

Her mother’s hand rested on her heart. “You’re as good-looking as Katie described.” She gathered Nick into a tight embrace.

Kate watched as Nick gracefully accepted her mother’s forwardness. Her dad stood with his arms crossed and feet spread apart, eyeing Nick with suspicion. When her mother finally let him go, Nick stuck out his hand to her father. “Sir.” Luckily, her dad relaxed and thrust his hand forward, allowing her to exhale.

“Let’s move off the dance floor,” Kate said, and guided her parents to a vacant table by the bar and away from the loud music.

Nick stayed close, playing along with the ruse. She owed him big-time.

Nick couldn’t believe his luck. One minute Kate was dancing with Chris Duncan, the closing pitcher for Boston, and the next they were fake dating. Maybe a better man would feel used, but he’d go along with the charade so they could finally break the friendship pact they’d made. Besides, it would thrill his family if they finally came to terms with their feelings for one another.

“Are you staying at the lodge?” Nick asked Kate’s parents.

Kate’s dad sat forward in his chair. “We’ll be staying with our daughter,” he said, giving Nick the dad glare he knew all too well. His dad had used it on the boys Chloe used to bring home.

“That’s excellent. You’ll like her new place. Kate’s contractor, Alexis Welby, and her crew did an amazing job.”

Kate’s mom placed a hand on his forearm. “Katie tells me your family owns the lodge. Do you work here as well?”

Interesting. Kate hadn’t shared his occupation with her parents. “No. Actually, I’m the Sheriff of Deer Creek Falls.”

“I’m sorry, Nick. Our daughter neglected to tell us she was dating a fellow police officer,” her dad said, glaring at his daughter.

With a raised brow, Nick glanced at Kate and back at her dad. “I hope you approve, sir.”

“Of your career choice, yes. However, I’d like to get to know you better before I render a decision about you. How about you join us for dinner while we’re in town?”

“I’m sure Nick will be—” Kate began, but Nick placed a hand over hers.

“I’d love to,” he said.

She smiled at him. Their gaze caught the matchmaking twins coming their way. Kate let go of his hand. Well, this should be interesting.

“Kate! Are these your parents?” Elsie asked.

Everyone stood. “Yes. This is my mom, Jill, and my dad, Kordell. Mom, Dad, this is Elsie Andrews and her twin sister, Emma Nelson.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. Has anyone ever said you resemble Robert Smith, the former Vikings running back?” Emma asked.

Kordell laughed. “All the time.”

Nick clasped Kate’s hand. He noticed the worry on her face at being caught in a lie. He bent close, and with a smile on his face, whispered in her ear. “Watch this.”

He knew the twins wouldn’t miss the interaction between them. Elsie glanced at their hands entwined and smiled. “I see you’ve met our Sheriff,” Elsie said.

“Don’t they make the cutest couple?” Emma said, not missing a beat.

Kate’s mom said, “They really do,” and beamed.

“Would you all mind if I spoke with the sheriff? I’ll only steal him away for a minute,” Elsie said.

The twins were certainly a team. Nick noticed the quick look Elsie gave Emma as she grabbed his arm and led him toward the bar. Good ole’ Emma. He heard her singing his praises, picking up on the ruse.

Elsie patted his arm. “What can we do to help?”

Nick couldn’t help but smile. “Spread the word we’re dating.”