Page 74 of The Friendship Pact

Kate really thought she had made the right decision to stay friends for both their sakes, but after she and her mother talked last night, she’d decided all she really wanted was to hang on to Nick and never let him go. “Yes. You were right, calling me out on all my insecurities.”

“I’m excited for your future, Kate. You’ve found your soul mate.”

“I have. Now I need to convince him to give me another chance.”

* * *

Kate held the door open for her parents to walk ahead of her into the Blue Ox. The resort guests and staff of the hotel and anyone in town who didn’t have family were all invited to dinner.

“I’m so glad you made it. Merry Christmas, everyone,” Ruth said. She hugged Jill while Jim greeted Kordell.

Ruth hugged Kate next. “Merry Christmas, Kate.”

Kate peered over Ruth’s shoulder, hoping to spot Nick. “Merry Christmas. I love your dress,” she said. Ruth wore a green sweater dress with a stylish necklace—a creation of Chloe’s, Kate guessed. She wondered where Nick was. Maybe he had to work. She’d never asked, and he’d never said. They’d been too busy kissing and then calling it quits.

“Nick won’t be able to keep his eyes off you. You look lovely,” Ruth said.

“That’s true,” Garrett said, agreeing with his mom. “Let’s move into the restaurant and away from the door. I can take your coats.”

Moving down the hallway, Kate still didn’t see Nick.

Cole joined them next. “Merry Christmas, Kate. Kordell. Jill. Do you mind if I steal Kate away?”

“Of course not,” Kordell said.

“Follow me, Kate. I have something to show you in the kitchen.”

He led her to the elevator and pushed the already-lit button. The doors slid open, and inside the elevator stood Nick with a smile on his face, holding a bouquet of roses.

Cole excused himself. “You go ahead, Kate. I forgot something.”

Kate barely registered Cole’s words. She only had eyes for Nick. The sleeves of his white button-down shirt were rolled to his elbow, and his dark jeans hugged his muscular thighs. His brown eyes blazed with intention and made her pulse quicken.

“Join me?” he asked.

Kate stepped into the elevator, and the door closed behind them. He handed her the roses. She brought them to her nose, breathing in the intoxicating aroma, and peered at him over the blooms. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

Nick’s smile lit his face. He reached into his back pocket and before she could react, he pulled out his handcuffs and slid them around the metal handrail, securing one end to her wrist and the other end to his.

“This time, you’re not getting away until I can plead my case.”

He hit the down button, and the elevator started moving, but then it jolted . . . coming to an abrupt stop mid-floor.

Kate gasped, and Nick shrugged. “I guess we’re stuck. You’re stuck with me.”

His slow, sexy smile sent a delicious tingle through her body in anticipation of what he had in store for her. He gently took the flowers from her and set them on the floor.

She gulped, her eyes glistening. “I’m sorry, Nick. I was wrong to push you away last night. I love you.”

“You do?” A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. “Does this mean we can end that awful friendship pact?”

“Yes, and yes!”

“Hell, that was easier than I thought. I had an entire speech prepared for when I held you hostage, away from prying eyes and distractions.”

“Hmm . . . kidnapping is a felony, and you know how I’m good at getting out of handcuffs.”

“I’d like to see you try without your shoelaces,” he whispered, and then placed gentle kisses along her neck.