Page 40 of The Friendship Pact

The entire Reid family smiled at the camera, wearing a combination of white and beige and standing in front of a line of snow-covered birch and pine trees. Kate placed the picture back on the mantel. “Nice.”

“Here. This is for you.” Nick held out a silver box tied with a delicate gold ribbon.

Touched he’d bought her something, she placed her wine on the mantel and accepted the gift. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.”

“I know I didn’t, but you’ve been doing so much for my family and when I saw this, I thought of you.”

She untied the ribbon and lifted the top off the box. Inside sat a wooden Christmas tree ornament shaped in the outline of the state of Minnesota and featuring Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. She held it up by the red ribbon. Her name and the year were engraved on the back. Touched that he remembered her ornament collection, she said, “I love this. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I noticed you didn’t have Minnesota on your tree.”

“I don’t. It’s perfect.”

They had so much fun decorating the tree it was almost ten before Kate noticed the time. “I should head home.” She started stuffing the wrapping from the ornaments back into the boxes. “Thanks again for dinner. I had fun.”

Nick walked her to the door and helped her into her jacket. “Thank you for sharing your cookies. They were good.” He nodded toward the living room. “And thanks for the tree. I wouldn’t have gotten one this year.” He threw his coat on and opened the door. “I’ll walk you out.”

Kate took a deep breath. Woodsmoke swirled from the chimney, its smell filling the cool night air. She pressed the button on her remote starter to warm her car, then looked to the clear sky. “Wow. The stars are on display tonight.”

Nick stepped close behind her and pointed. “There’s Cassiopeia.”

She turned her head slightly, and his face stayed close to her cheek. She swallowed down her attraction and managed to say, “I don’t know my constellations. The big dipper is the only one I can pick out.” Of course at the moment, she wasn’t staring at the sky; instead, she stared at Nick’s sensual lips, envisioning how they’d taste. Nick’s eyes crinkled at the corners.

He smiled and said, “Follow my finger. It’s the ‘W’ shape.”

She didn’t want to stargaze; she wanted to gaze into the deep chocolate eyes of the handsome sheriff. Nick’s other hand rested on her shoulder. She reluctantly followed where he pointed.

“I should have shown you my bedroom,” he said, dropping his arms to his sides.

She gulped, not sure how to respond.

“I have a map of constellations on my bedroom wall and a telescope I bring out to the deck,” he said. “It’s a hobby of mine.”

Glad Nick had finished his thought, Kate unzipped her jacket; she was sweating despite the below-freezing temperature. Nick led her to her car and opened the door. She slipped behind the wheel and he leaned in, his lips dangerously close. “Have a good night, Kate.”

“You too. Sleep . . . well.”

He shut the door and waited for her to pull out.

Kate had no doubt he knew what she was thinking. Part of her felt mortified at reacting to his charm. The other liked his teasing and craved his touch.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kate opened her door to a pretty blonde teenager holding a large white box wrapped with a red ribbon.

“You must be Kate. I’m Sloane.” Sloane handed her the box. “This is for you. It’s a gift from Maggie and Chloe,” she said with a huge grin.

“Wow.” Kate took the package. “It’s nice to meet you, Sloane. Your dad owns the hardware store, right?”

“He does. Thanks for the muffins you dropped off. They were lit. I can’t wait until your coffee shop opens.”

“I can’t wait either, and I’m glad you enjoyed the muffins.” Kate set the gift box down on the table by the door. “Where are my manners—would you like to come in?”

“Thanks, but I have two more boxes to deliver. There are instructions inside, and Chloe asked me to make sure you open it right away.”

“I will. Thanks for the delivery. I owe you more muffins.”

“No problem and . . . deal.” Sloane scampered toward her vehicle.