Page 45 of The Friendship Pact

“I was only following orders,” Kate said, and took a cocktail from the tray held out to her by the bartender.

Nick pointed at her drink. “Mind if I try it? Looks good.”

“Sure.”

As the evening wrapped up, Kate’s eyes started to close, so Nick leaned over and whispered into her ear. “Let me take you home.”

She nodded, then sucked the last of her drink through the cocktail straw and licked her lips, making Nick groan inwardly in pleasure.

Kate stood too fast, and she grabbed the table for balance. Nick wrapped one arm around her waist and held on as she tipped sideways. “Say goodbye, beautiful.”

“Goodbye, beautiful people!” she called out to the room, then giggled.

Nick shook his head and held back a laugh. He made eye contact with Cole. “You’ll make sure Chloe and Rachel get home, right?”

“Count on it,” Cole said. “Everyone either has safe rides home or is staying the night.”

Rachel walked them to the door. “Take care of her. She’s good for you.”

Nick nodded. Who was he kidding? There was no fooling Rachel or Cole. He was falling for Kate Davis.

* * *

Kate had fallen sound asleep as soon as Nick strapped her into his vehicle. Good thing she’d handed him her house keys when they left the party. He climbed out and unlocked her door, then ran back to the truck and gingerly opened the passenger door.

“Let’s get you inside,” he said.

She mumbled something incoherent, so he unlatched her seatbelt and scooped her into his arms, not wanting to wake her. Waves of lust tingled through his body as Kate’s warmth snuggled against him, her cheek resting on his shoulder.

Once inside, he carried her into the bedroom. Thankfully, the full moon shining through the window gave him enough light to maneuver through the doorway. His legs hit the side of the bed and a cat screeched, startling him. He dropped Kate onto the bed, blocking himself from falling directly on top of her. Smooth, Reid. “Sorry, Nyla.”

Kate hadn’t stirred. His face hovered over hers. He could feel her warm breath. Before he could talk himself out of it, he placed his lips on her forehead and kissed her softly. “Goodnight, beautiful,” he whispered.

Her eyes fluttered open. She hooked a finger into his collar, murmured something, and pulled him forward. The moment he felt her tongue part his lips and slide into his mouth, he closed his eyes and his self-restraint snapped. Desire flooded his senses, and all he wanted was to make Kate’s soft murmurs turn into more.

Kate broke the connection, licking her lips. “Mmm . . . nice.”

Nick’s eyes searched hers. “Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” she replied.

She snuggled into her pillow and promptly fell asleep.

Shellshocked, Nick stood looking down at her. He removed her boots and draped an extra blanket across her body. Both cats jumped onto the bed and curled up next to her. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and took one last look at his sleeping beauty. He ran his hand through his hair, along his jaw and stepped back, stunned.

Holy shit . . . what had he done?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Nick strolled into the office early after a restless night of sleep. All he could think about was the kiss he and Kate shared. “Good morning, Meg.”

“Hello, Sheriff. You’re here early.”

“Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind.”

“Or maybe . . . someone?” Meg’s eyes twinkled as she placed a hand on her heart.

What was up with the women in this town? They thought everyone should find their soul mate. If Meg knew how he’d taken advantage of Kate last night, she’d lose all respect for him. Kate trusted him, and he’d kissed her when she was inebriated. She may have kissed him back, but he’d enjoyed it way too much.