Page 6 of The Friendship Pact

Lost in thought, he drove past the old church, the SUV’s headlights reflecting against the familiar trailer parked in the back. Without a second thought, he turned around and parked next to the small cargo trailer.

He glanced into the window of Kate’s vehicle. She had removed the catnip. He should go home. Relax and watch the game. Instead, he climbed the church steps and knocked. He ran a hand through his hair as she opened the door.

Kate’s brown eyes widened in surprise. “Hello, Sheriff. I hope you didn’t come to arrest me. As you witnessed before, I have a knack for getting out of handcuffs, so you’d be wasting your time.”

His smile widened at the little spitfire in front of him. “Believe me, if I handcuffed you, I’d make it difficult for you to resist.”

Kate’s eyes skimmed his body, and she swallowed.

What the hell? He kept putting his foot in his mouth around her. Why did he think flirting with the newest townie was a good idea? Kate wore pink pajama bottoms with the seven dwarves on them and a tight-fitting long-sleeved white waffle shirt. He cleared his throat and looked past her into the house. “I wanted to see if you needed help with unloading the trailer. But I see you’re already relaxing.”

Kate’s cheeks turned pink, and she glanced down at her attire. “Umm—just getting comfortable so I can unpack some kitchen boxes.”

“Need any help?” He was an idiot. Why would she want help from a stranger, a police officer who, through association, had had her handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car? It didn’t exactly scream Welcome to Deer Creek Falls, we’re glad you’re one of us now!

It surprised him when Kate stepped back and welcomed him in. She wore furry cat slippers. Adorable.

She led the way toward the kitchen island. The aroma of turkey and stuffing made his stomach growl. Apparently she heard, because she glanced his way and smiled.

“Would you like to share my leftovers, Sheriff? I have plenty . . . I mean, if you don’t mind sharing with a cat lady.” Her bangs fell into her eyes, and she swiped them back behind her ear.

“About that. I’m sorry. I meant to say you like cats. Only a statement.” He hadn’t stumbled this badly since high school when he tried to ask Jane Olson to the prom. “Please call me Nick. And for the record, I like cats too.”

Kate placed another paper plate next to her own and dished out a hearty portion of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for Nick. “Sit before you fall over.” She was thankful her aunt had packed paper products with the leftovers.

“I look that tired, huh?” Nick pulled out a counter stool and sat. “Great kitchen. You must like to cook.”

“I do, but I prefer baking.” She pulled the plate out of the microwave and placed it in front of him. “Check to see if it’s hot enough.”

He took a bite of the mashed potatoes, nodded, and swallowed. “Definitely hot enough.”

“What would you like to drink? Alexis, my contractor, left me a bottle of wine, a six-pack of beer, and a few cans of soda. I don’t drink soda, so it’s all yours if you want it.”

“I know Alexis. She and her crew do nice work. I’m off duty, so I’ll take a beer. I don’t drink soda either.”

Kate left a space between them and sat. She decided she didn’t care what Nick Reid thought of her attire. It wasn’t like she planned on dating the handsome sheriff.

She glanced at his ring finger. No ring, which excited her but also had her reaching for water. You’re getting ahead of yourself, Kate. Stop fawning over the sexy sheriff. You’re not looking for a boyfriend.

Nick’s deep voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

“This is good. I couldn’t have dinner with my family yesterday. I’m sure I have leftovers waiting in my fridge at home.”

“You had to work?” She remembered a lot of holidays with only her mother because her father was on duty.

“Yep. I have a rookie deputy. You met him earlier,” he joked.

Kate swallowed and grabbed her water glass again. His expression was warm. It was hard to ignore a man like this, even if he didn’t fit into her plans to start over on her own. “I thought he might be a rookie.”

“Oh yeah? Have you run into many rookies?”

“I have. My dad is a retired captain, Chicago PD. He’s the one who taught me how to remove handcuffs.”

“Impressive.”

Over the course of the meal, she shared her plans for renovating the old church, and he gave her a bit of background on the area. Eventually, she pushed her empty plate to the side.

“Are you from a big family, Kate?” he asked.