Page 75 of The Friendship Pact

“Figured it out, did you?” She moaned, enjoying his seduction technique.

He cupped her breast and thumbed her nipple, sliding her dress away with his fingers to gain better access. His hot breath on her cool skin stole her breath.

She wasn’t even concerned the elevator was stuck. Kate was exactly where she wanted to be. She wanted to remove his clothes slowly and trail kisses down his body. Her knees grew weak.

Footfalls landed on the ceiling, and a sliding noise from above made them disengage and look up. Nick quickly covered Kate’s breast as Cole’s face appeared.

“Hey, guys. Mom was afraid the elevator was stuck again. I’m guessing it’s not really stuck?”

Kate could feel her cheeks heat. Good thing she’d chosen to wear green instead of red, so her face didn’t match her dress.

Nick grinned from ear to ear. “Sorry, man. My bad.”

“Give me ten minutes to get out of the elevator shaft. I guess I should have called the emergency phone, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to rappel down.”

Nick shook his head. He wouldn’t live this down. “Of course you couldn’t.”

“I’ll text you when I’m all clear. Check to see if you have a signal.” Cole said.

Nick pulled his phone from his pocket. “Yep,” he said to his brother. “Or you could call the elevator phone.”

Cole laughed and pulled the panel back in place.

“The elevator isn’t broken?” Kate asked.

“Nope. Mom mentioned she had the elevator fixed after your scary moment last week, and that gave me the idea. I pushed the stop button.”

Kate laughed and pulled Nick in for a quick kiss. “I love you, Nick.”

“I love you too, Kate.”

When Cole texted all clear, Nick freed their hands and slipped the cuffs into his back pocket. “You’re stunning, and I want more of you.” He re-engaged the elevator.

When the doors opened, their families and several of the lodge’s employees whistled and clapped.

Jill grinned from ear to ear. “A perfect grand gesture, Nick.”

Nick’s mouth quirked at the corner. He whispered in Kate’s ear, “I’m glad your mom approves.”

Kate pressed the “door close” button.

“Will you be my plus-one for the New Year’s Eve ball?” she said.

“I thought you’d never ask.”

EPILOGUE

The annual New Year’s gala held at the Deer Creek Lodge was in full swing. An hour before midnight, Cole pulled on his boots and grabbed a shovel. At the lodge’s entrance, the white twinkle lights wrapped around the log posts blinked on and off under a dusting of snow. Cole made several passes, keeping the sidewalks cleared to keep their guests safe. He sprinkled a layer of salt and headed back inside. Not thrilled to join the party, he took his time and checked the front desk for messages.

He finger-combed his hair and took the elevator to the ballroom.

The New Year’s gala sold out every year. People from neighboring communities as far as Duluth bought tickets a year in advance. Cole spotted his brother Garrett leaning against the bar and headed toward him. The crystal chandeliers created a kaleidoscope effect as they shimmered against the sea of sequined ball gowns.

Cole greeted the bartender. “Hey, Scotty. A bourbon, please.”

Owen had purchased several bottles of his favorite bourbon to share with friends and family tonight, and Scotty kept them tucked safely behind the bar.

Glancing at Owen on the dance floor, Garrett clinked glasses with Cole after Scotty slid his drink to him. “It’s great having a multi-millionaire as a friend.”