Page 64 of The Friendship Pact

Her mom turned, pulled her hands down, and smiled. “The bathroom is all yours. You should wear something sexy.”

“We’re going to a tavern.”

“So?”

Kate slowly closed the door on her mother, set her phone by the sink, and turned on the shower.

Her phone vibrated with a text from Nick: Just got off and heading home. What time is dinner?

Meet us at 6? she typed back.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Seeing Nick tonight was going to be awkward. She touched her lips, thinking about the kiss they shared after the party. She sent a reply: Me too.

* * *

Nick opened the heavy wooden door to the Eagle’s Nest. A light-jazzy Christmas tune played over the speakers. He waved to several patrons and tipped his chin to the bartender.

He spotted Kate at the same time she spotted him. Her soft lips broke into a smile. The thought of her mouth on his made him smile back. He approached the table and Kordell stood.

“Good to see you, sir,” Nick said.

“You too, Nick. Sit.”

“Jill, you look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you. Aren’t you sweet?”

Nick bent and kissed Kate on the cheek. Even if he wanted to tuck her in close, he refrained while with her parents. Especially her dad. He didn’t know where he stood with him yet. “You look nice,” he whispered into Kate’s ear.

She looked up at him. “You do too.”

He pulled out the chair next to her and sat. Hannah, their waitress, set down four water glasses. “I’ll give you a few minutes to look over the menu. Nick, what can I get you to drink?”

“Club soda with lime.”

“You got it. Be right back.”

He didn’t want to give Kate’s parents the wrong impression, even if a beer would calm his nerves.

After ordering their food, Kordell started in with the questions. “How did you meet my daughter?”

Nick clutched Kate’s hand under the table, and she glanced at him, sipping her wine. A smile formed on his face.

“She didn’t tell you?” he asked.

Kate shook her head. “I haven’t. I met Nick my first day in town.”

“Yep. Your daughter surprised me with her handcuff skills.”

“Excuse me?” Kordell said. He focused his attention on Kate. “Start at the beginning, young lady.”

While Kate told the story, Nick observed her parents. Jill continued smiling at her daughter. Either she had heard it before, or her mom had a thing for handcuffs too.

By the time Kate finished, everyone was laughing.

“That’s my girl,” Kordell said. “Although I wouldn’t advise removing your restraints while in police custody,” he admonished with a wink.