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“One sec.” Faith turned around and reached for a small shopping bag behind her seat. “Do me a favor and leave this on the porch? I need to call Ethan before we get lost in the mall for hours.”
Kate narrowed her gaze. “I really don’t want to run into Nick.”
Faith waved away her concern. “He’s not home. That’s why you can just leave it on the porch.” She dangled the bag. “Please?”
Kate let out a sigh. “Fine. As long as he’s not here,” she muttered.
“Thanks.” Faith reached for her phone. Tess remained quiet in the back seat. A quick glance showed she’d put her iPod and headphones on so she’d be satisfied until they arrived at the mall.
Kate opened the door and hopped out, the cold wind hitting her face. “You owe me,” she called out to her friend.
Faith met her gaze and shot her a smile before Kate slammed the door shut. No sooner had she reached the front porch when she heard the roar of the engine and turned to see Faith’s truck backing out of the driveway.
“What the—” Kate waved and started down the steps. “Faith!” she called out, panic mixed with confusion.
Faith rolled down her window. “It’s for your own good!”
“What is? Get back here!”
“Calm down,” a deep,familiarmasculine voice said from behind her. “I can explain everything.”
Her heart beating rapidly, Kate turned to see the man who haunted her dreams—daydreams and night ones too—standing in the entryway of the cabin.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest, a look of sheer determination and masculinity on his face. “Welcome, Kate.”
Chapter Four
Nick had Faith’shelp in setting up tonight, knowing Faith had gone out on a limb to help him. If things didn’t work the way he hoped, Kate might be angry with her over this stunt. Unless Nick managed to convince her to give him a chance, in which case, he hoped Kate would forgive them both.
So this was it. Do or die. Accomplish his goal, or he’d have no choice but to let her go.
No chance, Nick thought, determined.
“What’s going on, Nick?” Kate shoved her hands into her jacket pocket, pulling the garment closed tighter as she stomped up the path and glared up at him.
“It’s cold out. Come on in, and I’ll explain.”
“How about you explain first, and then I’ll decide if I’m coming inside?”
He hadn’t forgotten Kate’s stubborn streak. He’d just hoped she’d wait until they were in the house for it to kick in. “Don’t you want to see my new place?”
“Not until you tell me why you couldn’t just invite me over like a normal person?” Her green eyes flashed fire, and damn, she was gorgeous in all her expressive glory.
“Would you have come?”
She set her jaw, providing them both with an answer. Apparently, they were going to have to do this the hard way.
“How many times have I asked you out?” He raised an eyebrow and waited.
Kate glanced away. “I’ve lost count.”
“How many times have you said no?”
She gave him the same answer.
“It’s not because you aren’t interested because the chemistry between us can warm the most frigid weather. And I danced with you at Faith and Ethan’s wedding—”
“Because I didn’t want to make a scene.” Her teeth had begun to chatter.
