Chapter 22 #2
She set the box on the counter and removed the cake. “It’s good. Just some smashed frosting on the side. That part can face the wall. It’s beautiful.” Her brows drew together. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this cake looks like one of Kate’s creations.”
“Isn’t it time to get this party started?” Nick asked, trying to avoid interrogation.
“Saved by the bell, bro. Answer the door, would you?” Chloe picked up the cake and headed for the dining room.
On the way to the front door, he only had a second to greet the Reynolds family. Nick opened the door to Kate and her parents. “Merry Christmas.”
Kate held a tin of what he was sure was something decadent, and Jill held a large bouquet of flowers. “Merry Christmas Eve,” they chorused.
His parents appeared at his side and greeted the newcomers.
“Happy Anniversary,” Jill said and handed Ruth the large Christmas bouquet of white lilies, mini red carnations, red roses, pinecones, and greenery.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you,” Ruth said, sniffing the bouquet.
While his parents were busy chatting with Kate’s parents, Nick motioned for Kate to follow him. He wanted her all to himself.
Kate’s eyes scanned the entryway of the renovated farmhouse.
“Your parents’ house is beautiful. The shiplap and wood floors are spectacular.
” She glanced at the white brick fireplace decked out with garland.
White knitted stockings hung from the mantel, and red candles flickered.
A large tree in the corner shone bright with white lights, greenery, and berry sprigs.
“Thanks. Follow me,” Nick said. She trailed him through the dining room, where the appetizers sat out, and into the large kitchen, greeting guests on the way.
Her mind created fantasies of him leading her to a bedroom.
After talking with her mom and after fearing for Nick’s safety last night, she felt bold enough to act on her feelings but not a hundred percent sure how far she wanted to take their relationship.
She handed him the cookie tin.
“What do we have in here?” He opened the lid.
“Cream cheese kolaches. In my family, it’s tradition to enjoy them on Christmas Eve morning. A recipe passed on for generations.”
She picked one up and held it out for Nick to try. His gaze dropped to hers. He took a bite, keeping his eyes on her. “Mmmm . . . delicious.”
Her cheeks flushed. Nick’s eyes smoldered with heat, and he stepped closer. She set the pastry down and licked her fingers, her ovaries buzzing with delight.
That was . . . hot. She was shamelessly flirting while their parents and friends were in the other room.
To hell with the fun-but-not-flirty rule.
It was time to take control of her life.
Go after what she wanted, just like she had when she bought the old church.
Couldn’t she have both her career and a relationship with a genuinely nice guy?
Nick had proved that he could balance work and play, and understood how busy she’d be once Sacred Grounds opened.
Both his parents and his sister owned businesses in town.
If anyone would understand the commitment of owning a small business, he would.
Nick’s brain commanded him to keep his distance, when all he wanted in the world was Kate. To pull her closer and kiss her luscious mouth. He reached for her and then dropped his hand when Paige, Alexis, and Maggie walked in, laughing at something.
Nick picked up two bottles of wine. “Red or white?”
“White, please,” Kate said.
Why hadn’t he brought Kate to the back porch instead of the kitchen? He felt like Sawyer. Dumb, rookie move. More and more people passed through the kitchen, demanding their attention. Pretty soon, he found himself at the other end of the house, catching glimpses of Kate across the room.
He cheered inside when she’d steal glances at him and smile.
Kate helped Chloe cut the cake and place slices on the red dessert plates.
Nick came into the dining room and swiped a bacon-wrapped sausage.
“Nick, can you and Kate grab some more chairs from the porch?” his mom asked.
“Sure, Mom.”
Kate followed Nick to the back porch, where white twinkle lights strewn from the ceiling created a magical and romantic ambiance. “This is lovely,” she said, stepping down into the addition.
He stepped closer, grasped her hand, and guided her into a dark corner. He traced her lips with his thumb before lowering his mouth onto hers. Kate moaned, her girly parts awake and firing. He deepened the kiss. Her hips thrust forward, and their tongues battled.
She slid one hand down to cup his tight ass, and he groaned. She squeezed. He relinquished his hold on her. “Kate. Although normally I’d love for you to squeeze my back end, I think it’s badly bruised.”
“Oh my gosh, Nick. Chloe mentioned you fell saving the cake. You really hurt yourself! Let me see.” She tried to turn him around, but he didn’t budge.
His sexy lips tilted up at the corners, and he cupped her cheek. “I’d love to show you, but not here. Not with our families in the other room.”
She giggled, and they rested their foreheads together. She wanted more . . . so much more.
“I’ve wanted to do that since I escorted you back to your car on your first day in town,” he said.
Should she confess the thought of him kept her up at night, the way he filled out his uniform, the sexy smirk, his muscled chest?
Well, yes. Yes, she should, but she couldn’t.
It was one thing to make out with Nick, but she had to keep her wits about her.
She took a deep breath and turned to look out the window at the snow-covered backyard.
The lights were on outside, making the fresh snowfall glisten.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, and she relaxed into his embrace.
“Nick, I really like you.” Speaking the word love didn’t sound right. Not now. Although her feelings for him were intensifying, she still needed to concentrate on her goals, her top priority.
“Like, huh? Don’t you think we’ve gone past friendship?”
Nick dropped his arms, and she turned to face him. She licked her bottom lip, still tasting him. “When my seven-year relationship ended, I vowed to focus on myself. I’m not ready for a committed relationship. I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”
In the dim light, he rubbed his jaw.
“Are you talking friends with benefits?” he asked. “Because that’s not me. I’m ready for more, and when I start a relationship, I’m all in. I want to announce an actual relationship to our parents, the town, not an occasional night in the sack.”
Kate’s heart plummeted. She stepped back. “We made a pact. I’m sorry. I can’t give you more right now.”
Frustrated, Nick shook his head. “I’m sorry too, Kate. I can’t do this anymore. We can’t be just friends; I need more.” He waited for her to say something and when she didn’t, he nodded and went back to the party.
Kate watched Nick walk away. Her gut churned. She gathered a few chairs and brought them to the living room. She needed to put on a brave face and then cry herself to sleep for the next month. She’d tried to avoid falling in love and failed.
Distracted all evening, she did her best to mingle and relax. It helped that Nick left, telling everyone he’d been called in, but she didn’t believe him. She was the reason he couldn’t enjoy the holiday with his family and friends.
Had she made a mistake?