Page 65 of The Friendship Pact

“What a perfect meet-cute,” Jill said.

The confusion on Nick’s face must have been telling because she explained, “In the best romance stories, there’s always a meet-cute, a memorable first encounter between the couple-to-be.”

Kordell winked at his wife.

Jill squeezed her husband’s hand.

Kate’s parents were the real deal. “How long have you two been married?” Nick asked.

“Thirty-three years.” Jill beamed. “Mark my words, Nick, romance is the key to a happy and long marriage.”

“Respect and understanding of career choices helps too,” Kordell said, and kissed his wife.

Nick had a great time visiting with Kate’s parents. On the way out of the restaurant at the end of the evening, he said, “Kordell, if you’d like, come by the station tomorrow and I’ll show you around.”

“Yeah. I’d like that. I wouldn’t mind a ride along, either.”

“You got it. Meet me at the station by eight.” They shook hands.

“We’ll warm up the car, honey. Take your time,” Jill said, and she and Kordell headed across the street, where their vehicle was parked.

Nick pulled Kate close. He tipped her chin so she would look him in the eyes. “I love your parents.”

“Really?”

“Really. I’ve missed you.”

She tried to step back, but he held on to her waist. “What’s going on?” he asked.

She looked down at her boots. “This feels too real. We’re supposed to be just friends.”

“I was hoping we were more.”

“I know.”

“Your parents are watching.”

She tipped her head up and kissed him. A quick kiss, but he’d take it.

“I have to go,” she said.

She stepped from his embrace and ran across the road. He watched to make sure she made it to the car safely and waited for them to pull away. He wanted to head back inside for a beer, but he didn’t. Instead, he headed home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“What are your intentions with my daughter?”

Nick had barely pulled away from the station when Kordell asked the question he’d hoped to avoid. He hoped he wouldn’t regret inviting Kate’s father to ride along today. His palms started to sweat, and it wasn’t from the heated steering wheel.

“Well sir, we started as friends, and it’s become more.”

“That’s what my daughter said. She came clean about the fake dating.”

“Sir, I—”

Kordell held up his hand. “She explained it was her idea because she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She also emphasized that you’ve been a good friend.”

“I’d like to think we are. Kate’s been a tremendous help to my family since my dad’s heart attack.”