“Jack, could you hand the pork down here, please?” Kat asked. Everyone jumped into motion passing dishes so Nick could fill his plate. Kat smiled all around and watched Nick as the others peppered him with all the usual questions. “How long are you staying? Where do you live? How do you know Kat?”
Of course, they’d want all the intel. At one time, they’d been a tight-knit group, and they looked out for each other. Mia knew of Nick, but the others didn’t unless Mia had mentioned him to Jack. The questions were direct, but it was a friendly inquisition. She hoped Nick would take it that way.
“You’re high school friends then?” Brendan asked, his eyes intent on Nick. “You both grew up in Denver?”
“No, actually, we just met over Christmas,” Kat explained. “Nick was doing some work at my parents’ house.”
Nick cleared his throat. “Kat grew up in Denver, but I’m from Colorado Springs.”
“What brings you to New York tonight, other than our captivating Kat, that is?” Mia asked.
Kat saw the humor in Mia’s eyes and realized Nick had revived the party. She knew Mia was disappointed in the turnout, but his unexpected arrival changed everything. Mia loved surprise situations. This made it memorable—worthy of storytelling. Now it would be forever known as the birthday that Colorado Man crashed.
All eyes turned toward Nick, who looked at Kat and smiled. “I, ah…signed a contract with HomeBuilders TV today.”
Kat grabbed his arm and gave out a delighted whoop. “Nick,” she exclaimed breathlessly. “That is so great! Congratulations!” Bouncing up, she retrieved the bottle of wine he brought, and discovered it was champagne. “This definitely calls for another toast. Do you want to open this?” For a split second, their eyes met, and they were the only two in the room.
Grinning, Nick took the bottle and popped the cork while Kat scurried to get champagne flutes. Glasses were filled and lifted again.
“To fame and fortune,” Mia called out.
Kat touched her glass to Nick’s and said softly, “Hear, hear.” She couldn’t wait to find out more details, but she was relieved when Nick steered the conversation away from him and back toward Mia, asking about her work.
“I design jewelry,” Mia told him.
“Amazing jewelry,” Kat added. She stretched out her arm that was cuffed with a simple silver twist threaded with black and amber stones. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”
Mia playfully waved a hand in front of her face as if to fan herself, and Kat silently thanked Nick for making her friend the star of the party again.
“That’s very cool,” Nick told Mia. “You work exclusively in sterling?”
“Also some gold. And semi-precious stones.”
“Nice. Where do you sell?”
“Right now, mostly on my website.”
As soon as she noticed the mostly empty plates, Kat began clearing the dishes then started coffee. Mia joined her in the kitchen. Unfortunately, in the tiny apartment, there was no place for private whisperings. Kat wouldn’t have minded a few minutes alone with Mia. She was dying to know what her friend thought of Nick.
She glanced toward the table and couldn’t shake the feeling that Nick seemed uncomfortable. Didn’t have his usual easy-going demeanor. Did it matter that he clicked with her friends? She hadn’t thought about it until now. She handed dessert plates to Mia then tucked an assortment of polka-dot candles into the chocolate raspberry cheesecake she’d bought at a local bakery.
“Okay, Jack, you’re up,” Kat said as she placed the cake on the table. Jack was a Wall Street guy by day but also played in a band on the side. He began singing “Happy Birthday,” and the others chimed in.
While her guests oohed and aahed over the dessert, Kat pondered the rest of the evening. Should she suggest they go out as a group, let everyone get to know Nick better? As far as she was concerned, he fit right in, could easily be one of them. He might not have the NYC intensity of Jack or Brendan, but he obviously had high career aspirations. She took a sip of her champagne and let out a soft sigh. Unfortunately, the fact remained—Nick lived in Colorado.
She stole a sideways glance, and her chest fluttered. But here he was. In New York.With her.
* * *
Nick stood and stretched as the others pushed in their chairs and got ready to leave. He picked up his coat and draped it across his arm as goodbyes were said. He even inched toward the door with the others, giving the impression that he was right behind them. But he hovered awkwardly. He’d pictured having a private toast with Kat, and he still wanted that. Wanted her to himself. So much for surprises. Obviously, he should’ve called and made a plan. But he’d gone over their texts from earlier in the week in his mind. He’d specifically asked what she had going on for the weekend. She never mentioned a dinner party.
When the others looked back expectantly, he gave a nod and a casual wave, determined to have at least a few minutes alone with Kat. He waited while she walked her guests to the door—and saw Brendan bend down close to her. Was he whispering in her ear? Did he kiss her cheek?
Nick tried not to stare. Looked like Mia and Jack might be a couple, but he didn’t know where Brendan fit in. He’d been kind of intense in his questioning, and Nick couldn’t help wondering if the guy had hopes of romance with Kat.
As soon as she closed the door, he tossed his coat aside. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he studied her flushed face. He wanted to know why she hadn’t mentioned the dinner, and who Brendan was, but he didn’t want to appear jealous or suspicious. Not exactly the way to win a woman’s heart—or an invitation to stay longer. Instead, he found himself apologizing.
“Hey, listen, I’m really sorry about showing up on your doorstep unannounced. I should’ve called, but I–”
