Kat waved a hand and shook her head. “No. Don’t worry about it. I don’t think I mentioned I was having guests.”
“I’m a little confused about that. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Kat pushed away from the door, tucking her hair back from her face. “Oh, gosh, I had a crazy busy week, and it didn’t seem important. It never crossed my mind that it would matter. Obviously, I had no idea you’d be in town.” Plus, one thing she’d learned from Nana was that you didn’t talk about a party to a person who wasn’t invited. She smiled as she moved toward him. “Really, it’s not a big deal. I’m glad you’re here. I want to know all about the HomeBuilders offer.”
“Tell me about Brendan.”
“What?” She cocked her head and shrugged. “Longtime friend.”
“Have to say it looked like dinner for two couples.”
Kat shook her head. “Nick, that wasn’t it at all. There were other people here earlier, but for one reason or another they couldn’t stay for dinner. Don’t read anything into it. The four of us have been friends for a long time. We used to be part of a bigger group in college.”
“Oh, okay. It’s just…” He gestured toward the door. “Kat, it looked like he–”
“He gave me a peck on the cheek. He wanted to make sure I was okay with them leaving.And,he said you seemed like a great guy. Okay? We’re just friends.”
“Got it.” But that word. He couldn’t help wondering if it applied to him, too. Maybe they should put their cards on the table. “What about us?” he asked quietly.
“Us?” she echoed. “I don’t know. What about us? Are we dating? Is this a relationship? I mean, really Nick. I live in New York. You live in Colorado. I’m never there.” Her voice rose, and she twisted her hands together. “I don’t want to be there. I– I’ve enjoyed our time together. I like you. Our face chats are great, but how will we even see each other? How–”
“Just a minute.” Nick held up a hand. “We’ll come back to that question.”
He stepped toward her and pulled her to him, his hands sliding up her arms and across her back. He touched his lips to hers in a long, lingering kiss. It took a minute, but she finally relaxed in his arms. When he trailed kisses along her jaw line and down her throat, he was rewarded with a soft sigh as she wound her arms around his neck and held tightly, kissing him back when his lips met hers again.
“Nick.”
Her breath whispered like a feather across his skin and ignited a fire inside him. “Hmm?”
“I think you made your point.”
He grinned against her lips before he pulled back to look at her face. Luminous smoky blue eyes gazed into his.
“Good,” he said softly. “So, back to that question…is this a relationship?”
She laughed. “I guess it better be.”
With a chuckle, he claimed her lips again.
Nick held her close, rocking her slowly. Over her head, he surveyed her apartment. It was a complete mess. Used dishes and linens were still on the table and empty wine bottles and remnants of food preparation were scattered across the counter.
With effort, he set her slightly away from him. “Let me make a pit stop, then let’s get this cleaned up.”
“What? No way. You’re not helping me clean up.”
“Oh, but I am.” He moved toward the kitchen, still holding onto her hand.
“Nick, really. I’ll deal with this tomorrow.”
“Right. Because it’ll be so nice to wake up to.”
Her cheeks colored slightly as she looked at him, and he realized it wasn’t the best choice of words. Now all he could think of was whatwouldbe nice to wake up to.
“Did you already check in at the hotel?” she asked.
Apparently, it was on her mind as well. He held his breath a beat before answering. “Not yet.” He’d been in a hurry to get to her place.
With a nod, she lifted a plate from the table.
