Fated by Carly Phillips Read Free Book Online Page A

finding the right person who just . . . fit.” He shifted and sat up, looking her head on. “Yesterday you said Faith was it for me. And she was.”
    At his words, Kate visibly stiffened but he wouldn’t let her run, emotionally or otherwise.
    “Faith was it for me—in high school . And when she broke up with me, she bruised my ego. I guess she hurt my heart, but I was a guy and I didn’t want to give it much thought. I wasn’t about to believe a woman could hurt me, but she did. Then she left and went to college and I stayed and like you, I went to school here. I worked for my dad and learned the business. I dated but didn’t get serious about anyone. Just like you said.”
    He moved in close, pulling her against his chest. To his relief, she went easily, no longer fighting him, obviously listening.
    Good thing, since this was where he made his case. “And all the while, you were here too, in the background. We were friendly but I was too blind to notice. I could kick myself for that, but it wouldn’t change anything. Maybe I just wasn’t ready to see.”
    “Just like I wasn’t ready,” she whispered.
    He nodded, holding her against him, breathing in her sweet scent and wishing he could forget conversation and take her to bed. But at this moment, talk came first. Afterward? He hoped they never had to be apart again.
    “But then . . .” And here’s where it got tough, Nick thought. “Faith came back and . . . the feelings didn’t.” He eased her away then and looked into her eyes. “Honest to God, Kate. Asking Faith out just seemed like the thing to do, to see if we could pick up where we left off. Maybe fix the old ego or something. And when Ethan went after her, it became more of a pissing contest than anything else. I’m not proud of it, but that’s the truth.”
    Kate studied him. She let herself look at his features, which she’d long since memorized, and into his eyes, which she knew never lied.
    Real regret shone in them. He meant what he said. It wasn’t about Faith. It hadn’t been for a long, long time. And though Kate had told herself she knew that before he rang her doorbell, she had to admit it felt good to hear him say it now.
    But there was still more they had to get out into the open. No more holding back the things that scared or hurt her, Kate thought.
    “You kissed Faith.”
    He nodded. “I did. I needed to prove to myself that there really was nothing there for me. So I could walk away, leave her to Ethan and not be hurt by it. Ego, pure and simple.”
    Kate shook her head, amazed at the lightness inside her. “Men are such idiots,” she muttered and with a laugh, he agreed.
    “But that kiss was a good thing because from that point on, it wasn’t about Faith. It was about me opening my eyes to what’s been in front of me all along. It’s you, Kate. It’s been you for a long time and I don’t want you to ever doubt that it will always be you.”
    The word hung between them, an enticement and an offer of something she’d been wanting but was too scared to let herself hope for, let alone have.
    But this was Nick and he was different than any man she’d even known. And hadn’t he now proven it? Sort of like the house he’d lovingly built and restored over a long period of time, putting thought and work into the effort, he’d done the same with her. Asking her out, not giving up or taking no for an answer, talking Faith into bringing her over, and now laying himself emotionally bare. For her.
    “I don’t see that ever changing,” he said and kissed her firmly on the lips. “Ever. I love you, Kate. If I wasn’t such a guy I’d have known it and told you last night but when I woke up the first time with you in my arms, I knew.”
    She sucked in a startled breath, blindsided by the last few minutes, awed, and so very happy. “I love you too,” she admitted, grateful to finally be able to say the words out loud. “And I’m sorry I ran this morning. I was