From “just one night”

...to bonded for life

Kate McCoy calculates everything. She has every detail in her life organized to perfection—until the fateful night she steps into Gray Gallagher’s arms. “One time only,” she vows about getting romantic with Gray, her longtime protector and her closest friend. But this time, perfect Kate has miscalculated: the woman who plans everything is unexpectedly expecting. And the heart she has so carefully sheltered starts seeing her cherished friend in a very different light...

National bestselling author JULES BENNETT has penned over forty contemporary romance novels. She lives in the Midwest with her high-school-sweetheart husband and their two kids. Jules can often be found on Twitter chat-ting with readers, and you can also connect with her via her website, www.julesbennett.com.

Also by Jules Bennett

The Cowboy’s Second-Chance Family

Dr. Daddy’s Perfect Christmas

The Fireman’s Ready-Made Family

From Best Friend to Bride

What the Prince Wants

A Royal Amnesia Scandal

Maid for a Magnate

His Secret Baby Bombshell

Best Man Under the Mistletoe

Trapped with the Tycoon

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

From Best Friend to Daddy

Jules Bennett

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07751-4

FROM BEST FRIEND TO DADDY

© 2018 Jules Bennett

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

® and ™ are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Marrying my best friend was the best decision of my life.

Love you, Michael.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

Extract

Chapter One

“It’s just one glass.”

Kate McCoy stared at the champagne flute the best man held. He’d flirted with her all night during the wedding rehearsal dinner—and by her estimate in smelling his overwhelming breath, he’d had more than enough for both of them. Thankfully he was just Noah’s cousin and visiting from out of town. As in, he’d be leaving after the nuptials tomorrow afternoon.

One of Kate’s three best friends, Lucy, was marrying her very own cowboy, and Kate couldn’t be happier. She could, however, do without Noah’s cousin all up in her face.

“She doesn’t drink.”

That low, growly tone belonged to Gray Gallagher, her only male best friend and the man who always came to her rescue whether she needed him to or not. She could’ve handled herself, but she wasn’t about to turn away backup since Bryan with a Y wasn’t taking her subtle hints.

Kate glanced over her shoulder and smiled, but Gray’s eyes weren’t on her. That dark, narrowed gaze was focused downward at the best man. Which wasn’t difficult. Gray easily had five inches and an exorbitant amount of muscle tone on Best Man Bryan.

“Oh, well.” Bryan awkwardly held two flutes in his hand, tossing one back with a shrug. “Perhaps I could get you a soda or some water.”

“We were just leaving,” Gray growled.

He slid his arm around her waist and escorted her from the dining area of the country club. Apparently they were indeed leaving because he kept heading toward the exit.

“I need to at least get my purse before you manhandle me out the door,” she said, swiping her clutch off the table closest to the door, where she’d been chatting with some guests. “And for your information, I was going to have a glass.”

Gray stopped short in the hallway and turned to her. “You wanted to have a drink with that lame guy? You’ve never drank in your life.”

Kate shrugged. “It’s my thirtieth birthday.”

“I’m aware of that.” Eyes as dark as midnight narrowed. “You’re not drinking with him.”

Should she clue Gray in on her reasoning for wanting to have her first drink on her birthday and at her friend’s wedding?

True, Kate hadn’t so much as tried a drop of alcohol since her parents had been tragically killed in an accident. Her father had been thirty-five, her mother only thirty-two.

Now that Kate had hit the big 3-0, she’d started reevaluating everything about her carefully detailed life.

“C’mon.” Gray slid his hand around her arm and escorted her out the door into the humid Tennessee heat. “If you’re going to have a drink, it’s not going to be with someone who can’t handle champagne at a damn formal dinner.”

Kate couldn’t help but laugh. “That wasn’t nice.”

“Wasn’t meant to be. I don’t like how he looked at you.”

What was up with this grouchy attitude tonight? Well, not just tonight. Gray seemed to be out of sorts for months now and with each passing day, he seemed to be getting worse and worse.

Gray headed toward his truck. He’d picked her up earlier and presented her with a box of chocolate-covered strawberries for her birthday. He knew those were her weakness and it was a tradition he’d started years ago when he’d first come back from the army only days before her birthday. Gray had told her he’d actually ordered her something this year, but it hadn’t arrived yet.

“I’m picking you up for the wedding tomorrow, too.”

Kate McCoy calculated everything, from matching her underwear to her outfit to the precise inches of curling ribbon she needed when wrapping packages. She had every detail in her life down to perfection and even owned a company that specialized in organizing the lives of others—everything from closets to finances. The Savvy Scheduler was still fairly new, but it was growing thanks to her social media accounts that drove interested viewers to her blog and ultimately resulted in many new clients.

Kate had anal-retentive down to a science. So she didn’t like when her plans got changed.

“I’m driving myself in the morning.”

Gray knew she calculated everything in her life well in advance. Hell, her planner had a planner. Everything in her personal life and business was not only on paper but also in e-format.

He was perfectly aware of how meticulous she was with every detail. They’d met in grade school on the playground when she made fun of his new haircut. Considering he’d hated it as well, they had a good laugh and bonded when other children would’ve fought over the mocking. They knew each other better than most married couples, which was why she couldn’t pinpoint why he’d been surlier than usual tonight.

From scowling when he’d picked her up and muttered something about her dress, to the rude way he’d just escorted her out without saying goodbye to their friends, Gray’s manners were seriously lacking.

“Plans change,” he said with a shrug as he released his hold and walked ahead. “Relax.”

Relax? The man had been uptight all night, glaring at any male guest who talked to her, but she was supposed to relax? What was up with him?

The wind picked up, threatening to blow her short skirt higher than was within her comfort zone and expose said matching panties. Kate fisted the bottom of her flare dress in one hand as she marched across the parking lot after Gray—which wasn’t easy, considering she’d gone with three-inch stilettos for the special occasion.

Stubborn man. He always wanted to bicker, and tonight was apparently no exception. But his unexplained behavior was starting to wear on her nerves.

Honestly, though, she didn’t have time to analyze Gray’s snarly attitude. It was late and she was tired and sweaty from this damn heat. Coupled with the unforgiving humidity wave hitting Stonerock, she was becoming rather grouchy herself. What happened to spring?

“I planned on getting to the church early to make sure everything was ready for when Lucy got there in the morning.” Why was she yelling at his retreating back? “Would you stop and listen to me?”

Gray didn’t stop until he got to the passenger door of his black truck. When he turned to face her, he released an exasperated sigh. He hadn’t shaved for a few days, had that whole messy head of dark hair going on, and his tattoos peeked from beneath each sleeve that he’d cuffed up over his forearms. If she went for the dark, mysterious type, Gray would fit the bill perfectly. Well, also if he weren’t her best friend.

Kate could easily see why women flocked to Gallagher’s to flirt and throw themselves at the third-generation bar owner. He was a sexy man, had the whole “I don’t give a damn” attitude, but she knew something those women didn’t. Gray was loyal to a fault and didn’t do flings. He may have looked like the quintessential bad boy, but he was all heart and a true Southern gentleman.

“Noah asked if I would bring you,” he told her. “He said Lucy was worried about parking for the guests and he was trying to make things as simple as possible by having the wedding party carpool. I’ll pick you up whatever time you want. Is this seriously something we have to argue about?”

One dark brow quirked and she thought for a scant second that maybe this was something they didn’t have to argue about. Not that she was ready to concede the upper hand. First the angry attitude, now a lame argument?

“I’ll pick you up,” she stated, swiping away a hair that had landed right on her lip gloss. “I want my own vehicle there.”

“Fine. Hop in.” He motioned toward the truck. “I have to swing by the bar and get champagne out of the back stock since more was consumed tonight than originally planned. I’ll give you a drink of whatever you want. But your first one will be with me.”

“It’s late, Gray. You don’t have to do that. My list isn’t going anywhere.”

“List?” He shook his head, muttering something under his breath she couldn’t quite make out. “Get in the truck. I should’ve known you’d have a damn list about taking a sip of alcohol.”

Kate blew out a sigh. “I’m not sure, though. Maybe I should just mark it off and move on to the next item.”

Gray reached out and tucked a strand behind her ear. “First of all, one drink of champagne or wine is a far cry from the ten empty vodka bottles found in the car of the person who hit your parents. Second, I’d never let you get in over your head. Third, what the hell is this list you keep referring to?”

The breeze kicked up, thankfully sending some relief over her bare shoulders, but making it impossible to let go of her dress. She’d left her hair down, which was a huge mistake. With that thick mass sticking to her neck and back, she’d give anything for a rubber band about now.

“It’s silly.”

“I live for silly.”

Even without the dry humor, she knew Gray was as far removed from silly as any human being.

“Since I was turning thirty, I decided to make a list of things I want to do. Kind of a way to give myself a life makeover.” She shrugged, because saying this out loud sounded even more ridiculous. “Trying a drink is on there.”

“What else made the list?”

His eyes raked over her. Sometimes he did that. Like she was fragile. Just because life had knocked her down at times didn’t mean she couldn’t handle herself.

“Nothing for you to worry about.”

She started to edge around him and reach for her handle when he stepped in her path. “Tell me.”

Her eyes met his and she could tell by the hard stare that he wasn’t backing down.

“I don’t know what’s up with you lately. You’ve been a bit of a Neanderthal.” Might as well point out the proverbial elephant in the room. “You’re pushy and hovering and...well, demanding. Just because some guy flirts with me doesn’t mean I’m going to repeat old mistakes. And if I want a drink, I can do that for myself, too. I know you want to protect me, but you can’t always do that, Gray. I’m a big girl and—”

In a quick move he spun her around and had her caged between the truck door and his hard chest. Mercy, he was ripped...and strong.

“Wh-what are you—”

“Putting that mouth to better use.”

The words had barely processed before he covered her lips with his. There was nothing gentle, nothing sweet or calm about Gray. He was a storm, sweeping her up before she even knew what hit her.

Wait. She shouldn’t be kissing her best friend. Should she?

He touched her nowhere else and she still clutched her dress in one hand. On a low growl, he shifted and changed the angle of the kiss before diving back in for more. The way he towered over her, covering her body from lips to hips, made her feel protected and ravaged all at the same time.

Heat flooded through her in a way that had nothing to do with the weather.

Just as fiercely as he started, Gray pulled back. Cursing under his breath, he raked a hand through his already messy hair. Clearly he was waging some war with himself. Well, he could just get in line, because she had no idea what to do about what had just happened.

“Gray—”

“Get in the truck, Kate.”

His raspy voice slid over her, making her shiver despite the heat.

What the hell did that mean? What did any of the past few minutes mean? Kate couldn’t wrap her mind around his actions, his words. One minute she was trying to get to the bottom of his behavior and the next...well, she was being kissed by her best friend, and not just any kiss. No, he’d all but devoured her, almost as if he were trying to ruin her for another man.

Gray reached around her for the door handle, giving her no choice but to move. She settled inside and stared ahead, completely dazed. With his taste still on her lips and countless questions swirling through her mind, Kate didn’t dare say another word out loud as she buckled her seat belt.

What on earth had triggered such an intense response? And then to just leave like that? She’d already told him that they couldn’t be more than friends, but damn it, that kiss sparked something inside her she’d never experienced before.

Why did he have to go and do that to her? Why did he have to make her question her stance on their relationship and leave her aching for more?

More wasn’t an option.

Chapter Two

The ride from the country club to Gallagher’s had been too damn quiet. Tension had settled between them like an unwanted third party. Never before had things been this tense between them. They bantered, they bickered...that’s just who they were.

But now, thanks to his inability to control himself, the dynamics had shifted completely.

Gray wasn’t even going to question what had gotten into him. He knew full well that years of pent-up frustration from being relegated to the friend category, seeing her flirt and dance with other men at his bar and then being engaged and heartbroken, and finally that damn dress and heels tonight had all caused him to snap. There was only so much a man could take...especially from a woman like Kate.

And then the list. He wanted to know what the hell was on it and why she thought she needed to revamp herself. Not a thing was wrong with her. Who was she proving herself to?

Losing his cool and kissing her may not have been his finest moment, but every man had a breaking point and Kate McCoy had been his for far too long.

Damn, she’d tasted good and she’d felt even better all pressed against him. He wasn’t sorry he’d kissed her, wasn’t regretting in the slightest that he’d finally taken what he’d wanted. She’d leaned into him and obviously had wanted it just as much.

No, what angered him was the shocked look on her face and the fact he’d just pulled them both across a line they could never come back from. He was her friend, her self-appointed protector. She didn’t have many constants in her life and she counted on him, damn it. She trusted him.

Now Kate stood at the bar, her eyes never meeting his. No doubt she was replaying that kiss just as he’d been over the past ten minutes.

Gray didn’t say anything as he went to the back and pulled out a bottle of champagne that none of his customers would ever be interested in, but it was perfect for Kate. Once he got her home and came back, though, he was going to need something much stronger. Thankfully he could just crawl upstairs to his apartment after throwing one back.

Gray returned to the bar to find Kate exactly how he’d left her. He reached for a glass and carried that and the bottle around to the front side of the bar.

“I assume you still want that drink.”

Finally, her blue eyes darted to his. “If anything in my life warranted a drink, this night would be it.”

He poured her a small amount and slid the glass over to her. Kate stared at the peach-toned liquid for only a moment before picking it up and smelling the contents.

All of that long, dark hair curtained her face as she leaned down. With those creamy shoulders exposed, he was having a difficult time not reaching out to touch her.

Had he severed that right? Had he ruined everything innocent about their friendship when he’d put his lips on hers?

Damn it. He didn’t like the idea of another man coming into her life. It had damn near killed him when she’d gotten engaged while he’d been in the army. Then, when the jerk had broken her heart, it had taken all of Gray’s willpower not to pummel the guy.

Tonight he’d nearly lost it when Noah’s best man had gotten flirty. Gray saw how Bryan looked at her, like she was going to be easy to take home. That wasn’t his Kate. She didn’t go home with random strangers.

Kate slammed her empty glass on the bar. “More.”

He added a bit more to her glass and was a little surprised when she tipped it back and swallowed it in one drink. Then belched like a champ.

“Wow. That’s bubbly.”

Gray couldn’t help but smile. “It is. Had enough?”

“I can still taste your lips, so probably not.”

His gut tightened as arousal spiraled through him. “Don’t say things like that.”

She lifted a slender shoulder. “Why not? It’s the truth.”

Gray took her glass away and set it aside with the bottle. The last thing she needed was to start buzzing, get all talkative and then regret spilling her secrets come morning. Though part of him—the part that had kissed her—would love to keep pouring and get her true feelings to come out into the open.

The low lighting behind the bottles lining the mirror along the bar wall sent a warm glow throughout the space. The main dining section and dance floor were still dark and Gray had never been more aware of a woman or his desire.

Over the years he’d purposely never allowed himself to be in a compromising situation with Kate, yet here he was only moments after plastering her against the side of his truck and claiming her lips.

“You can’t be attracted to me,” she murmured. “You can’t, Gray.”

If her words had any heat to them, if he thought for a second she didn’t feel anything toward him, he’d ignore his need. But the only emotion he heard in her tone was fear and she’d kissed him right back earlier, so...

“You know I’m attracted to you.” He closed the space between them. “I’ve never made it a secret.”

“I’m the only woman who comes in your bar and hasn’t thrown herself at you. I’m a conquest.”

Anger settled heavily inside him. “Never call yourself that.”

“Then what’s the reasoning?” she tossed back. “Why me? After all these years, you’re telling me...what? I need you to talk to me instead of being so damn irritated. Why now?”

“Maybe I’m tired of seeing other guys flirt with you. Maybe I’m sick of you dating losers since your breakup because you know your heart won’t get involved.”

She’d been burned and her defense mechanism to set her standards low was slowly driving him out of his ever-loving mind. Couldn’t she see that she deserved more? She should actually be expecting more.

“Why did you kiss me back?” he asked, shifting the direction back to her.

Gray adjusted his body to cage her in against the bar with one hand on either side of her hips. He didn’t want her to dodge him or look away or find an excuse not to hash this out right here, right now.

Maybe it was the late hour, maybe it was the near-darkness surrounding them. Or perhaps it was just time that his war with himself came to an end one way or another.

Kate’s eyes widened, then darted to his mouth. That innocent act had arousal pumping through him. His frustrating friend could stir up quite the gamut of emotions. One of the reasons he had always been so fascinated by her. Nobody could get to him the way she could. And nobody could match him in conversation the way Kate could.

She flattened her palms on his chest. “Gray, I can’t lose you as a friend.”

“I never said I was going anywhere.” He leaned in just a bit closer, close enough to see those navy flecks in her bright blue eyes. Close enough for her to realize he wasn’t messing around anymore. “Tell me you don’t want me kissing you again.”

Because as much as he worried he was pushing her, he kept returning to the fact that she’d kissed him back.

Kate’s mouth opened, then closed. That was all the green light he needed.

Gray didn’t waste time gripping her hips and capturing her mouth. Those fingertips against his chest curled in, biting into his skin through the fabric. She let out a soft moan as her body melted against his. He wanted to hoist her up onto this bar and see exactly what she wore beneath this damn dress that had driven him crazy all night. He wanted those legs wrapped around him, her body arched against his.

Kate tore her mouth away. “We can’t... Why does this feel so good? It can’t go anywhere.”

Like hell it couldn’t. She was just as turned on as he was if the way she’d rubbed herself against him proved anything.

Gray slid his hands over the curve of her hips, to the dip in her waist, and back down. “Tell me to stop and I will.”

He leaned in, trailing his lips over her collarbone, breathing in that jasmine scent that belonged only on her.

“Tell me, Kate,” he whispered, smiling when she trembled beneath his touch. “I have to hear the words.”

He was torturing himself. If she told him to stop right now he would. But damn it, being pulled away after having a sample would be hell.

Slowly her hands slid up around his neck, and her fingers threaded through his hair. “Gray,” she murmured.

Music to his ears. He’d always wondered how his name would sound sliding through her lips on a whispered sigh. Now he knew...and he wanted more.

Gray hovered with his mouth right over hers, his hands circling her waist. “You want me.”

She nodded.

“Say it.”

“I want you,” she murmured. “But I need you as a friend. Please. Tell me we won’t lose that.”

He didn’t want to lose anything. He wanted to build on what they had. They couldn’t ignore this pull between them, so taking this risk to see where things went was the only option.

When he said nothing, she eased back as much as she could with the bar at her back. “Gray, this night is all we can have. We’ll still be friends come morning.”

One night? Did she think she’d be done with him that soon?

“And nobody can know,” she added. “I don’t want Lucy or Tara to know.”

Her girl posse. He understood the need for privacy, but at the same time, he didn’t want to be her dirty little secret and he sure as hell wanted more than one night.

He was a guy. Wasn’t he supposed to be thrilled at the idea of a one-night stand with no strings? He should’ve had her dress off by now.

But this was Kate and she was special. Always had been.

“I wondered.”

Her words stopped every single thought. “What?”

Bright blue eyes came up to his. “About this. I wondered before.”

“Kate,” he growled.

“I mean it, Gray. Just this night and it stays here, between us.”

There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to fight for because Kate was worth fighting for. He’d worry about the semantics tomorrow. He’d come too far and had a willing woman in his arms right now. There was only one thing to do.

Gray lifted her up onto the bar and kissed her.

Chapter Three

Kate didn’t want to think about why this could potentially be a disastrous idea. How could she form a coherent thought when her best friend had his mouth and hands all over her? She’d never felt this good in her life and her clothes were still on.

Was it the champagne? Surely not. She’d only had two small glasses.

No, it couldn’t be the alcohol. Gray was more potent than any drink he could give her. Why was she just discovering this fact?

Kate’s head spun as she continued to clutch his shirt. She didn’t want to analyze this moment or her emotions. She only wanted to feel.

Part of her wanted to rip off his clothes, but she’d never been that brazen a woman. The few lovers she’d had were all calm, tame...and she’d never tingled like this for any of them.

She’d never ached with desire for her best friend, either, but here they were. A new wave of emotions swept her up, giving her no choice but to go along for the ride and enjoy every glorious moment.

Gray’s firm hands rested on her knees as he spread them wide and stepped into the open space. He continued kissing her as his fingertips slid beneath her short skirt. Every single nerve ending inside her sizzled. When was the last time she’d sizzled?

Oh, right. Never. How did he know exactly what to do and how was she just realizing that her bestie had skills?

Kate tipped her head back as Gray’s lips traveled over her chin and down the column of her throat. She circled his waist with her legs, toeing off her heels. The double thumps of her shoes hitting the hardwood floor sliced through the moment. Gray eased back and pinned her with his dark gaze. She’d never seen that look on his face before—pure hunger, passion, desire. All directed toward her.

Kate looked in his eyes and the need that stared back had her figuring maybe this wasn’t a bad idea at all. No one had ever looked at her with such a need before. Something churned within her, not just arousal, but some emotion she wasn’t ready to identify that coupled right along beside it, making her feel more alive and needed than ever.

Keeping his eyes locked on hers, Gray flipped her skirt up and jerked her by the waist toward the edge of the bar. Kate was completely captivated by the man before her. This passionate, sexual side of Gray had her reaching for the buckle on his belt, more than ready to hurry this process along. He quickly shoved her hands aside and reached for his wallet.

The second he procured a foil packet everything clicked in her mind. This was real. All of this was actually happening. She was about to have sex with her best friend...and she’d never been more thrilled, more excited in her life.

Shouldn’t she be freaking out? Where had all of this come from? Clearly the desire had built up over time.

But she didn’t. Kate waited, anticipation coiling through her. She’d address those questions later. Right now, she had a need, an ache, and judging by Gray’s urgency, he did, too.

He tossed the packet next to her hip on the bar and unfastened his pants. Then, in a move that both shocked and aroused her, he reached beneath her dress, gripped the strip of satin that lay against her hip, and gave a jerk until the rip resounded through the quiet bar. So much for that pair of panties. They were a worthy sacrifice to the cause.

Kate didn’t even get to enjoy the view before Gray sheathed himself and stepped toward her. With his hands firmly circling her waist, he nudged her forward once again, until he slowly joined their bodies.

Oh...my...

On a groan, Kate took a moment to allow her body time to adjust, but Gray clearly was in a hurry. He framed her face with his strong hands, tipped her head and covered her mouth as his hips jerked forward once again.

There was not much she could do but lock her ankles behind his back and match the perfect rhythm he set with their bodies.

“Kate,” he muttered against her mouth.

She didn’t want words. She had no clue what he was about to say, but she didn’t want anything breaking into this moment. Words couldn’t even begin to cover the tumultuous emotions flowing between them and she just wanted to feel. For right now, she wanted this man and nothing else.

Fisting his hair in her hands, Kate slammed his mouth back down onto hers. His hips pumped harder and in the next second, Kate’s entire body trembled. She arched against Gray, pulling from the kiss. Her head dropped back, eyes shut as the euphoria spiraled through her.

She felt him lifting her before he settled her onto the bar. He whispered something just as his fingertips dug into her waist and he rose to tower above her. For a moment she marveled at his strength, but he started shifting again, moving faster and giving her no choice but to clutch his muscular arms.

Gray’s body stilled as he rested his forearms on either side of her head, aligning their torsos. His mouth came down onto her shoulder. The sudden nip of his teeth against her flesh stunned her, arousing her even as she came down from her high. He kissed her there and trailed his lips across her heated skin.

Kate held on to Gray’s shoulders even when their bodies completely stopped trembling. She had no idea what to say at this point. They lay on top of his bar half-dressed and had never so much as kissed more than in a friendly manner before, yet they’d just had explosive sex.

That was one hell of a birthday present.

Okay, maybe those shouldn’t be the first words out of her mouth. But really, what was the protocol for a situation like this? She prided herself on always being prepared, but nothing could prepare her for what just took place. On a bar top, no less.

Gray came up onto his hands and looked down at her. Fear curled low in her belly. Was he waiting on her to say something and cut through the tension? Did they joke about this or did they fix their clothes like nothing happened?

Considering she analyzed everything from every angle, they would have to talk about this at some point. Maybe not right now when her emotions were too raw and she was still reeling from the fact that Gray had pursued her and torn off her underwear. Just the memory had chills popping up over her skin.

Exactly how long had he wanted her like this? There had been quite a bit of pent-up sexual need inside her bestie. Not that she was complaining. Definitely not complaining. Just...confused, and there were so many questions whirling inside her head, she had no clue where to start.

The muscle in Gray’s jaw clenched and the way he continued to study her had Kate fidgeting. The top of her dress had slid down, so she adjusted to cover herself. She lifted onto her elbows and glanced around, anything but having to look right into those dark eyes to see...

She didn’t know what she’d see, but she knew awkward tension had already started settling in.

Gray eased down off the bar and took a step back. Kate started to climb down, but he reached up, lifted her carefully into his arms, and placed her on the floor. The cool wood beneath her feet had her shivering, as did the sweet gesture of how he’d just handled her.

Of course, she could be shivering because her underwear was in shreds on the floor and her best friend was walking away. So much for him being sweet.

Apparently he wasn’t one for chatter after sex, either. The silence only left her alone with thoughts she wasn’t quite ready to tackle.

Kate’s pale pink heels lay on their sides and she padded over to retrieve them. She clutched them against her chest like they could ward off the unknown, because she truly had no clue what was going to happen next.

Hell, it wasn’t only the next few minutes she was concerned with. What about long-term? Did this change everything between them? She hadn’t been lying when she said she couldn’t lose him. Gray was her everything. Absolutely everything.

The only constant in her life other than Tara and Lucy, but Gray was different. He was...well, he was special.

Right now, though, Kate could use some space to think and here on his turf, where her tattered panties lay mocking her, was not the place to clear her head and regroup.

Of all the times not to have her car. Damn it. This was why she always planned things, always had a plan B. But neither plan A nor B had been to leave the rehearsal dinner and have a quickie on the bar top at Gallagher’s.

She was at the mercy of Gray whenever he came back and chose to take her home. Maybe then they’d talk and she’d get a feel for what was going on in that head of his.

Kate was stunned at the way her body still tingled. Gray had awakened something inside her, something she hadn’t even known existed. But she’d made him promise just one night and that’s exactly what she was going to hold on to.

She couldn’t afford to lose him as a friend simply because she’d just experienced the best sex of her life. Gray was the one constant male in her life. He had been in that role since they were in junior high, and he’d come to rescue her from some bullying jerk who was new at the school. Not that she’d needed rescuing, but she’d appreciated it at the time, and he’d been her self-appointed white knight since.

So who was going to save her from him? Because now that she’d had him, Kate knew he’d ruined her for other men.

Gray Gallagher had infiltrated her, body and soul, and she’d better just live with the tantalizing memories, because they were definitely one and done.

She couldn’t emotionally afford to have it any other way.

* * *

Gray took a minute longer than necessary in his private bathroom attached to the back office. The second he’d come back to reality and looked down into Kate’s eyes, he’d seen her withdrawing. He’d instantly wanted her to reconsider that one-night rule. But he hadn’t even gotten her completely undressed. He’d ripped her panties off, and they’d had a quickie on his bar.

Yeah, real smooth. Perfect way to show her she was special and he wanted to do it all over again. He’d be lucky if she didn’t haul off and smack him when he walked back in there. Hadn’t he always told her she deserved better? That she deserved to be treated like she was the most valuable woman in a man’s life?

Gray slammed his hand against the wall and cursed himself for being such a jerk to the one woman he cared most about. Now he was going to have to go out and face her, make some excuse as to his behavior, and then drive her home in what he was sure would be uncomfortable silence.

What a fantastic way to end an already crappy day. He’d already been in a bitch of a mood when he’d seen that best man flirting with her. He shouldn’t be jealous, but damn it, he couldn’t help how he felt.

He’d faced death when he’d lost his mother at the tender age of five. He’d faced the enemy when he’d been overseas in the army. He faced his father, who was disappointed because Gray hadn’t settled down and started a family. But Gray was not looking forward to facing his best friend, because if he saw even the slightest hint of regret or disappointment in her eyes, he would absolutely be destroyed.

Knowing he couldn’t stay hidden forever, he made sure his clothes were adjusted before he headed out. The second he rounded the corner from the back hallway, he stilled.

Kate stood frozen just where he’d left her. She clutched her shoes, worried her bottom lip with her teeth, and stared at the spot where he’d taken her like some horny teen with no experience.

But it was the pale pink bite mark on her shoulder that had him cringing and cursing himself all over again.

Damn it. What the hell was wrong with him? His Kate was a lady. She was classy. She was so far above him and he’d treated her like a one-night stand.

Oh, wait. That’s exactly what this was, per her last-minute request. It wasn’t like he gave her ample time to get used to the idea of the two of them together.

Still, Kate deserved better and he damn well was going to show her. Screw the one-night rule. If anyone should be proving to her exactly how she should be treated, it was him.

“I’ll take you home.”

Kate jumped and turned to face him, her eyes wide. His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended.

With a simple nod, she headed toward the back door. Gray didn’t move from his position and ultimately blocked the opening to the hallway. He waited until she stopped right before him. He shouldn’t touch her, shouldn’t push this topic, but damn if he couldn’t help himself. There had to be something he could do to redeem his actions.

Reaching out, he traced one fingertip over the faint mark on her shoulder.

“We good?”

Wow. He’d had several minutes to think of something tender, kind, and apologetic to say, and that’s the best he could come up with?

Yes, he saw confusion looking back at him, but there was more. Kate wasn’t upset, not at all. She had questions, of that he was sure, but she wasn’t angry. Thankfully he hadn’t botched this night up too much.

Kate attempted a smile. “We’re good,” she murmured as her eyes darted away.

She may not be angry, but she was no doubt wondering what they should do next. Kate planned everything and this whole experience had definitely not been planned.

Enter the awkward tension he swore wouldn’t be there. He promised her they wouldn’t change. He promised they’d be friends just like before.

Yet she couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

“Kate.”

Her focus darted back to him, but he didn’t see regret. Kate’s pretty blue eyes were full of desire... Damn if that didn’t just confuse the hell out of him. She might be wanting to ask him about what just happened, but she also wasn’t sorry.

Gray didn’t know what else to say at this moment. The dynamics had changed, the intimacy too fresh. Maybe once they had some time apart and saw each other at the wedding tomorrow they’d laugh and joke and go back to the Gray and Kate they’d been hours ago.

Or maybe they’d find the nearest closet and rip each other’s clothes off. Things could go either way at this point.

Gray moved out of her way so she could pass. Her hair hung down her back in dark waves, her dress was slightly askew, and she still clutched her shoes. He’d turned a moment of intimacy with his best friend into forcing her to do a walk of shame from his bar.

He was no better than the prick who’d cheated on her and broke her heart. But Gray would make this up to her. He had to.

* * *

Kate adjusted her one-shoulder bridesmaid’s dress for the fifth time in as many minutes. Thankfully Lucy hadn’t chosen strapless dresses. Kate needed this chiffon strap to cover Gray’s mark. She didn’t know what she would’ve done had he chosen the other shoulder.

Part of her loved the mark. She’d be lying if she said otherwise. She’d never had a man lose such control, and the fact he hadn’t even been able to get them out of their clothes was thrilling. Sex should be thrilling, or so she’d heard before, and she’d always wondered if that was a myth. Now she knew.

Analyzing this over and over wasn’t going to change the future. Gray wasn’t going to happen again. On that they’d agreed, so now she had to figure out how to not compare any other man to her best friend. But at least the standards were set and she wasn’t going to settle for someone who didn’t at least give her a little spark.

Kate had definitely had a happy birthday. At least she had until he’d come from the bathroom and couldn’t get her out of the bar fast enough. Did he regret what they’d done? Or worse. Was she a disappointment?

“Hey, you okay?” Tara whispered.

“Fine.”

Kate smiled for the camera and hoped they were nearly done with all the photos. What did it matter if Gray found her lacking in the skill department? They weren’t doing anything again anyway.

He’d barely said a word when she’d picked him up this morning and she hadn’t seen him at the wedding. But the church had been packed, so that wasn’t a surprise. She’d see him at the reception for sure. He was in charge of all the drinks and had brought a few of his employees to serve as waiters.

She felt a bit odd not sharing her epic, mind-blowing, toe-curling experience with Lucy and Tara. If this had been any other man she’d had wild sex with late at night in a closed bar, she would’ve texted them immediately after, but this was Gray. He was different and what they shared was...well, it was something she still couldn’t describe.

“I think we got them,” the photographer announced. “We’ll do more at the reception.”

Kate resisted the urge to groan. This was Lucy and Noah’s day. She shouldn’t be so grouchy, but smiling and posing and pretending to be in a good mood was not working for her. All she could think of was Gray: what they’d done, what she had missed from him that led up to that moment, how he’d react seeing her again.

Kate lifted the long skirt of her dress and stepped off the stage. A hand slid over her elbow.

“Wait a second,” Tara said.

Turning her attention to her friend, Kate dropped her dress and clutched the bouquet. “What’s up?”

“That’s what I want to know.”

Tara’s questioning gaze held Kate in place. “I’m just going to hop on the shuttle to take me to the reception so I can get some food. I’m starving.”

Rolling her eyes, Tara stepped closer. “You’ve been acting weird all day. What happened from last night to this morning?”

What happened? Oh, just a quickie on the bar top at Gallagher’s, third stool from the left. Well, Gray had shoved the stool out of the way when he’d climbed up to her, but still. She’d never be able to look at that space again without bursting into internal flames. Her panties would probably melt right off.

“I just had a late night.” Kate opted to go with some form of the truth. “Gray and I left the rehearsal and headed back to the bar so he could pull more champagne and wine from the back stock. I just didn’t get much sleep before we had to be up and ready.”

Tara’s bright blue eyes studied Kate a moment longer than she was comfortable with. Gathering her skirt in her hand once again, Kate forced a smile.

“C’mon,” she said, nodding toward the front of the church. “Let’s go get on the shuttle so they can take us over to the food and dancing. I’m ready to get rid of these heels.”

Tara nodded. “Will you get some pictures of me dancing with Marley?”

Marley, Tara’s five-year-old daughter. She shared custody with her ex, Sam Bailey. Sam had brought Marley to the wedding since this was his weekend to have her. Tara had been surprised that Sam had taken Marley to get her hair done and her nails painted.

Kate knew Sam had some issues several months ago, but she saw the man was trying. Okay, using the word “issues” was really sugarcoating things. But addiction was such a delicate topic and Kate still wasn’t sure how to approach it with Tara.

But Kate saw Sam fighting to get his family back. The man had gone to rehab, he’d gotten a new job, he’d gone to counseling. There was a determination in him now that Kate hadn’t seen before. Tara wasn’t ready to see it and Kate worried irreparable damage had been done and their marriage was over for good.

None of that was Kate’s business and she had her own issues to worry about right now. Like seeing Gray at the reception. She didn’t like the silence that had settled between them this morning. That wasn’t like them. They were always bantering or arguing or joking about something. It was their thing. They lived to annoy the hell out of each other and for some strange reason, it worked for them.

Damn it. She knew sleeping with him would change things, but she’d been unable to prevent herself from giving in. One second they were friends, and the next he’d kissed her against his truck and made her want things she never realized she was missing.

Well, she had to just suck it up and get over this awkward hurdle. She wanted her friend back and she wasn’t going to let great sex stand in their way.

Chapter Four

Gray checked on the status of the bottles, confident they’d be just fine with the extras he’d brought. He asked around with his staff to see if they were doing okay or if anyone needed a break. None of them took him up on his offer.

He had such amazing, loyal employees at his bar who would work any venue when he asked. Honestly, they could run the whole place themselves and probably didn’t even need him around.

Damn it. He was out of things to do other than watch Bryan try to hit on Kate again. Didn’t the guy take the not-so-subtle hint from the rehearsal dinner?

Gray had been jealous last night, but seeing him make a play again tonight had him feeling all sorts of rage. Which was absurd. Kate was a grown woman and they were just friends. They’d slept together and now he was letting that incident cloud his judgment.

Actually, he didn’t care. Kate was better than Bryan and Gray didn’t like the way the guy kept looking at her.

Gray walked around the perimeter of the country club dining area and glared at Bryan as he stepped in behind Kate on the dance floor. What the hell was wrong with that guy?

Kate turned and glanced at Bryan, then shook her head and held up her hands as if to ward him off. Bryan smiled and reached out to touch her bare shoulder. Seeing that man’s hand against Kate’s creamy skin had Gray making his way across the floor.

The jerk stepped into her when a slow song started and the tension on Kate’s face made Gray’s anger skyrocket. He was sure his face showed his every emotion but right now he didn’t give a damn who saw him or what others thought. He was putting a stop to this now.

“Go have another drink, Bryan. This dance is mine.”

Gray instantly wrapped an arm around Kate’s waist and took her hand in his. From the corner of his eye, Gray saw Bryan still standing there. Spinning Kate in a circle, Gray stepped on Bryan’s foot and was rewarded with a grunt.

“Still there?” Gray asked over his shoulder.

The guy finally disappeared through the crowd of dancers.

Kate’s eyes were wide, but Gray would rather she be uncomfortable with him than with some idiot who didn’t know what a treasure Kate was.

“He’s harmless.”

Gray narrowed his gaze. “And I’m not?”

She merely tipped her chin in defiance. “I could’ve handled it myself.”

Gray offered her a smile. “You always say that.”

“Because I can.”

“I’m aware.” He spun her around again, keeping his firm hold on her. His Kate was extra prickly today. “But we haven’t danced yet and I had a few minutes to spare.”

Her eyes continued to hold his. “And what were you doing those few minutes you were glaring this way?”

Damn if she wasn’t adorable when she was fired up. “Some people take a smoke break. I don’t smoke, so I take a glare break.”

Kate stared for another moment before she finally shook her head and let out a soft laugh. “You’re incorrigible. You know that, right?”

A bit of tension eased from his chest at her sweet laugh. “It’s only because I care and Bryan is not the guy for you. Not even as a dance partner. Hell, he’s not even your drink provider.”

Kate arched a brow. “So now you’re screening my guys?”

Screening them? Hell, if that was a possibility he damn well would be first in line to sign up for that job. If he hadn’t been overseas during her ill-fated engagement, perhaps he could’ve prevented her heartache. But Gray hadn’t even met the ex because he’d come and gone while Gray had been serving. So, yeah, perhaps he was looking out for her. Isn’t that what friends did?

“Maybe dancing with a guy like Bryan made my list.”

Here she went with that damn list again. He’d like to see exactly what was on that thing.

“Tell me more about this infamous list.”

He spun her around again, slowly leading the way toward the edge of the dance floor, where there weren’t as many people. He found he didn’t want to share Kate right now. He wanted to keep her talking, keep her dancing. Though dancing wasn’t his thing, it was an excuse to get her in his arms.

He glanced around as he led her. He recognized many people from town. The St. John brothers and their wives were all dancing. Several other couples who frequented his bar were also dancing and having a good time.

Gray actually hadn’t seen the bride and groom for a while, though. Perhaps they’d already slipped out once the bouquet and the garter had been tossed. Most likely they’d been in a hurry to get to their honeymoon.

“I’m keeping my list to myself for now,” she replied.

Gray stared down into her blue eyes. She hadn’t brought up last night and he wasn’t about to, either. They hadn’t wanted things to change between them, but the tension had become palpable and he wasn’t sure how to erase it.

Eventually they would have to discuss what happened. Might as well be now, while he had her undivided attention. Maybe having everyone around would help ease the tension. If they were alone again and trying to talk, Gray wasn’t so sure he could prevent himself from touching her again. Touching her now was safe, smart.

“About last night—”

Kate’s eyes widened a fraction. “I need to find Tara,” she said, breaking from his hold. “We’ll talk later.”

And then she was gone, leaving him all alone with a slew of couples dancing around him. Gray fisted his hands at his sides. He hadn’t expected Kate to run. He hadn’t expected their night to scare her away. She’d always been comfortable with him.

But then he’d turned into the guy who had sex with his best friend on top of a bar.

Raking a hand through his hair, Gray left the dance floor and went back to what he could control. The alcohol and the servers. Right now, Kate was utterly out of his control. Perhaps they needed space. Maybe she needed a breather after what had happened.

One thing was certain, though. He’d had her only one time and he knew without a doubt he wanted more.

* * *

Kate sank onto the chaise in the seating area of the women’s restroom. She slid out of her heels and resisted the urge to moan. Between all the food she ate and dancing and the lack of sleep, she was ready for bed.

It was that whole lack of sleep—or the reason behind it—that had her escaping to the restroom to hide for a bit. She’d known Gray would bring up their situation, but their friend’s wedding was sure as hell not the place she wanted to hash things out.

She couldn’t think when he was holding her, because now that they’d been intimate, any type of touch triggered her memories...not that the images of last night had ever faded to the background. Would they ever?

Besides, Kate had no clue what she wanted to say anyway. Did she say thank you? Did she compliment him? Or did she broach the fact that she’d had her first taste of alcohol and it wasn’t that bad? What exactly did she lead in with after such an epic, mind-boggling night?

The bathroom door opened, but Kate kept her eyes in her lap, not wanting to face any guests.

“Who are we hiding from?”

So much for not facing anyone.

Kate glanced up to see Tara and Lucy holding the skirts of their gowns and coming in from the madness and noise outside. Once the door shut, her friends waited for her answer in silence.

“Tara—”

“Is it Bryan?” Lucy asked, rolling her eyes. “I swear, he and Noah are close, but I had no idea how annoying that man could be when presented with a single woman. Guess he thinks he has a chance with you.”

Kate blew out a sigh. If her only problem involved a man who was a complete goober and found her attractive, she’d be golden and certainly wouldn’t be hiding in the bathroom.

No, her issues came in the form of a six-foot-four-inch bar owner who could make her tingle just from the slightest brush of his fingertips.

“This isn’t about Bryan. I’m just taking a breather,” she told them, which was the absolute truth.

Lucy gathered the full skirt of her wedding dress and flopped next to Kate on the chaise. Tara crossed and sat in the floral armchair.

“I told you something was up,” Tara stated, looking at Lucy.

“This is her wedding day.” Kate glared at her friend. “You told her you thought something was up with me when she should be focusing on how quickly she and Noah can get out of here and head to their honeymoon?”

Tara’s eyes widened as she shrugged. “We’re friends. She can go have sex with Noah whenever. I need to know what’s going on with you and Gray.”

“Are you two arguing again?” Lucy asked. “I swear, you’re like an old married couple, just without the sex.”

Kate nearly choked on the gasp that lodged in her throat. Fortunately, she recovered before giving herself away. She was nowhere near ready to spill her secret. Her friends would be completely shocked if they learned she’d had sex with Gray. Kate was still reeling from the fact herself.

“What? No, we’re not arguing.” They couldn’t argue when she was running away and dodging the issue. “Why would you think that?”

“Because you two were dancing, then you rushed out in the middle of the song.”

Kate stared at Tara. “I didn’t see you on the dance floor.”

“I wasn’t there. I was getting Marley another plate of fruit and dip when you scurried by,” Tara explained. She pinned her with those bright eyes. “I’d assumed you were running from Bryan, but I saw Gray’s face as he watched you.”

Oh, no. Damn it. Kate didn’t want to ask what emotions Tara had seen on his face, what feelings he’d been unable to mask. She honestly had no clue what he was feeling because he’d been so good at keeping that to himself since last night.

Of course, if she’d waited to hear what he had to say, maybe she’d be better in tune with what was happening in his mind.

“He stepped in and saved me from Bryan. You know how Gray is,” Kate explained, smoothing down her chiffon-overlay skirt. She had to convince them there was nothing more than what was on the surface. “We just danced a few minutes until Bryan was gone. That’s all.”

Silence filled the room, which was good because the door opened again and an elderly lady came in. Kate didn’t know her, but she’d seen her on the groom’s side during the ceremony. Considering Noah wasn’t from here, it would make sense that there were guests Kate didn’t know.

“Would you go back out to your husband?” Kate hissed. “I’m just taking a break from those killer heels. Nothing is wrong.”

Lucy took Kate’s hand and squeezed. “Promise?”

“Of course.” Kate nodded. “Go on.”

Lucy finally got up and left. Once the other guest left as well, Kate was alone with Tara and her questioning gaze.

“What?” Kate demanded. “Can’t a girl just take a break?”

“Lucy can and I can, but not you.” Tara crossed her legs and leaned back in the seat. “You are always on the go, always planning the next thing, and I’ve never seen you relax. So what’s really going on? And don’t lie. I’m done with lies.”

Kate swallowed a lump of guilt. Tara had been dealt too much lately, but there were just some things Kate wasn’t about to share. That was not a reflection of their friendship. She’d tell her and Lucy...someday.

“Not now, okay?”

Tara’s curiosity quickly turned to concern. “Promise me you’ll come to us if you need anything. I know what it’s like to be lost in your own thoughts and worry what to do next.”

True story. Tara and Sam were going through hell all while trying to keep their daughter out of the fires.

“Same goes.” Kate reached over and took her friend’s hand. “Sam looked like he was doing really well.”

Tara nodded. “He is. He left me a note on my windshield this morning.”

How could anyone not find Sam and his handwritten notes simply heart-melting? He’d done that when they’d been married and since their split, he continued to leave her notes. Tara always mentioned them and Kate wondered what it would be like to have a man who cared that much.

The man was a hopeless romantic who’d just made some bad choices. Kate didn’t blame Tara for being cautious, though. Some obstacles were just too great to overcome.

“We should get back out there.” Kate came to her feet and stared down at her heels. “If I ever get married, we’re all going barefoot.”

Tara laughed as she stood up. “Deal.”

Kate had pushed marriage thoughts out of her head long ago when her engagement ended. The whole ordeal had left her a bit jaded, but seeing Noah and Lucy come together after they’d both experienced such devastation in their lives gave Kate hope. She wanted to marry one day, to have a husband who loved her, start a family and live in the picturesque mountains of Tennessee.

One day, she vowed. But first she was going to have to figure out how to get back on that friendship ground with Gray. Every time she thought of him now, she only remembered him tearing off her underwear and climbing up on that bar to get to her.

And her body heated all over again. She had a feeling the line they’d crossed had been erased. There was nowhere for them to go that was familiar and comfortable because they were both in unknown territory.

Chapter Five

Gray slid another tray of glasses beneath the bar. For the past five days he’d gone about his business and mundane, day-to-day activities. This wasn’t the first time, and wouldn’t be the last, that he couldn’t shake the void inside him. Something was missing, had been for quite some time, but he’d never been able to quite place it.

His father always said it was a wife and children, but Gray didn’t believe that. He wasn’t looking to settle down and worry about feeding a relationship. His parents had been completely in love up until his mother’s death when Gray had been five. He’d seen how the loss had affected his father, seen how the man had mourned for decades. Gray didn’t want to subject himself to that type of pain.

Besides, he’d never found anyone who would make him even think about marriage.

He’d been hand-delivered this bar when he’d come home from the army, just like his father before him. Gray’s grandfather, Ewan Gallagher, had opened the doors when he’d retired from the army after World War II. Right after that, he’d married the love of his life and started a family. Same with Gray’s father, Reece.

They’d both had a plan and been the happiest men Gray had ever known. Not that Gray wasn’t happy. He knew how fortunate he was to have served his country and come home to a business with deep familial roots and heritage. Some men never came home, and some guys who did weren’t even close to the men they’d been before they were deployed.

But beyond all of that, something inside him felt empty. The void that accompanied him every single day had settled in deep and he had no clue how to rid himself of it.

Gray pushed those thoughts aside and headed to the back office. He needed to get his payroll done before they opened this afternoon.

He sank into his worn leather office chair and blew out a sigh. He couldn’t even lie to himself. It wasn’t just the monotonous life he led that had him in a pissy mood. He hadn’t seen Kate once since she’d deserted him on the dance floor.

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