Page 27 of Fractured

Nick: I meant dancing, Ms. Kelly. I thought you liked to dance. Why do I feel like your mind is in the gutter?

9:18 p.m.

Katarina Kelly

Kat: Are you going to dance with me?

Hell. I stepped in that one. I hate dancing. But if that will make this girl warm up to me, I’ll

consider it. Although, I’m not sure how well I could control myself being that close to her

9:25 p.m.

Nick: For you, Ms. Kelly, I would.

9:30 p.m.

Katarina Kelly

Kat: Well, Dr. Barnes, I look forward to it. Now I’ve got to run and put these kids to bed. Sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams indeed. I take another pull from my lager and imagine that tight little body

swaying against me as she had in the club all those nights ago. If I can’t relive the hot sex against the tree behind the club, I can at least re-enact her dancing against me. I think back to that night of unbridled ecstasy. The night she ran away and never looked back. The night that remains unmentioned, like she’s either unimpressed or embarrassed it happened. Do I bring it up? The last time I mentioned the tree incident, she almost seemed confused. Like she didn’t have the first clue what I was talking about. This girl is still such a mystery. Hopefully, one that gets a little clearer on Hallows eve.

Chapter Eight

Kat

Hell yeah. Saturday!I love a Saturday off, much less one with a great party. I stretch as I open my eyes to the morning light. It felt like today would never get here. I worked three days in a row this week to have the weekend off. Doesn’t sound like a lot unless you work in an ER and realize working three fourteen-hour days in a row is both mentally and physically exhausting. I only needed one Benadryl last night as I was so tired. I might have gotten to sleep without any, but I didn’t want to risk waking after three or four hours and not getting back to sleep. I want to enjoy this evening. Jake and Melanie’s Halloween parties are infamous, but now that I know Nick will be there… it just got a whole lot more exciting.

I stand and make my way to the coffee pot, trying to jumpstart my day. Once I get to Melanie’s, I know I’ll be her bitch. She’s very particular about how she likes things, and I’m happy to oblige. Heck, I’ll get great food, drinks, and dancing out of the deal, so I can’t complain.Dancing… dancing with Nick Barnes. Now, this could get dangerous. I walk toward the bathroom to grab a shower and try not to contemplate how incredible dancing with Nick pressed against me might feel.I will not touch myself.

Deciding to keep my focus on getting ready and not getting off, I put on a little Post Malone while I shower.Just focus on the music, Kat.Making quick work of my morning routine, I throw on jeans and a long-sleeved pullover and fill my travel mug with coffee. Grabbing a duffle bag, I throw in some things I might need for later since I may end up spending the night depending on my alcohol intake. My costume and accessories are already at Mel’s.

As I start the ignition and back out of the drive, I contemplate the chaos that will ensue upon my arrival. There’s no need to call ahead, as I’m sure Melanie will be knee-deep in to-do lists and last-minute errands. I’ll find a way to help with whatever she needs once I arrive.

“Thank God you’re here,” Mel greets, grabbing my arm and tugging me inside. It’s like this every year. Every year she worries she’ll never get it all done, and every year it’s a phenomenal success.

“I’m here. Just keep the coffee flowing, and I’m at your beck and call.” I salute.

“Okay, well, the list is on the kitchen island. I’m going to send Jake for all of the alcohol and supplies. Can you walk through the backyard and help me plan how to set up?”

I laugh to myself because there’ll be no helping her plan. This is her ship, I’m just an obedient steward. “Sure, Mel. Just point where you want me and what you want me to do.”

As we enter the backyard, there are rows upon rows of lights draped down the sides of the fence, separating their yard from the neighbors. Additionally, she has lights placed at the base of each of the large evergreen trees dotting the periphery of her yard. “Mel, I don’t think I can…”

“Oh no, don’t worry about that. The guys from Huggie’s station are hanging all of those.”

“Shew, I…” I stop abruptly, feeling a bit sick to my stomach. “Mel?”

“God, Kat, what’s wrong? You look pale all of a sudden.”

“Did you guys invite Mark? I mean, I don’t want any trouble with the group on my account, but I hadn’t even considered he might be here.”

“No. We didn’t specifically invite him, but we didn’t tell him he couldn’t come either. You’re right. It’s kind of a tricky situation until we get all of this stuff ironed out. I don’t think from talking to Jake that any of the guys know there’s an issue with the two of you. Hopefully, we’ll get lucky, and his crew is on duty tonight.”

“God, I hope so. I’ve really been looking forward to this. Plus, I told him I wasn’t in a place to be dating. So, I wouldn’t exactly be able to let loose with Nick if he was here.”

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