Page 72 of Dreaming of You

"What's up?"

"I just want you to know that you better do right by her. She's one in a million—make that a billion."

"I know," he said, meeting her gaze.

"Don't forget it. Or you'll have to answer to all of us."

"Kate is lucky to have you all."

"We're lucky to have her. She always goes above and beyond, and I'm not just talking about the parties or the weddings; it's everything else. She's the first person who calls when you're sick. She'll drop everything and rush to your side if you have a flat tire or need a ride or just someone to talk to. Kate has been the glue that's held us all together. She's the one who made us into not just friends, but sisters—family. She's really important to all of us. And maybe I'm overstepping here but watching the two of you together tonight—it makes me happy and nervous. Kate doesn't give her heart easily. If she's giving it to you, I just don't want you to break it."

"I don't want that, either," he said, feeling a heavy weight in his gut. He didn't want to hurt Kate, but there was a good chance that’s exactly what would happen.

"Maggie and Barrett," Andrea said, coming into the room. "Liz and Michael are waiting to say good-bye. Is everything okay?"

"Perfect. We were just chatting," Maggie said. "Shall we go?"

"After you," he told her.

* * *

After saying good-bye to everyone and cleaning up the party supplies, Kate and Barrett got back into her car. As she started the engine, she said, "Well, what did you think? Too corny for you?"

"Just corny enough," he said lightly.

As she drove toward his house, the silence between them lengthened, and she started to feel a little nervous. Everything had been going so well up until now. Her friends had loved Barrett. He'd fit in as if he'd known them for years, and he'd completely let go and participated in all the silly games with a willing energy. She'd been really impressed by that. There had been no sign of his cynical self.

And the kiss they'd shared after their Vertigo battle had been hotter than all the others.

But since then he'd been a little quiet. He also hadn't come back from the arcade right away. Neither had Maggie.

Frowning, she glanced over at him. "Barrett, did Maggie say something to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"After she caught us kissing, did she say something?"

He hesitated, then said, "She told me I better not hurt you."

"I'm sorry. She shouldn't have said that. She's assuming things that aren't true."

"I don't think she was doing that," he said quietly. "In fact, I think she was right."

She licked her lips, not liking his tone. "Right about what?"

"That you deserve someone amazing, someone who can give you the life you deserve." He turned his head, facing her with a somewhat grim look in his eyes. "I don't think that's me."

Her chest tightened as her breath got caught in her throat. She was so surprised by his words, she almost missed the stop sign. She slammed on the brakes, throwing them both a little forward.

"Sorry," she apologized again.

She drove through the intersection, then pulled over in front of his building.

"You can just block the driveway," he told her.

She did as he suggested and put the car in park, then turned toward him. "Barrett, you don't have to worry about hurting me. I'm a big girl; I can take care of myself."

He met her gaze. "You know where I stand, Kate. I don't see marriage in my future, and I know you do."

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