Free Campaigning for Love by K.D. Fleming Page A

Kat, to make sure she arrives on time,” he promised, without taking his eyes off her. “You don’t mind riding with me, do you?”
    “Don’t put yourself out on my account. I’m more than able to drive myself.”
    He leaned forward. “That’s okay. I don’t mind. Besides, it’ll free up a parking space.” His eyes twinkled with laughter in answer to her glare.
    The judge missed the undercurrent, or maybe not, because he gave his hearty approval. “That’s an excellent idea. Katherine, you’ll ride with Nick.”
    “Fine. Who wants dessert?” She rose from the table, tossed her napkin over her plate and stalked toward the kitchen.
    She returned with a dish of fluffy white filling topped with a bright red sauce loaded with berries and set it in the middle of the table. “There’s some spaghetti sauce in the kitchen. I could drizzle some over your piece.” She threw him an impish smile.
    “Don’t you dare. I’ll take a serving just like it is.”
    “It might taste terrible.”
    “No. Sometimes a man knows with one look when something’s perfect.” His gaze locked with hers.
    Her hand wobbled when she handed him a plate loaded with a generous serving. With his first bite, his eyes slid closed and he moaned in pleasure.
    “If you’re this crazy about food, you need to either take cooking lessons or marry a chef.”
    “Why are you so ready to push me down the aisle?”
    “You said you were looking for a partner. I’m trying to help you in your search.”

Chapter 6
    O n Sunday morning, Katherine followed the judge and Nick through the atrium and into the sanctuary of Grace Community Church. The judge claimed the aisle seat and waited for Nick and her to settle into their seats. She scooted down until there was enough room for two people to sit between her and Nick.
    The judge leaned forward with a frown. He cleared his throat and motioned for her with a crook of his finger. “Katherine, dear, I forgot my bulletin. Would you mind getting me one?”
    What could she say? They were in church. Never mind that the old fox was trying to outmaneuver her. She stood and slid past Nick and him as she exited the pew. When she came back with the requested bulletin, an older couple had taken her spot. The only available space was between Nick and the judge.
    As she slid back into the pew, the toe of her shoe tapped the judge’s shin. He grunted and looked up. When their eyes met, his twinkled. She mumbled what wouldn’t pass for an apology if he heard it.
    She sat through the service caught between Nick and the judge as if they were bookends holding her in place. The judge shifted, forcing her to readjust her position closer to Nick. Her muscles screamed from holding herself rigid throughout the service. She didn’t want to chance prolonged contact with Nick. To block out the scent of his woodsy aftershave, she focused on Pastor Jeremy Walker’s sermon.
    He reminded them of God’s love and the importance of men forgiving their brothers, the way Christ forgave us, and tossed our past sins into the sea of forgetfulness.
    Her spirit always felt lighter after one of Jeremy’s sermons. But today, his words weighed heavy on her heart. It wasn’t easy to forgive and forget. She knew that. She hadn’t considered forgiving Nick and his father. She just wanted to forget them.
    Nick shifted in his seat, reminding her of his presence and the brutal reality that she couldn’t run from her past. She had to face it, and him, before she could move on. She closed her eyes and prayed for God’s guidance in how to do that.
    After the service, Jeremy stood at the main entrance. Katherine and the judge moved forward, but Nick lagged behind.
    The judge pumped Jeremy’s outstretched hand in a firm handshake. “I enjoyed your sermon. It’s good to remind us how important it is to forget the past so we’re free to embrace the future.”
    Jeremy looked at Katherine. The smile on his face reached his eyes when he embraced her.