From Best Friend To Daddy

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 HarperCollins Publishers 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.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

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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.