Page 120 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“Do you talk about Carter in these?”

“Yes.”

He looked at me, confused. “Jo, I’m not sure I want to know those parts.”

“What parts?”

“About you and Carter. I mean, I understand, because you thought I was dead and you have needs and Carter’s a good-looking man and...”

“Whoa, hold on there. Nick, I’ve never… we’ve never… Carter’s just a friend. You’re the only man I’ve ever been with.”

“What?”

“Why does that surprise you?”

“He’s not with Molly.”

“So? He’s a good friend.”

“So you two have been living in his house as friends?”

“Yes. I couldn’t move on after they told me about you. Believe me, I tried, but your home reminded me of you, and I couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t breathe when each time I looked around, I saw a memory of you; of us. Knowing that you were gone and would never come back hurt me every minute I was there. I broke down after the first year and moved in with Carter.”

“And you two have never—”

I shook my head. He breathed out in relief and rested his hands on the chair in front of him. “Thank God.”

I tried to put myself in Nick’s shoes, wondering how I’d feel if he moved in with another woman, even if she were my best friend. I didn’t think I’d like the idea.

“Anyways, I’ll leave these here for you.” My voice shook. “I should go. Mackenzie’s been cleaning her room for two days now, and I promised her we’d make a special cake for tomorrow.”

He let go of the chair, stepped closer, and took me by my hips. The heat of his touch seared through my dress, and more beads of sweat instantly formed on my spine, slowly trickling down. I didn’t expect him to be holding me for this long. I wanted him to, but I didn’t think he would. Heck, I hadn’t expected him to touch me like this at all. Now that he had, I couldn’t pull away.

“Join me for dinner,” he pleaded, his voice deeper than before and full of need; or maybe it was just me.

“They’re expecting me back.” That was a lie, of course. I’d already told Carter that I might be out for a while. He’d wanted to high five me, but I refused, once again denying to myself the real reason for coming over.

“Then call Carter. We have a lot to catch up on. He’ll understand.”

I removed my phone from my purse and texted Carter that we might need to postpone the cake baking until tomorrow morning. He replied immediately with three kiss emojis plus a thumbs up, and I turned the volume on my phone off. Knowing Carter, he’d be teasing me for the next few hours.

“You cooked?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m starving.”

His tone made the goosebumps on my arms dance. I shook them off, feeling that it was too early to give my body what it wanted – and it definitely wanted it all. It wanted him like a thirsty survivor who’d crossed the Sahara.

“Have a seat, Jo. Let’s talk over dinner.” He pulled out a chair for me. I took my seat, feeling his gaze on me the whole time. Nick took a tray of baby baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, and chicken breast out of the oven. It looked like the food had been waiting there for this specific moment, as if he’d been expecting me to come over this evening.

“You cooked for an army.”

“Well, I was hoping I’d have company over; I just didn’t realize it would take you two full days to stop by.” His voice was teasing and flirtatious.

“I wanted to drop by yesterday, but I didn’t know if I should.”

“I’m glad you’re here. Wine?” he asked.

I nodded. Some alcohol right now would definitely ease my nerves. I downed half a glass in a few swift gulps and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. Nick appeared amused.

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