Page 62 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“Sure, that works. And if you ever have a car that needs fixing, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks. I do.”

There was that silence again. It was weird. I’d never been in a situation with Carter where I didn’t know what to say or what to do, but maybe that was because I’d never technically been alone with him, or at least, not since we’d almost gotten lost in the woods on our high school camping trip and he’d kissed me. The memory sent some heat to my cheeks.

“What are you thinking?” he asked. “Your cheeks are bright red.”

“I don’t know why, but I’m remembering our camping trip.”

“Yeah, that was a blast, wasn’t it? Until we had to send out a search party for you and Nick.”

“Actually, I was thinking about how I’ve never really gotten to spend time with just you. You know, as friends and all.” Why was my voice shaking? If Carter heard it, he didn’t say anything. “Not since we went to gather wood in the forest.”

“Oh. Yeah, I’m sorry about the kiss. I shouldn’t have done that without your permission.”

“It’s okay. We were kids. And I didn’t make it easy on anyone, given how confused I was about my own friendship with Nick.”

“So you were thinking about that kiss?”

“Sort of.”

“You’re a good kisser, Jo.”

I laughed before taking a sip of my lemonade. Was there an appropriate response to such a compliment? “And you’re a smooth talker, as always.”

“Hey, it’s a talent I’m not willing to part with.”

“So, what happened to the firefighter dream?” I asked. “I really thought you’d be good at it.”

“It’s still a dream, but I need some time. I want my mind clear when I work. You’re dealing with people’s lives, I and that’s something I don’t take lightly. So I want to wait until I know I’m ready. And I’m nowhere near ready yet. That’s why the mechanic side business for now.” He reached forward and wiped what I assumed was frosting from the corner of my mouth. I stilled and watched him suck it off his thumb.

What were we talking about?Oh, firefighting!

I licked my lips, staring abnormally at his, wondering whether he still kissed the same way he had that day. Guilt swept through my mind, and I shook the thought away.

“Well, when you’re ready, I’m sure you’d be a great asset to the firehouse.”

“That’s what Captain Clark says. I just don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

“Carter, he’s your father. There’s no way you could ever disappoint him.”

But my words of encouragement didn’t seem to be getting through.

“You’re strong and dependable. I know that once you commit, you won’t back out, and you’ll make everyone in that firehouse proud.”

He finally grinned. “Thanks. Nick is one lucky man to have you. If I were him, I’d never let you out of my sight.”

I bit my lip, unsure what to say, because secretly I’d always wished that Nick hadn’t left.

“My life means nothing without him. I’m sorry. With Daisy gone, it must be difficult hearing things like that.”

“I won’t say it’s not, because it is, but you’re both my friends, and I’m very happy for you guys.”

“Have you thought about finding someone else to share your life with? I mean, I don’t know if it’s too soon or if there’s a standard time frame to move on, but you’ll move on one day, won’t you? You’re a handsome man, and I’m sure there are girls in this town and a couple of towns over as well who’d be lucky to have you.”

Was there a protocol one was expected to follow when they lost their loved one?

“Thanks. I’m happy on my own for now because I can’t picture anyone else other than Daisy at my side. And I don’t want to replace her. I want to hold on to her for as long as possible. I can’t believe I’m even talking to you about her. I mean, I haven’t talked to anyone about her since that day.”

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