Page 86 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“Oh, Carter!” I lowered my head to the table.

“I thought it was bad after it slipped out, but I got nervous, okay? I just can’t find a way to talk to her without screwing it up.”

“I think you’re just trying too hard. If there’s anything I know, it’s that Molly likes you. You’ll get it one day, and when she realizes that you’re the only one for her, she’ll make you as happy as Jo makes me.” Nick leaned in and kissed me on my shoulder.

“You know, I’m really going to miss you when you’re gone. I could use you as my wingman.”

“Hey, I could be your wingwoman,” I said.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t really matter, does it? She’s going back to school in a month.”

“Which will give you some time to work on those gentleman skills. You can practice on me. Right, Nick?”

Nick paused for a moment before he connected his gaze with Carter’s. “Yeah, he can practice, as long as he doesn’t touch you.”

“Of course not. Carter’s a friend.”

“I was your friend once.”

I was flattered that Nick was so possessive and jealous, but he had no reason to be.

“Okay, given that I’m leaving soon, I think I owe you. Watch and learn.” Nick stood up and walked toward the table where Molly was standing.

“Looks like I’m not going to be the only one without a shirt soon,” Carter gloated, and moved around the table to sit beside me for a better view.

“Nick’s a gentleman. I’m sure he can handle himself,” I said with pride.

The two of them were having a conversation now. Molly was smiling and even laughing a little, and then she blushed before peeking our way; at Carter, more specifically. She curled a lock of hair around her finger and bit her lip, nodding, before the two of them came our way.

“No way,” Carter whispered.

“Told you,” I gloated.

“I’m sorry about the water. If you’d like, I have an extra shirt in my car.”

I nudged Carter with my elbow because he was sitting awestruck, with his mouth open.

“Uh, yeah, thanks. I’d like that.”

He got up and followed Molly to the parking area. I was almost as awestruck as Carter.

“What did you say to her?”

“I told her the truth. That he liked her, got nervous around her, and ended up saying the wrong things.”

“And that worked?”

“I took a chance. She could have said that it was too bad, but I think she likes him as well.”

“That’s good.” I got up from behind the table. Feeling a little lightheaded, I hugged Nick, using his body as support. I didn’t want him worried that I wasn’t eating enough. “You make me so proud.”

“Thanks, Jo. You make me proud as well. I’m glad Carter will have you when I’m gone. Someone needs to keep him in line, so he doesn’t get into trouble when Molly’s away at school.”

“I’ll try to put in a good word for him as well. She’d keep him in line.”

“All the single ladies, please come forward. It’s time to catch the bouquet!” Mrs. Gladstone yelled at the top of her lungs. She was used to calling out to her cows, and I chuckled when she used the same tone of voice when she called out “all the single ladies,” like they were her cows.

“Are you going?”

---