Page 90 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“There’s more than one aspect to her personality.” I noticed how the sun shone off my engagement ring, reflecting the light, at the right angle spreading a prism of colors onto my finger. “Like facets of a jewel.”

“A jewel?”

“Different cuts shine when the light turns, but it’s still the same stone. Molly’s light shines at a different angle, that’s all. It’s the same way some people think you’re a jerk, but I know that you’re a very kind man.”

“What?”

“Well, your mouth does get away from you sometimes, but I know that it’s always with good intentions, because there’s much more to you than your smart mouth. You’re a special kind of jewel, Carter.”

“Thanks, Jo.” Carter scrunched his brows as if he were in deep thought. I hated to see him doubt himself so much.

“You do like her, don’t you?”

“I’m actually surprised how much I like her. I mean, like a lot, and I never thought we would mesh well together.”

“Good, then give it some time; go out on few more dates; be a gentleman. I remember you telling me that you date to get to know someone better because you can’t stop thinking about them day and night. Give Molly a chance. Let her open up to you, and woo her.”

Betsy let out a loud moo.

“I didn’t say moo, Betsy. I said woo.”

“She can’t understand you.”

“Sure she can. Watch this. Betsy, can you moo?”

Mooooo!

“See? Anyway, if you want, I’ll help you with Molly.”

“Well, it will have to wait until she’s back next summer because she’s book shopping and packing this week.”

“All right, then you should definitely ask her out to dinner before she leaves. No expectations, Carter. Just sit back, relax, and talk. And definitely no bull riding.”

“So, do I have to buy flowers, open her door, and pull out her chair and all?”

“Carter, do we even live in the same town? Of course you do. Please tell me that’s what you’ve been doing. And no jeans.”

“What’s wrong with jeans?”

“They don’t say gentleman.”

“Not the way I wear them. They show off my package. Daisy liked it.”

“Not all women are the same! Besides, you don’t need to be drawing any extra attention to your crotch.”

“Are you drawn to my crotch?”

“Any woman with a pair of eyes always looks that way to see if anything is outlined. It’s like a law. But with Molly, you need to tone it down.”

We reached Betsy’s gate, which was wide open. I led her through and scratched her behind her right ear, and she mooed in appreciation.

“Now, promise her you’ll stop by every morning,” I said.

“I promise, Betsy. After Molly leaves, you’re my number one girl from now on.”

“Hey!”

“I’m kidding. You’re not gonna lick me like she did, are you?”

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