Page 46 of Right in Front of You

“I was having coffee.”

“At two?”

“I finished my shift not long ago. I wasn’t tired.”

“Oh, well, you should probably be careful. You don’t know what creeps walk up and down those fire escapes.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. You used to be different. More fun and less uptight,” I said.

“You mean before Daisy died?” he asked, looking around the room and focusing on my burning vanilla candles.

“Yeah, I mean, you used to talk to me like a normal human being. And now you’re all about those one liners.” I sat on the couch across from him, acutely aware that the nightgown underneath my robe would ride up.

“I’m sorry, but you make it difficult to concentrate.” His eyes wandered over my legs, and I couldn’t help but admire the way he sat, with his knees apart and jeans cutting into his crotch, securing him to one side.

“What do you mean?” I baited.

“You’re gorgeous, smart, strong, and… unattainable.”

My cheeks heated at his compliments. I wasn’t sure what he meant by unattainable, but given the room was getting muggier with each passing minute, my thoughts were beginning to fog. Carter stood up from the chair, paced around the table, and sat down beside me. His warm thigh touched mine, and I flinched.

“And you should really put these candles out. Number one reason for house fires.”

I leaned over the table and blew a breath over the flicker. That seemed to ease Carter’s nerves.

“Carter, why are you here?” My throat was dry and my voice hoarse. His full lips looked inviting, and I wondered what they’d taste like. Would they be soft or more demanding? Would I not want to pull away when he kissed me? Would he hold me and touch me? This apartment felt like it didn’t have enough air for the two of us. What I really needed, was a drink — except I didn’t drink.

He took my hand into his.

“I shouldn’t have believed you that day. I should have trusted in you.”

“Carter, please—”

“I know you asked me not to mention it ever again, and I haven’t; well, except to Jo. She knows. I’m sorry.”

My best friend was the least of my worries – I was more concerned about Carter and how he’d handled the truth.

“It was him, wasn’t it? Your father.”

I nodded, saying, “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.”

“Of course it matters. He’s been ruining your life ever since I can remember. He needs to be punished.”

“He needs to be forgotten. That’s what I want, Carter. I want him forgotten. He’s not in my life anymore. I made sure of that.”

“Is that what you want me to do?” His palm was still covering mine when he looked up from underneath his thick dark lashes that perfectly outlined his light brown eyes.

“Yes, please. I need a fresh start. So do you.”

“All right. Speaking of fresh starts, Molly, I wanted to ask if you would like to join me for—”

A clatter of broken glass sounded from the bathroom.

Shit! a male voice echoed.

“Is someone here?” he asked.

“Yes.”

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