Right in Front of You: (A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance)

by Lacey Silks

  I pulled back, looking at him in awe. I never realized that Carter was this interested in my life. This bath was beginning to feel more like a date than a simple wash. And the intimate questions, well, I was pretty sure that those were uncommon between friends.

  “Do you?” I turned the question to him.

  “Do I what?”

  “Like to cuddle?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s been so long since I cuddled… actually, I don’t really remember the last time I did.”

  “Daisy?” I asked gently, and he nodded.

  “Can I ask you a question?” I stopped scrubbing, wondering whether it was too early to pose such questions.

  “Of course.” He turned in the tub to look me in the eyes.

  “Does it ever get easier? You know, after you’ve gone through something so traumatic.”

  I’d seen his pain on many occasions. It had faded over time, but I was sure that deep in his heart, he’d always feel a loss.

  “I’m not sure if it gets easier or not, but you do learn how to cope. And it helps when you have friends who care and support you. You know as well as I do that I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you. I would have frozen to death or died of hypothermia, at least.”

  “I just did what anyone else would have.”

  I remembered those cold winter days so clearly that it still hurt when I thought about how close he’d come to dying.

  “That’s not true and you know it. If you hadn’t taken me into your parents’ house, I would have been a permanent resident at the cemetery.”

  I paused, feeling goosebumps covering my arms.

  “Well, be that as it may, I’m glad you’re here today.”

  “So am I, Molly. So am I.”

  I finished scrubbing.

  “So, you’re totally closed off to dating?” he asked.

  “Carter…”

  “Please don’t say anything and listen.” He turned my way again, this time shifting with his legs as well. The water swooshed around him, nearly spilling over the tub, forcing some of the suds that had been covering him up till now to the side. Oh, this was bad. Very, very bad. The bubbles almost disappeared around his navel, and I held my breath, praying that nothing else would float up.

  “I’ve been a jerk in the past. I know that, and I won’t ever stop apologizing, but the timing—”

  “I understand. Believe me, I do.”

  “I’m going to try to do this the right way, Molly. I don’t care about the past. All I know is that I’m happy when I’m with you. I know you, but would like to get to know you even more. Would you go out on a date with me? Like a real one, not at your apartment, but where I can feel like a man and treat you the way you deserve to be treated?”

  My heart was beating so fast that I was sure it would explode.

  “A date?”

  “Haven’t you ever been on a date? I’ve seen some of the doctors at the hospital. They’re hot.”

  “Ahm, sure,” I lied. I wasn’t about to admit that at twenty-five, I’d never been on a date before. Not because I hadn’t been asked. I’d been asked plenty, but I’d never had the courage to say yes.

  “So, what will it be?”

  Well, I had two options here. Either agree to the date and finish this bath before any more of him peeked out, or break his heart by trying to explain to him all the reasons why I wouldn’t go out with him, while finishing the bath.

  “I will go out on a date with you.”

  “Really?”

  His smile stretched wide, forcing that dimple on his right cheek deeper into its groove. My heart jumped again as his grin remained on his face.

  “Yes, really. But only if you don’t make any fuss tonight.”

  “What’s tonight?”

  “A surprise. And you need to wash the rest of you.” I pointed to his crotch without looking down. “And I’m sure you don’t need my assistance with that.”

  “Hmm, I don’t know. Can you help?” he winked.

  I threw the sponge at him. The splash bounced drops back onto my shirt.

  “I’ll be in the living room. Holler if you need anything else besides washing your dick.” I winked, waited for that moment of surprise on his face, and left, calling behind me, “And I like my coffee black.”

  Outside the bathroom, I leaned back against the door and slid down to the floor. The water splashed around some more, and I imagined Carter washing himself. Oh, having Carter back in my life was definitely out of my comfort zone.

  Why had I just agreed to a date? Why was I encouraging him?

  You’re so stupid, Molly.

  I was afraid I was beginning to cross boundaries I’d promised myself not to, and that was scary. But not as scary as living with the truth that I’d always be alone. And so I smiled. Maybe this would be a new chapter in my life. One with possibly a happy ending?

  CARTER

  I refused to have Molly wheel me around town as if I were an old man, which infuriated her.

  “Why don’t you let me help?”

  “You do help. More than enough. But if I can do something on my own, I want to.”

  “You’re going to push yourself too far too quickly.”

  “Nah.” I waved my hand. “Impossible.”

  “Says a fireman who thought he was invincible and walked into a burning building in a t-shirt and shorts.”

  “Mackenzie—”

  “I know. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t change the fact that you need to accept help when it’s offered.”

  “How about I ask you to help me undress later on?” I wiggled my brow as she laughed and shook her head.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Molly asked, when the taxi pulled up to the curb. I gave her a nod of reassurance and opened the door for her. It felt so good to do something normal, like open the door for a beautiful woman.

  This was the first time she’d seen me on crutches. I’d been practicing walking everyday while she was at work, but given the mixture of surprise and concern on her face, Molly had no clue how hard I’d been working behind her back just to see that pure look of joy when she saw me reach a goal for the first time.

  We sat inside the cab and she read the address to the driver. Since I was new in town, that meant nothing to me. Molly grinned, knowing very well that I was itching to find out where we were going.

  “Patience is a virtue.” Her soft whisper wiped the frown off my face. The way her eyes were glowing with happiness, I could never be upset with her, about anything.

  The ride lasted ten minutes before we pulled up to a curb by a restaurant.

  “Is this where we’re going?” I asked.

  Molly first slipped out of the cab and removed my crutches from the trunk. I turned in the seat and stood up all on my own. She smiled with pride, then looked up to the top of the building where the restaurant’s name, Spiced Grill, was spelled out in rusted metal letters hanging above the entrance. “I haven’t been here in a while, but the food is delicious. And they don’t have mechanical bulls.”

  I chuckled.

  “I didn’t think you’d be making a move on me so soon, Molly, because you know what they say – the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Resting my weight on the crutches, I patted my belly.

  She laughed. I loved the sound of Molly’s laugh. I always had, especially when it was so heartfelt. “You didn’t think we were going for a hike, did you?”

  “You never know. I mean, I’ve heard you like to be adventurous.”

  “Oh, yeah? From who?”

  “How about I hold onto that secret for a while longer?”

  “Now I want to know what you’re thinking that much more.”

  “I’ll tell you, but only if you promise to fulfill that same adventure with me.”

  Molly got that priceless look on her face as she dug through her memories, but it didn’t seem that she knew what I was talking about.

  “Hmm, that sounds dangerous, but I haven�
��t done that many dangerous things in life, so… okay, I’ll bite.”

  “All right. Remember the time you suggested going skinny-dipping with Jo and Daisy after Nick left? You will go skinny dipping with me.”

  “Jo told you that?”

  “Was it a lie?”

  Her cheeks flushed red. “No, it wasn’t. It was my idea… but that was long ago.” She waved her hand, probably hoping that I’d forget. I’d never forget the way she stayed underneath the surface, barely covering her perky breasts. Even though I’d been with Daisy, I was still a boy who was curious about a woman’s body, and Molly’s was definitely developed by then.

  “Sorry, but you’re not getting out of a promise.”

  She sighed and winked. “Why don’t we first see how you manage over the next few weeks with your wounds before you venture into a bacteria-infested lake?”

  If she was trying to scare me, it wouldn’t work. I moved in closer. “One way or another, I’m getting you naked in that lake,” I whispered. I saw her skin pepper with goosebumps, which elated me beyond reason.

  She held my arm so that I could still use my crutches, and we headed for the front door. The left leg was killing me, but not as much as the torso. Though having this lady under my arm was totally worth the pain a million times over.

  With my best efforts, we went inside the rustic, family-oriented restaurant. For a moment, I wondered whether Molly was taking me out on a date without telling me. That would have sucked, because if there was anyone who would be doing the taking out, it would be me. After all, she had agreed to a date earlier in the day. I hoped this wasn’t it because what I had planned would blow her socks off – and I definitely wanted her socks blown off.

  “Is this the surprise you were talking about? Us having dinner?” I asked.

  “You think I’m taking you out on a date?”

  “How can I not?”

  “Well, it’s not a date, and the surprise is around the corner.”

  We walked between a few tables before turning to the right. As soon as I saw two heads full of gray hair, I felt my energy skyrocket.

  “Mom?”

  My mother ran to me, almost knocking me down. “I’m so sorry we were away when you were released,” she cried into my shoulder. I let go of the crutches, which fell to the floor, and lifted her up in the air.

  “Carter, you shouldn’t,” Molly cautioned, and when I felt a slight pull at the side I set my mother down.

  “I’m good, I’m good.” I took the crutches Molly had picked up and rested my weight on them once again.

  “I don’t know what I’ll ever do to thank you for helping him,” she said to Molly.

  “Really, there’s no need. It’s my pleasure. And Carter’s been a great patient – for the most part,” she teased.

  “Are you giving Molly any trouble, Carter?” My mom gave me a disapproving look.

  “Oh, you know me. Trouble’s my middle name.”

  “He’s joking.” Molly punched me playfully on my right arm.

  I shook hands with my father, and with relief, sat down on the chair he pulled out for me. Pain slowly dissipated from my left leg.

  “How are you feeling? How’s the infection?” my mother asked.

  “Pretty much gone. The antibiotics helped and Molly’s taking care of the dressings.”

  “He’s barely letting me help, and he does everything himself before I get home from work.”

  “Tattletale.”

  My mother smiled and took my hand. “Carter, honey, you know that we’d be more than happy to rent an apartment out here to help you. We could hire a nurse to come to the house or drive you back to the hospital every day.”

  “No, you can’t.”

  “Why not? I have nothing better to do. You should have told us you were being released.”

  Molly tilted her head to the side, questioning what I’d told her at the hospital. Actually, I was pretty sure that she knew I’d lied to her. If she did, then she wasn’t letting my parents know.

  “I trust Molly. She’s doing a great job.”

  This time, Molly’s brows rose. Yeah, yeah, I hadn’t allowed her to do her job as often as she would have liked, but she must have been tired after work. Besides, I didn’t want her seeing that ugly part of my body. I wanted her to see it after it healed.

  “I can’t even tell you how happy that makes me as a mother. At least I know that our son is in good hands. And if he gives you any trouble, just smack him over the head!”

  My mother was joking of course. No one had ever done any smacking around our house. But I did notice Molly flinch at the comment.

  “Thank you, Molly. For everything.” My father set the menu to the side and called for the waiter.

  “Again, it’s no problem. Will you excuse me for a moment? I need to use the restroom.”

  “Of course.”

  Molly left and we skimmed through the menu. I felt my mother’s gaze on me without even looking up.

  “Mom?”

  “Yes?”

  “Is there something you’d like to say?”

  “Well, since you asked... Tell me more about you and Molly. She’s such a lovely and smart young woman. It’s no wonder her mother talks about her so much.”

  “That’s funny because Molly barely ever talks about her family.”

  “I was at Doctor Burke’s office last week and I overheard them saying how proud they were of her. Can you believe that one of your friends is a doctor?”

  Will be, in two weeks, I thought. And I could believe it because Molly was one of the smartest women I’d ever met. Actually, all the women that had been a part of my life were smart.

  “Yeah, apparently she’s really good too, and is well respected.”

  My mother leaned forward. “So?” she whispered, “Are you two a couple?”

  There it was. The question of the night.

  “No, we’re not.”

  “Are you going to be?”

  “I don’t know, Mom. Things are complicated. I’m still healing, and I’m grateful that I have a new chance at life and a good friend, but my recovery… it’s not easy.”

  “You’re not worried about those scars you’ll have, are you?”

  It didn’t surprise me that my mother knew me so well. My father lifted his shirt sleeve, exposing his arm and the wrinkled skin that formed one huge scar. “Son, I wear this with pride, and you should wears yours as well. Lives have been saved because of these marks.”

  “Yeah, but you don’t have them on your face and all over your body.”

  “Does it matter?”

  “It does when you want a woman to look at you with respect, admiration, and love.”

  “A woman who can’t see beyond the scars is not a woman you should be seeking love from. Does Molly have an issue with them?”

  “No, she doesn’t. But I don’t want her looking at me like I’m a monster.”

  “And has she?”

  “No.”

  My mother sighed and looked at me adoringly as if I were still a small boy and had so much to learn from life.

  “Do you know how many nights she stayed by your bedside at the hospital when you were sedated?”

  “No…”

  “All of them. She was pretty much living at the hospital.”

  “She didn’t tell me that part.”

  “Of course she wouldn’t.”

  “You can’t close yourself off to new possibilities, son. Besides, it’s time we had some grandchildren.”

  “No pressure, eh?”

  “John, let him get well first. Getting through the recovery will take strength from both of them. You know better than anyone how many injured firefighters fall into depression because they don’t know how to cope with the burns.”

  “Carter, I don’t want to hear you talk nonsense about your scars. Wear them with pride, son, and remember that you’re the reason your niece and best friend are both alive.”

  “Thanks Dad, I will. Li
sten, I’ve been thinking. Do you think the guys at the firehouse would take some pictures for a calendar? It’d be for a good cause.”

  “I can’t think why not.”

  “You too, Dad.”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah, women like silver foxes.”

  “They sure do.” My mother nodded adoringly at my father. Looking at them both, I wished I could one day experience the kind of love they had.

  Molly returned to the table and we ordered our food. She chose her favorite, fish and chips. I took pleasure in watching her face lit up with delight as she set her menu to the side. Just before our food arrived, my mother pointed toward the front window, where a man with his back turned to us was smoking a cigarette.

  “Molly, isn’t that your father?” She asked.

  Her body twisted toward the glass pane as if an exorcism was being performed on her.

  Not him!

  “What is he doing here?” she asked.

  “I don’t know, Molly, but he’s your father. I can ask him to join us.” My mother smiled politely.

  Shit! This wasn’t good. He was the last person I, and certainly Molly, wanted to see. I’d promised her I wouldn’t go back to the day of the fire. I still couldn’t understand why she’d taken the blame for him and could only hope that Molly would one day open up to me. As much as I wanted to take the bastard straight to the Sherriff, I couldn’t. At least not until Molly was willing to deal with him.

  “Please don’t. He means nothing to me.”

  My parents turned uncomfortably in their chairs, after which Molly added, “I’m sorry. I know that’s rude of me, but we lost touch after my graduation, and my parents aren’t together anymore. They had a rough marriage.”

  Molly’s gaze kept darting from the table back to the window. She jumped when I reached over to touch her arm. “Molly, we can leave if you’d like.”

  “No, it’s okay. We came here to enjoy a nice dinner and celebrate your recovery, so that’s what we’ll do.”

  She put on a brave face because her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. When she lowered her hands underneath the table, I reached for her and gently squeezed. The gesture brought a temporary smile to her face, and I would have given my life for hers if she promised to smile for me every day. Through dinner, we stayed away from conversation about her family. The food was delicious. It wasn’t until I’d finished my steak and Molly was done with her fish that we noticed her father heading our way.