Free UGLY by Betty McBride Page B

you’d scream and run.”
    She ran a hand down her face and grabbed her cigarettes. Kissing her uncle’s cheek, she asked Rich, “Do you want to come with me and talk?”
    Eager for any time with her, he thanked her uncle before following her to the elevator. When they emerged near the ER, his mother rushed up to him, “Rich, why did you hit your brother?”
    Candice’s eyes widened as he told her, “Because he never tires of being a jackass, Mom.”
    After quick introductions, he asked, “Why’s he still telling people that he’s me?”
    She shook her head, “People are used to seeing Richard Danton in the commercials. Ben mentioned that he did the commercials to a nurse and she registered him as you. Of course, he tried to tell them he was now doing the commercials but the file didn’t get changed.”
    She suddenly focused on Candice, “Richard has told me so much about you. You were right, Honey. She is beautiful and her eyes are exquisite.”
    Candice’s gaze flew to Rich before a woman’s haughty tone drew their attention to her. Everyone turned as Isabella ran over and threw her arms around Rich, “There you are.”
    Anger rolled off Candice as she snapped, “That’s Rich, not Ben.”
    “Who are you again?”
    Needing a cigarette more than she cared to admit, Candice loudly growled, “Get your hands off him!”
    Rich eagerly nodded, “Isabella, I am Rich. Ben is the one in the ER.”
    Scowling at him, she shook her head, “Your father said the doctor specifically said Rich had been punched so quit pulling your shit.”
    Tired of the drama, Candice snapped, “I’ll be outside smoking.”
    She took a couple of steps before a dizzy spell hit. Gasping as the room spun, she heard her name repeated before she stumbled backward into Rich. He grabbed her and frowned, “When was the last time you ate?”
    “This morning and I drank a little juice that Ben brought with him. I’ll be okay. It’s just the stress.”
    Following her out the door, he pulled her into his car, “I don’t care if you smoke in here. I just want to talk. How much did you hear of what I told your uncle?”
    “That Ben was pretending to be you.”
    Taking a deep breath, he repeated, “Candice, I’m in love with you. Trust me; I’ve never eaten potato chips and a candy bar for breakfast with anyone else.” When she started to say something, he held a hand up, “When I’m not with you, it drives me nuts. When I am with you, I want to get closer. Even if we hug, I can’t seem to get you close enough. Everything reminds me of you. I can’t sleep. I’m not hungry unless it’s for what you’d eat.”
    Her eyes widened, realizing she felt the same exact way. She’d tried to rid her mind of him but couldn’t. Unaccustomed to trusting someone with her emotions, she stayed quiet until he said, “You said you thought you’d found love. Well, you have.”
    Not willing to admit it just yet, she shook her head, “I didn’t mean…”
    He pulled her to him, “Then why have you been juicing while away from me?”
    She put a hand on his chest, “I wanted to get healthy again, Rich. Look, I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I still don’t know who to believe here. I just discovered that your brother pretended to be you so my entire first impression was wrong. I thought it was you flirting with me but it was just him trying to get me to work under your so-called healthy umbrella. You’re moving too fast here. I need space, Rich.”
    Reluctantly letting her go, he nodded, “Okay, I’ll make you a deal. Come home with me while your uncle is in the hospital. Show me you’re juicing recipes. I know you’re confused about my intentions but, I can assure you, I need help running the shop. You would be great. Not because of your health but because of your skills, Candice.”

 
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    She wavered at his sincerity but repeated, “I need space, Rich. How is coming to stay with you giving me space?” A wave of