The “please” was added mostly because he didn’t want to be an asshole about the whole thing.
“I promise not to set you up with anyone else.” She turned her face fully toward him.
So he kissed her, soft. Mint and ginger tea and Molly.
A light press of lips that stirred something protective in him. Stirred parts of him he didn’t know existed. Parts that wanted more, but were willing to accept this.
Molly responded in kind, a small sigh releasing as he pulled away.
Their gazes melded, and then Molly—just like she always did—surprised him.
“I’d like my kiss back, please,” she murmured.
And before he could say or do anything—before he could even move, she madehermove.
What he gave her was a kiss. She took a full lip-lock. Wrapped her hand around his neck and pulled him in deeper, making little noises as he deepened the kiss. She parted her lips first, tested to see if he might like a bit of French with his espresso.
He did.
Gavin only had the power not to walk away. Everything else went to Molly.
So it was Molly who decided when they’d come to that invisible boundary of PDA in a room full of strangers. Molly who nuzzled his nose. And Molly who eventually pulled away.
He was good with that. Because he wasn’t going anywhere. And neither was she.
Chapter Twenty
“Hold off teaching your children to tell time until it’s unavoidable. If they figure it out on a digital clock change all these to 24-hour time, or only have clocks with hands on them. Then any time you say is bedtime.” —Alexia Adams
Molly
In their latest update, Peter and Chris showcased their couple at the animal rescue where they’d adopted their puppy. Twenty of the most adorable pokey little puppies snuggled and played with the couple.
Molly had been more focused on the real estate listing price drop for the house she’d been monitoring.
Her focus split from the contest; Molly had to do some serious triage. An impromptu update today, after she got her hair and makeup done. The tactic appeared to have worked. She checked the most recent voting stats for the competition. Looked good. Still rising. Almost tipping her into the first place slot, but not quite.
Did this mean she should send them a gift basket?
She should’ve done the update with Gavin instead of alone. But she didn’t want to reach out to him to hurry over so he could be on camera with her. Didn’t want to impose further than she already had. Because Gavin was meant for someone else.
Molly understood this. She’d seen firsthand the flare of a spark between Gavin and Cassidy. How uniquely perfect they were for each other.
Watched him deny it.
Hell, she’d even participated in his denial. Kissed him like a star-crossed lover in a Shakespearean play.
Unfortunately, at the end of that particular play, everyone bit it.
Which was why she was wrong. Why he was wrong. Why she should have insisted he step toward the correct future with Cassidy, not whateverthiswas they had.
But she’d gotten greedy.
And then she’d gotten needy.
And then they’d gotten hot and heavy in that corner booth.
And. She’d. Enjoyed. It.
