Page 31

An attractive couple that I recognize as Molly’s parents begin walking—no, more like gliding, down the staircase. It’s like they’ve been waiting up there for us to walk in so they could make their regal entrance.

Mr. Vanderbilt, who has the same dark hair as Molly, is wearing black tailored trousers and a white dress shirt. Mrs. Vanderbilt complements him perfectly with her blonde, perfectly coiffed hair and fitted black dress.

“Mary Elizabeth, how wonderful to see you,” her mother says as she finally reaches us. It feels like we watched them walk down those stairs for five minutes. “And we’re honored you brought your friend with you.” She smiles politely at me, but there’s something in her eyes that seems annoyed at my presence. She gives Molly a pat on the shoulder that’s awkward, like she forced herself to show affection to look more human or something.

Her father shakes my hand firmly. “Mr. Windell, pleasure seeing you again.” He then kisses Molly on top of the head. “Darling, so glad you’re here.”

Molly’s sister appears at the top of the opposite stairway with a man at her side who I assume is her fiancé. She scurries past him, a big smile on her face. I notice her mother gives her a sharp look and she slows her steps on the stairs to appease her.

“Molly!” Mildred exclaims, looking genuinely happy to see her sister. Her fiancé finally catches up to her and they hug Molly before turning their attention to me. Mildred looks me up and down before saying, “Yes, you’ll do very nicely.”

I quirk a brow and she just smirks at me.

“I’m Preston, Mildred’s fiancé,” the dark-haired man, who slightly resembles Todd, holds out his hand. His look isn’t harsh or angry, but also not overly friendly. His expression almost reminds me of an apprehensive puppy who will be chastised if he’s too friendly.

I shake his hand. “I’m Brooks. Thanks for allowing me to attend. I’m thrilled to be Molly’s date.” I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her closer to me. She brings her hand up to rest on my chest and smiles at me.

My cotton tee isn’t very thick and I swear I feel Molly’s fingers cupping my pec ever so slightly. It’s probably all in my head, but I flex my chest—just in case.

Mrs. Vanderbilt clears her throat. “Well, why don’t we show you to your room so you can both get settled?”

I notice she said room, as in one. But Molly assured me we’d have our own rooms. Molly loops her arm through mine as we trudge up what feels like one-thousand steps.

Her mother leads us to a large room that’s immaculately staged and decorated just like the rest of the house seems to be. There’s a queen size sleigh bed with navy blue bedding that’s covered with decorative throw pillows. A large wooden door is ajar, leading to a bathroom, and my and Molly’s luggage is at the foot of the bed.

I glance at Molly and raise an eyebrow. She looks just as shocked as I feel and laughs nervously. “Uh, Mother … where is Brooks staying?”

Mrs. Vanderbilt purses her lips. “Oh, I know we’ve always insisted on separate rooms for unmarried couples, but there simply isn’t enough room this time with all the guests arriving Thursday. Every room is spoken for. And since I assumed Todd would be your date … I hadn’t considered it would be a big deal.”

Molly glances at me once more, looking pale. “I promised Brooks he’d have his own room.”

Mrs. Vanderbilt looks down at her diamond encrusted wristwatch and heaves an annoyed sigh before looking directly at me. “Brooks, do you really mind sharing a room with my beautiful daughter? Are you Amish or something?”

“Mother!” Molly gasps. “He doesn’t have to be Amish to want privacy.”

“You’re both adults, sweetheart. Let’s not be coy.”

Molly looks upset. Her nostrils are flared and her arms are crossed over her chest. Before she can speak, I place my hand on her back and give her mother my most charming smile. “This room will be just perfect. Thank you, Mrs. Vanderbilt.” I turn to Molly, who’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Don’t worry, sugar lips; this will allow us to spend even more time together.”

The corner of her mouth twitches, and her eyes glitter with amusement. She uncrosses her arms and leans into me with a sigh. “I suppose you’re right, hunky bear.”

Mrs. Vanderbilt sniffs haughtily at our pet names, but looks slightly relieved she doesn’t have to scrounge up another room for me at the last minute. “Wonderful. I’ll let you two get settled. Dinner will be served promptly at seven.”

She leaves us and we both stare silently at the bed.

Chapter 14

Molly

“Sooo,” Brooks says, not making eye contact. “I could sleep on the floor?”

I breathe in a deep breath through my nose, attempting to calm my racing heart. “You’re not sleeping on the floor. The bed is plenty big enough for us both. It’ll be like a sleepover!” I try to sound excited, but my voice is coming out super high and squeaky.

He finally looks at me. “Molly, it’s a queen size bed. I’m not exactly a small man.”

I look down at his feet, which are big. Then my eyes travel up his long legs, stopping briefly where his quad muscles strain against his dark jeans, then continuing up to his chest—which I now know is quite firm—then his broad shoulders. Next is his neck, which I just recently noticed. His Adam’s apple bobs like my stare is making him uncomfortable. My eyes glide to his chiseled jaw, another male feature that’s greatly overlooked. A strong jaw connected to a thick muscled neck? Totally swoon worthy.

He has to be almost a foot taller than I am, not to mention eighty pounds heavier.