by Ciana Stone
"Well, I have about a thousand questions," Annie said. "But I'm guessing you don't want to spend the afternoon answering them."
"Why don't we get together sometime this week and I'll answer everything I can."
"Really?"
"Sure."
"You really aren't uncomfortable at all about doing testing on that kind of smutty stuff?" Netta asked.
"Why should I be?" Molly asked without rancor. "People are sexual beings, and enjoy pleasure, whether it's from a partner or self-pleasure. There's nothing shameful in it. And honestly, Mrs. Netta, I'd cram a butt plug up my bum and eat eatable underwear any day of the week if it meant being able to support my family."
"A butt plug up your bum?" Cody fell over against Molly's side laughing.
Molly laughed. "Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do."
"I think I love you, Molly Little Fox," Cody put an arm around her and hugged tight. "Welcome to the family."
Molly felt her eyes well with unshed tears, and the others echoed the sentiment. She wished Elisi was here, so she could see that her prediction was looking pretty accurate. Cotton Creek just might be the place she could find friends, make a new life and be happy.
Chapter Five
"Your Mama Warned You About Men Like Me"
"Holy smokes. Helloooo Mr. Bond." Molly gushed when she opened the door. "Please, come in."
Wiley walked inside and closed the door behind him. "I'm sorry, but I have to say it. Damn, Wiley. I mean, damn."
"Surely you've seen a man in a suit before."
"I have, but I am quite sure I've never seen a man wear it like you. I thought you were hot before but now… damn."
"You seem to be stuck on that word."
"Well, yes, I suppose, but what first came to mind was worse."
"And that was."
"Fuck me."
He smiled. "Invitation?"
"Oh, hell yes, but I'm guessing you're headed somewhere dressed like that."
"I am. I'll be gone for a week or so and wanted to see you before I head to the airport."
"Do you have time to sit for a minute?"
"I'll make time."
"I don't want to make you miss your flight."
"It's private, they'll wait."
"Just what kind of trip are you taking?" She asked as she walked over to the couch and sat down with one leg tucked up under her.
"Work." He unbuttoned his jacket and sat.
"You know, I still have no idea what you do. I thought you were a SEAL?"
"I was. Then I started a new career with NCIS."
"Like on the television show?"
"Yes and no."
"Well, what is it really like?"
"Well, let's see if I can summarize. Our agents are sometimes sent to extremist hot spots like Afghanistan or Iraq and other locations. Our role is to assist in counterterrorism and combat operations.
"Every aircraft carrier and big deck amphibious vessel has an NCIS agent stationed on it. The agency's mission is the investigation and defeat of terrorist, criminal and intelligence threats to the US Navy and Marine Corps, afloat, ashore and in cyberspace."
"That sounds like a recruitment speech."
He chuckled. "Just the official statement."
"Got it. So, what do you do?"
"Counterintelligence."
"Which means what, exactly."
"Like the website says. Per Presidential Executive Order 12,333, counterintelligence is defined as "information gathered, and activities conducted to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt or protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage or assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons, or their agents or other international terrorist organizations or activities.
"Within the Department of the Navy, we have exclusive investigative jurisdiction into actual, potential or suspected acts of espionage, sabotage, assassination, and defection."
"James Bond stuff."
Wiley chuckled. "A little."
"Which means dangerous stuff."
"It can be."
"Which means you could walk out that door and I'd never see you again."
"It's possible."
"Oh god. Wiley, how am I supposed to deal with that?"
"By trusting that I'm good at what I do."
"Are you?"
"I am."
"You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
"Have I yet?"
"No, at least I don't think so."
"I don't lie. If there's something I can't tell you, then I'll say just that, and if the truth I have to speak is harsh I'll try to soften it, but I won't lie."
"I believe you, and because I do, I have a question."
"Shoot."
"Why did you come to see me?"
"I think you know the answer to that."
"Maybe I know what I want it to be, but I'd like to hear it from you."
"You mean something to me, Foxy. This thing that started between us is growing every day, and it's unfamiliar territory for me, caring about someone like this, but I want to see where it goes."
"Me too. So, what do you want from me, Wiley? Right now. What do you want?"
"To know that when I come back, you'll be here waiting."
"I will."
"Then I have what I came for, and I guess I should go." He stood, and when he did, something rolled off the couch and onto the floor.
Wiley looked down and then at her. Molly looked at the floor. "Oops. I was working last night, and I guess I forgot to put that away."
He bent over and picked up the vibrator. "You were working with this?"
"Well, I was writing up a report on it."
"A report. On a dildo."
"Yes. It's what I do. Product testing and reviews."
"You test these?"
"Uh yeah, is that a problem?"
"No, but I've changed my mind. There is something else you can do for me, something that will definitely make me look forward to coming home."
"Okay, what?"
He wiggled the vibrator. "Are you serious?" She was a bit shocked. "You want—"Really? Do you have time for that?"
"I'll make time."
Molly gave it about two seconds of thought and reached for his hand. "Fine, come on, this will be better in my room."
"Lead the way, Foxy."
Inside her room, she gestured to the chair that sat beside a nightstand. "Have a seat."
Once he was seated, she stood in front of him. "Now tell me what you want me to do."
"And you'll do it?"
"I will."
"Then take off your clothes and let me look at you."
Something in his voice sent a shiver dancing over her skin, and not one of fear. One of longing. With a prayer this would not be the last time she saw Wiley looking at her with desire, she started to take off her clothes.
Molly was not the first woman he'd watch undress. Wiley had watched women strip in a variety of settings, from the exotic dancers who practiced the art of seduction with their eyes and the way they touched themselves to lead a man's gaze where they wanted it, to the woman in the bedroom, doing her best to entice.
Molly fit into both and neither class. She knew how to move, and she took her time, revealing herself slowly, drawing out the seduction. It was something of a challenge to remain seated, watching passively. He'd love to be the one removing her clothes, to have his hands caressing her body instead of her own.
But he wouldn't trade this moment for anything. She was his in a way not every man received, baring herself while he did nothing but observe. Molly did it in a manner that was so utterly natural he realized the sensuality came from the fact that it was merely her nature.
Once she was naked, she walked over and stood before him, waiting. Wiley allowed himself the time to move his gaze over her, from top to bottom and back up to lock gazes with her.
"Get on the bed, sugar."
She didn't argue, or even speak, but we
nt to the bed and lay on her back.
"Now show me how you pleasure yourself."
Wiley wasn't sure she would do it. This was a very personal and private moment that most people didn't share with another. "You mean with the vibrator?"
"If that's what you want."
"No, that wouldn't be my first choice."
"Then what do you do when you're alone and need pleasure."
"I use my hands. And pretend they're yours."
Christ on a crutch. That did it. He nearly came out of the chair. It took all his will to remain seated and speak calmly. "Show me."
It didn't take long, ten minutes at the most, but he'd surely never forget one second. When Molly's breath quickened, held and then a breathy moan escaped, and her body tensed, he nearly lost it.
She went limp and smiled at him. "Is that what you wanted?"
"For the moment."
"You want something more?"
"You know I do." He rose and walked to the bed.
She sat up, and he leaned over, ran his hand behind her head and pulled her closer. "And when I get back, I'm going to take it."
"Is that a promise?" She breathed against his lips.
"Take it to the bank." When he kissed her, she melted against him surrendering so entirely that he was tempted to prolong his departure a while longer.
"Be safe, Wiley." Molly looked into his eyes. "And come back."
"It's a promise."
Before he could weaken, he released her, turned and walked out. Once he was outside, on the sidewalk leading from her door, he looked back. She stood on the other side of the screen wearing a long T-shirt, her hair cascading over her shoulders and her legs bare.
Molly raised her hand, kissed her fingers and then turned them toward him. At that moment Wiley realized that he didn't just have a case of lust for Molly Little Fox. He was falling for her.
Which meant he had to complete his mission successfully and safely because, for the first time in half a lifetime, he finally had a reason to want to come home.
Chapter Six
"Did you read the warning label?"
"Fuck!" Molly flung the wrench in a fit of frustration.
"Hey, careful there, fireball."
The male voice had her whirling around, startled and a bit afraid. Relief immediately rushed in at the sight that met her eyes. It was enough to turn any red-blooded woman's mind to sexy imaginings. Wiley's brother, Lincoln, stood at the corner of the house.
Were it not for the fact that Molly was, as Kaylee liked to say, crushing on Wiley; she'd have turned on the flirt because Lincoln was one hot guy. He was also one genuinely friendly man with a great sense of humor, as she'd discovered this last couple of weeks.
He, Trina and Trina's husband, Brody, had been helping her get the rest of the yard spruced up. She'd come to like Lincoln, and now she felt as if she'd known him for much longer than she actually had. He'd become a friend, and she enjoyed being with him.
Linc, as he preferred, had shared a little information about Wiley, some of which troubled her a bit. But everyone had baggage, and everyone made mistakes in their life, and she didn't expect Wiley to be any different.
"Hey," she greeted him. "What are you doing here? I thought you were working in the smith today?"
"I am, but since I worked late last night, I can start later."
"What? No date?"
He grinned. "Smart ass. You know I didn't have a date. I was filling up that low space behind your shed until nearly nine."
"And I appreciate it so so soooo much. I couldn't have gotten it done without you and now if it rains the water won't back up against the shed."
"I'm not asking for thanks. Dinner and that massage was perfect. Where did you learn to do that, anyway?"
"I worked at a spa for a while before Kaylee was born and learned there."
"You know, Mason's wife, Savannah runs the spa in town, and I hear it's a booming business. I bet she'd hire you."
"Maybe, but I'm happy with what I'm doing. And giving freebies to heroes who ride to my rescue."
This time Linc laughed. "I wouldn't call it as rescue, but if it gets me a home-cooked meal and massage, I'll ride in any time."
"Deal. And seriously I appreciate your help. I want everything to be perfect when Elisi and Kaylee get here."
"So, is – whatever that pile of stuff is, part of the make it perfect, plan?"
"Oh yes, and sorry. I let this thing get to me."
"Maybe it's more than a one-person job. What exactly is it?"
"A kid's play gym thingy. It has swings and monkey bars and a tower and – and stuff. It's a new company I picked up, and this is a model they're going to debut in a few months, so they sent it to me to assemble, test and do reviews on the instructions and use."
"And?" Lincoln asked.
"And the first thing someone needs to know is that you can't do it alone."
"Then how about I help?"
"Really? Do you have time?"
"Really. Where are the instructions?"
She pointed to the ground where a booklet was open. Lincoln walked over to her. "We'll get to it in a minute, but first—" He bent down and picked up a paper bag at her feet. Molly had not even noticed it being there. "Here ya go." He handed her the bag.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
Molly opened the bag and pulled out tank top. She set the bag on the ground to free her hands and unfolded the shirt. "Did you read the warning label?"
Molly laughed. "I'm not sure this fits."
"Wrong size?"
"Wrong question. I don't need a warning label."
"Baby, you are so wrong."
His tone surprised and flattered her. "I think that's the best compliment I've had in a very long time. Thank you."
"That’s not all."
"There's more?"
"Look and see."
She picked up the bag and inside was what appeared to be folded sheets of paper. She removed and unfolded them. When she realized what they were, her gaze shot immediately to Linc. "I can't believe this. You –"
"Not me. Wiley."
"Wiley?"
"Yeah. He didn't want to take a chance that you might miss seeing Kaylee's kindergarten graduation."
Molly blinked at the tears that pooled in her eyes and looked at the pages. They were boarding passes. One for her to fly to Oklahoma and the others for her, Elisi and Kaylee to fly back to Texas."
"But it has Elisi's and Kaylee's names on the tickets. How did he know?"
"Wiley has his ways."
"But—" She swiped at the tears. "Sorry, I just—I'm just not accustomed to – to all this."
"All what?"
"Feeling so – so cared for."
Linc smiled and gathered her to him for a hug. "Well, get used to it because people like being nice to you. You make us feel – special."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do." Linc pushed her back to arm's length but kept hold of her arms. "You're like you describe your Elisi. You don't talk about it, but I know you are. You see people – really see them, and you make us feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Your smile lights something inside us and makes us want to be better."
Molly couldn't speak past the lump in her throat. She'd never had such a compliment, and she felt unworthy of such praise. She flung herself at Linc, held onto him and cried. "I didn't mean to upset you," he murmured against her hair when her crying slowed.
She shook her head and pulled back to dry her eyes. "I'm sorry. I just never had anyone say such things to me. I sure don't feel worthy."
"But you are. We all see it. Wiley sees it."
She nodded and looked at the papers clutched in one hand. "Am I crazy to be so smitten with him, Linc?" Molly locked gazes with him. "Be honest with me. Is he going to break me?"
"I don't know. I don't think so. I mean I don't think that's his intent. Wiley's – well, he's complicated, and he doesn't love easy. But wh
en he does, it's all the way."
She considered what he said. "I haven't ever felt this way about anyone, and it makes me feel uncertain – like someone who doesn't have a good bead on things. What if I'm not seeing the truth of things between us and I'm setting myself up to be hurt?"
"Then I'll be here with a shoulder you can cry on."
"You are such a good friend. What did I do to deserve you?"
"You didn't give me the lecture about having two women in my house the other morning when you stopped by."
Molly recognized the way he directed the conversation in another direction. It didn't hurt her feelings. Linc was her friend but was loyal to Wiley. He and Deacon had not kept in touch for years, but he and Wiley were family and had each other's back. She respected and admired that about them.
"To be honest, I think they were more concerned with me being there. They looked like deer caught in headlights."
Linc laughed. "Well, this is a small town, and people like to talk."
"Honey, I don't care how many women you take in your bed. Hell, if you've got enough for two in one night then more power to you. And I'm not one to judge. Besides, I know you. You might be one world class player, but you're a good guy, too. And don’t worry. I won't share that bit of info. At least not until you meet her."
"Her?"
"Yeah. I have this feeling that something's afoot, and you might just be finding yourself coming face-to-face with the one who's going to make you forget about all these threesomes."
"What about the foursomes?"
"Now you're just being greedy. No one needs that many at once."
"No? You wouldn't want to try it, just once. Three men, all intent on pleasuring you?"
"Oh god no. That's not what I want."
"Then what do you want Miss Molly?"
That question had her glancing at the pages in her hand. She wasn’t ready to tell anyone what she wanted, so she changed the subject. "Did Wiley say when he would be back? Is he safe?"
"As far as I know, he's fine, and I don't know when he'll be back. I just got a text from him, telling me to print these for you, and that he'd call you at ten tonight your time."
"Really?"
"Yes. Now, do you want to tackle this gym set?"
"I do. Just let me take this inside. Want something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine."