Bidding Wars (Love Strikes)

by Wolfe, Lacey

  He got off the couch as slowly as he could, trying not to disturb her. He bent over and started to pick her up when her eyes flew open.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I was going to carry you to bed.”

  “Oh. I can walk.” Molly pushed herself up and walked toward her bedroom.

  He stood there, not sure what to do. He supposed he should head out. He began to leave when he heard his name. She stood at the end of the hallway, watching him.

  “Luke, this might be forward, but I don’t want to be alone. I’m really tired of it. Would you lay down with me until I fall asleep?”

  He gulped. “In your bed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Uh…OK.” He started to cross the living room to her.

  “Wait, let me get undressed first and then I’ll call you.”

  He nodded. The only thing he’d really heard was undressed. As in, she was taking her clothes off. And she was going to call him back there to get in bed with her. And she was going to be undressed. How undressed? T-shirt and panties?

  His cock sprang to life and ached to know the answer.

  “I’m ready.” Her voice echoed down the hallway.

  Oh God, he couldn’t go in there with a hard-on. Down, boy. He had to think of something other than her in panties. He went down the hallway and into her room. She already had the lights off. He let out a sigh of relief. She wouldn’t be able to see what effect she was having on him.

  He slipped his shoes off and climbed onto the bed, staying above the covers.

  “You can get under the sheets.”

  No, he couldn’t. If he crawled under the sheets with her, he was going to have to learn what she was wearing. And that wasn’t a good idea. “I’m OK.”

  Molly rolled over so she was facing him. She scooted closer and laid her head on his chest. “Your heart is really pounding.”

  He wasn’t sure how to respond, so instead he wrapped his arm around her, hoping she would fall asleep quickly. He gazed up at the ceiling and willed himself to stay awake. He was positive she didn’t want him to stay the night—just until she was sleep. But as he listened to her breath, he relaxed and decided a short nap would be OK before he sneaked off.

  Chapter Ten

  Molly was trying to be as quiet as possible in the kitchen as she prepared breakfast. She hadn’t expected to wake up and find Luke still in her bed. She thought he would’ve left at some point during the night, but instead he was lying above her covers, sound asleep with a sexy five o’clock shadow on his face.

  Molly removed the crispy bacon from the pan and added a few more strips, hearing that popping sound as it cooked. She had the eggs ready to pour once the bacon was done. Taking a moment to breathe, she gulped down her coffee then went back to the task at hand. Cooking a big breakfast was one of those meals you had to stay on top of or something would end up burnt.

  She peeked into to the oven. The homemade buttermilk biscuits were almost done. Maybe another two minutes and they’d be perfect. It had been a long time since she’d prepared a breakfast for someone other than herself. And all she usually made herself was toast with microwavable sausage. She wanted this to be delicious and just right and then send her uninvited guest on his way so he didn’t get the wrong idea. Or better yet, so she didn’t get the wrong idea.

  She took the bacon from the pan and laid it with the rest. She stole a bite from one that had already cooled. Moaning aloud, she basked in the salty flavor.

  “Good morning.” A deep male voice startled her.

  She spun around. God, mornings were good to Luke. On top of that sexy stubble, his hair was slightly messy, his clothes wrinkled, and all put together made the hottest man she’d ever seen. Everyone needed to wake up looking as good as he did. She had made a dash to the restroom when she woke to brush her teeth, fix her hair, and make sure she didn’t have raccoon eyes from her mascara she didn’t wash off before bed.

  “It smells amazing. It’s been a long time since I’ve had breakfast that didn’t come from a cardboard box.”

  “I hope it lives up to your standards then.”

  “I’m sure it will taste great. Can I help?” He moved a little closer to her.

  “Uh, I got it. I just need to…shit! The biscuits.” She spun around and pulled the oven door open. They weren’t burnt yet, but were close. Grabbing a pot holder, she then pulled the tray out and laid it on the stove across two empty burners. She let out a frustrated sigh and then got back to cooking.

  “I’ll get out of your way. Is it OK if I get a cup of coffee?”

  “Yeah, help yourself.” She pointed toward the coffee maker. “This is almost done.”

  Molly did her best to concentrate on breakfast and not the hunky man. He moved with ease through her tiny kitchen as he found a mug, poured his coffee, and then leaned against the counter for his first sip. Without having to look at him, she knew he was watching her.

  Heat rose through her body and her cheeks warmed. Why was she so antsy around him? Oh yeah, she’d spent the night with him. Nothing had happened though, but it sure as hell felt as though something had.

  She just needed to feed him and get him out of there.

  That was the plan. Luke was incredibly charming; she could easily fall hard and fast for him. She wasn’t ready…however, the mouthwatering Luke was making her feel more and more as though she was.

  Finally, breakfast was done and she’d prepared both plates. “Grab a plate and join me in the living room. I don’t have a dining room table. It didn’t seem like something I needed, with it just me here.” Why had she said that? She’d opened up conversation now to be about her.

  He didn’t comment as he followed her and took a seat on the couch beside her.

  “This is really good.” He took another bite.

  “Thanks. I love cooking.”

  “Do you cook much?”

  “I’d like to, but I don’t get many opportunities. It’s kinda silly to create big meals for one person.”

  “I suppose you’re right. Though I’m sure the men at the station would love your leftovers.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She finished a piece of crispy bacon. “I’m sorry for crying yesterday. That was awkward for us both, I’m sure. But I was serious about calling Diane about the house.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  She set her plate down on the coffee table. “I have to. I really don’t understand why you stepped out. But I can’t take this house and be happy now that I know you. It’s not right. I want you to submit your offer and let the best one win.”

  “The seller has already signed your contracts, and I’m sure your mortgage company is working on it.”

  “I don’t care. If you don’t take this deal, then I’m going to back out. And that means I lose a lot of money. I put down a very hefty earnest.”

  Luke leaned back on the couch and sighed. “I can’t change your mind?”

  She shook her head.

  Luke ran his fingers through his short, tousled hair. “I don’t know what to say, other than this is crazy. You’re crazy.”

  “Diane may throw the idea out the window—”

  “You think? That’s her commission you’re playing with. I don’t see your realtor going for it, but if you can convince her, I’m game. If that will make you happy.”

  She gazed at him. “It will.”

  He returned to his food, not saying anything. She wished she could read his mind and find out what he was thinking. He probably realized he’d spent the night with a loony woman and wouldn’t be knocking on her door again.

  With the silence thick between them, it didn’t take long for them to finish breakfast.

  “Can I do the dishes?” Luke set his fork on the plate.

  “I’ve got it. I’m sure you have somewhere you need to be.”

  “Sammy has a baseball game this afternoon, actually, at the local recreation center. Want to come?”

  He caught
her by surprise; she didn’t know what to say. It sounded like a great time, sitting there watching the young boys figure out the sport. And the proud parents in the stands as they cheered their little ones on when they hit the ball.

  “I…”

  “I don’t want some lame excuse. If you want to come, it’s at three. If you don’t, then it’s fine. I’m going to leave it up to you. He’ll be playing on ball field four.”

  “OK, I’ll try to make it. But don’t tell Sammy, just in case. I don’t want him to be looking for me.” It dawned on her that even if she went, Sammy probably wouldn’t know who she was. The only person she would be disappointing was Luke. And for some reason, that thought alone caused an achy feeling around her heart.

  “Well, if I see you—great.” He walked toward the front door. When he got there he turned. “Sure I can’t convince you that your idea about the house is bonkers?”

  Taking a deep breath, she decided to open up and be a little more honest, not only with him but with herself as well. “If there is something between you and me, then I don’t want the house to come between us. I don’t want you ever to regret not getting it, and I don’t want to spend our time together always wondering. So, yes, I think it’s necessary.”

  “Then if that’s what it takes for you to give me a chance, let’s do it.”

  “OK, let the best offer win.” She laughed.

  He let out a loud laugh and left with a big grin across his face. She looked out the front window and watched as he drove off in his truck until he was out of sight. Diane was going to think she was insane, but she had a valid reason for this. There were too many what ifs that needed to be sorted out. And Luke wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

  She busied herself in the kitchen and decided a shower was in order before she called her agent. Diane wasn’t going to like this phone call, and Molly had no idea how it was going to play out.

  * * *

  “Excuse me, did I hear you right?” Diane’s voice came through loudly on the phone.

  Molly pulled the phone from her ear and took a deep breath before she answered. “Yes.”

  “This is unheard of. I don’t think anything like this has ever happened.”

  “Can it be done?” Diane just had to say yes.

  “I have absolutely no idea. The papers have been signed, do you understand that?”

  “I do.”

  “This is why people don’t know who they are up against, so it doesn’t get personal. I get that you know this man and his story now. There’s a very good chance the seller will say no.”

  “Yes, but the seller might be getting a better offer from Luke. And why would the seller want to pass that up?”

  Diane was silent before she spoke again. Molly could tell she had ruined her realtor’s Saturday. “I can’t make any promises. I’ll call the selling agent and discuss this crazy idea with him and see what he thinks. And only then will we go to Luke’s agent. You do realize that, once again, Maple Street will be fair game to anyone. It won’t be just you and Luke having a bidding war. It will be you, Luke, and any other potential buyers.” Diane let out another frustrated sigh. “I just can’t believe this. You love this house. What has gotten into you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I want to win it fair and square.”

  “You need to call Gail and let her know what’s going on. And it could be a few days before you hear back from me. Let her know to put things on hold…if she can. Chances are the appraisal has been ordered. And if you don’t get this house, it very well may be money out of your pocket.”

  “I understand. Thank you for trying.”

  “I don’t know why I am, to be honest. I think this is the most outrageous request I’ve received from a client.”

  Clearly, Diane was pissed off. She seemed to be having a very hard time biting her tongue. But, at least she was going to get the idea out there. It was up to the seller now.

  “I have one question, Molly. If the seller says no, are you going to go forward with this loan?”

  Molly bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

  “Maybe he walked away because he wasn’t willing to go higher.”

  “He said he was OK with me doing this.”

  “If you don’t mind me saying, I think this man is very smitten with you to allow any of this. Especially because someone could still come in and snatch it away from you both.” Diane took a deep breath. “Besides, for whatever reason he wants you to have it. He’s likely to lowball his offer.”

  “I never thought of that.”

  “What? That the man has the hots for you?”

  She laughed. “No, that he won’t give his best offer on purpose so I can keep the house.”

  “Well, I would tell you not to contact him again, but I think that would be a waste of my breath. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know something. I’ve got a client to meet with in thirty minutes. A client who I hope isn’t also trying to give me a heart attack.”

  “Have fun.”

  She glanced at the clock. She had to make it to Sammy’s game. Not only to see him play, but to make sure Luke wasn’t planning to lowball the offer instead of giving his true highest and best. Otherwise, this was just silly, not to mention scary that others could bid as well.

  Chapter Eleven

  Luke watched the gate, though he tried not to. More than anything, he wanted Molly to come. One moment he was positive she would come, and the next, he wasn’t so sure. The game was starting in the next ten minutes—it wasn’t looking good.

  He glanced over, feeling a little silly he’d saved her a spot. A magazine sat where he hoped she would be soon. He then looked the other way and saw his ex, Leslie, lost in a conversation with another mom. At least she was here. He was glad she hadn’t dragged along her latest boy toy. He hated the number of different men Sammy was meeting. Sometimes he wanted to grab his ex by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. Would it really do any good though?

  He stole a glance back at the gate and felt his breath catch in his throat. She was here. Molly had come. She placed her hand over her eyes, looking for him. He stood and waved. She lowered her hand and made her way toward him.

  She strolled up, looking sexy as ever in a pair of khaki shorts and a black tank top. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail. Had he ever seen her not in her scrubs or pajamas? She was beautiful.

  “I’m glad you came.” He picked up the magazine.

  She took her seat. “I love baseball. I’ve never seen a game at this age group. I think it’ll be fun.”

  He wanted to reach out and take her hand, but he knew with Sammy nearby, it wouldn’t be appropriate. “You’re in for an entertaining time.”

  “Oh, Sammy looks so cute in his uniform.”

  “Excuse me.” Leslie pushed her way up a section of the bleachers. She stopped in front of Luke and Molly. “I’m Leslie, Sammy’s mom. Who are you?”

  Luke took a deep breath. He hadn’t stopped to think about Leslie being here and how she would react. Frankly, he hadn’t thought she’d care. “This is Molly. She is a nurse at the twenty-four-hour pediatrician. I invited her to the game. Sammy was quite smitten with her.”

  “Is that so? Is Sammy smitten with her or are you smitten with her?” Her tone was laced with sarcasm.

  “I don’t think this is the appropriate place to have a discussion. And the game’s about to start.” Luke pointed toward the field.

  Leslie glanced around and then put on a fake smile. “I’ll chat with you guys later.” She made her way back to where she was sitting below.

  Luke watched as she leaned in and whispered to the other mother. It shouldn’t bother him, but it did. He wanted to know what the hell she was saying about him or Molly. He turned to Molly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think she’d care.”

  “It’s OK; she’s his mom. You know she’s got every right to check me out.”

  He nodded, glad she understood.

  “Blended families a
re common now. Sometimes for a sick kid, I have mom and her boyfriend or girlfriend, along with dad and his girlfriend or boyfriend, all in the small patient room. My head spins trying to listen and answer them all.”

  Luke laughed. “I can only imagine.”

  “So don’t worry, I think as long as I’m polite and respectful to the boundaries in place, everything will be fine.” Molly scooted closer. “I’d hope I’m a better catch than the boyfriend I’ve heard about.”

  Oh, she was. If he could catch Molly and reel her in, he’d be satisfied for life.

  * * *

  The game was over in less than an hour. It had been as adorable as Molly imagined. She stood back on the sidelines as Luke and his ex-wife greeted Sammy. In spite of herself, she looked the other woman up and down. Leslie was dolled up with her best jewelry on, hair curled, and clothes pressed to perfection. It seemed kind of silly to Molly. The game was outside and the temperature was in the high eighties. She was thankful her hair was up and off her neck.

  Sammy and his parents made their way toward her. What should she say? How should she act? Why in the world had she come?

  “Nurse Molly. I’m so happy you came.” Sammy smiled, clutching his baseball glove.

  “Oh, I’m so happy you remembered me. I wanted to make sure you were feeling all better for your game. And you played so well, I’m guessing you’re a hundred and ten percent better.”

  “I am.” He looked at his father. “Can you believe how nice she is, Dad? She came all this way to check on me.”

  Luke smiled at her. She wanted to smile back, but she caught Leslie in the corner of her eye watching Molly very carefully.

  “That was nice.” Luke nodded toward Molly.

  “Can we get ice cream?” Sammy looked at his mom now.

  “I don’t know sweetie,” Leslie said.