She studied him for a moment until another clap of thunder shattered the quiet. She dove beneath the big blanket, burying her head into his chest.
“Relax, it’s okay.” He could feel her tremble next to him.
Glancing up she gave him a stern look. “Two things. First, you are never to tell anyone about this…” She waited for him to agree.
“Cross my heart.” He made the motion with his fingers across his chest. “And the second?”
“This doesn’t mean anything and won’t be happening again.”
“That sounded like three things.”
She could see his grin in the light from the flashlight. “Aiden, I mean it. If you’re going to get the wrong idea, I’ll go back to my room.” She sat up.
“Relax. No one’s getting any ideas. Just try to sleep and let me enjoy this, seeing as though it won’t be happening again.” He hugged her tight to his chest. One and only time? He doubted that very much.
Chapter Nine
What the hell had she been thinking—letting a little thunder and lightning and an impending panic attack scare her right into an even more dangerous situation? Molly turned into the parking lot of Rollins and Clarke, hoping Aiden was right and Mike would understand why she was late.
Never before had she let her irrational fears lead her into doing something so foolish. First the kiss the night before and then rushing into his arms for comfort. She’d slept like a baby in the arms of a man she was more fond of every day, and she didn’t like it one bit. Having him living in the same space was challenge enough, then she threw herself into his safe arms over a clap of thunder?
“Hey, Molly, could you come in for a second?” Mike called from his office as she crept by.
She’d been hoping he wouldn’t notice her late arrival. “I’m sorry I’m late…”
“Don’t worry about it. That’s not why I called you in here.” Mike stood and closed his office door behind her. “Have a seat.” He gestured a chair. “As discussed in Friday’s meeting, our new branch in Buffalo is recruiting more staff next month. Although you’ve only been an intern for a week, I have no problem recommending you for a position if you’re willing to relocate.”
Molly’s mouth fell open. A real position? Two weeks ago, she’d had no prospects of even an internship, and now here was the opportunity she’d been waiting for.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes, of course…” Aiden’s face flashed in her mind. What did he have to do with anything? Okay, so she was in love with him. Was that enough to give up an opportunity of a lifetime? She’d worked hard to prove she didn’t need her father’s money to succeed.
The memory of Aiden’s kiss resurfaced, and she sighed. “Actually, Mike, can I have a couple of days to think about it?” She must be insane.
“Sure, no problem. They are conducting interviews in Buffalo next week, just let me know by Friday.” He picked up his empty coffee cup and buzzed his receptionist for a refill.
“Thank you.” She stood to leave.
“I totally understand. You should discuss it with Aiden first.”
What? “Oh no, that’s not it.” Not really. Okay maybe it was. “There’s nothing going on between Aiden and me,” she lied.
“Really? Maybe you should tell Aiden.” Mike laughed. “Now get to work.” He winked, as she left the office.
Molly walked to her office in a fog. A real P.R. job after only a week as an intern. She couldn’t believe her luck. But it meant leaving the city…and Aiden. Why was this decision so hard? It’s what you’ve been waiting for. You’ve only known Aiden Ford for a few weeks, and you didn’t even like him at first. Well, she liked him now. More than liked him.
“Arrrg.” She moaned and leaned her head against her office door. Buffalo wasn’t that far away.
Far enough.
****
Molly opened her condo door and heard the sound of two deep voices in a heated debate about the Yankees baseball team. Who was Aiden talking to?
Entering the living room, she stopped cold. Aiden sat in one armchair, coffee in hand. Across from him sat her father.
“Dad?” Molly almost dropped the bag of groceries she carried.
Aiden jumped up to take the bag from her.
She shot him an inquisitive look.
He ignored it and disappeared into the kitchen.
She turned her attention to her father. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the city and thought I’d stop by. Have to say, I’m surprised to find a man here.” He chuckled.
“Oh Aiden’s just a friend… He was evicted…” Molly shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable.
“I know, he explained the situation. Guess your meddling back-fired, huh?” Her father laughed.
“Guess so,” Molly mumbled. “So what can I do for you, Dad?” She crossed her arms and waited. Her father came to the city at least once a week, and he’d only stopped by twice in two years. He was here for a reason.
“More coffee, Mel?” Aiden appeared, coffee pot in hand. He handed a cup to Molly.
So they were on a first name basis. How nice. She took the cup he offered her but didn’t drink.
“No thanks, Aiden. I won’t stay long.” Mel opened his briefcase and removed a file. He stood and walked toward his daughter.
Here we go.
“I just wanted to leave this with you to take a look at.” He handed the file to Molly.
She took the file but didn’t open it. “What is this, Dad?”
“Open it, and read it.”
“Just tell me.” She set down the coffee cup and waited, extending the folder to her father.
“It’s a business proposal for the new office. I hoped you would reconsider my offer.” He took the folder and opened it. “See, here are the designs for the office space.”
“Dad, no.”
“Just read it through.”
“I don’t have to. I already said no when you suggested it last month.” Suggested was an understatement. He’d assumed her answer would be yes and had drafted a press release announcing her as the new office manager. He hadn’t been pleased by her refusal.
“Molly, I’ve looked at the proposal. It sounds like a great opportunity,” Aiden interjected.
Who asked him for his opinion? “Well, why don’t you take the position?” It was childish, but she didn’t appreciate being tag-teamed and caught off-guard.
Her father shrugged. “She’s been like this since she learned the word no.” He picked up his coat from the armchair and tucked the folder back inside his briefcase.
“I have a job, Dad.” She hated disappointing her father, but working for him was not an option she would entertain.
“But it’s only an internship. Molly, this is an amazing offer.” Aiden touched her arm.
She pulled away. Who did they think they were? She didn’t need their input on how she should live her life.
“It’s no use, young man. Molly is as stubborn as I am.” Her father winked at her as he put on his gloves and leaned to kiss her cheek. “Are you still going to try to make it to dinner next weekend?”
“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything. I’ve been offered a real job in Buffalo, and I’ve accepted.”
****
“Mike offered you a position with the new Buffalo office?” Aiden turned to her the moment the door closed behind Mel Bishop.
“Yes, this morning.” Molly picked up the coffee cup and went to the kitchen.
Aiden followed. “And you accepted?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” Molly opened the shopping bag on the counter and took out the ingredients she’d bought to make him dinner. That wouldn’t be happening now.
“So you’re moving? Just like that? What about…”
“You? Aiden, I told you there’s nothing between us. It was one stupid kiss and a night when I mistakenly turned to you for comfort.” She opened the fridge and tossed the vegetables into the crisper.<
br />
“You don’t believe that any more than I do.” He leaned against the counter and studied her.
Her expression was blank. “Look, it’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, and there’s nothing keeping me here in Manhattan.” She took the pasta sauce from the bag.
“Well that’s about to change.” In three long strides he’d crossed the kitchen. His solid arms pulled her toward him. The pasta sauce fell to floor, shattering the glass bottle. In one swift move, he’d lifted her from the ground and cradled her in his arms. He carried her from the kitchen and headed toward her bedroom.
“Put me down! What are you doing?” Molly struggled to get down.
His grip tightened on her. “What I should have done last night.” He kicked the bedroom door open with his foot and advanced toward the unmade bed.
“Aiden, this isn’t a good idea.” Molly protested.
He dropped her onto the bed and reached for the buttons on her sweater. He pulled, and the buttons flew across the room.
“That sweater cost two hundred dollars.”
“I’ll buy you a new one.” He lowered his head to place a trail of kisses from her neck to her collarbone, to the hollow between her breasts, all the way to her belly button.
Molly moaned, and her hands tangled in his hair as he went lower. “Aiden, please. I don’t feel anything for you.”
He pulled her skirt up around her hips, and his fingers found their way inside her lacy thong.
“Oh my God.” Molly arched her back and spread her legs wider.
“Still want me to stop?” Aiden’s breath was against the inside of her thigh.
Molly struggled to breathe. Goose bumps covered the surface of her body. She trembled with desire and need. “We should.” As she said the words her hands grabbed his sweater, pulling it over his head.
“Molly, for once, quit making things so difficult.” He’d stopped, and his eyes burrowed into hers, daring her to deny what they both wanted.
She shivered in anticipation and longing. Her nipples tingled beneath the lace of her bra. She reached behind and undid the clasp, then tossed the bra to the floor.
He gasped at her beauty. “Molly you’re killing me. Tell me you want me to make love to you.” He begged, kissed each nipple, then rested his head against her naked chest.
“I want you to make love to me,” she whispered, guiding his lips to hers.
Her kiss was soft, teasing, and he chuckled.
“What?”
“Do you still think I’m predictable?” He slid his tongue along her lower lip.
“I don’t know. Are you still going to eat turkey sandwiches every day when I’m in Buffalo?” She wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer.
He pulled away and sat up. “Like hell you’re still planning to take that position.”
“Excuse me?” Molly reached for the blanket and wrapped it around her thin frame. “Who do you think you are? You can’t tell me what to do. You’re not my…”
“Father. No, I know, and I’d hoped by now you’d figured it out. I’m nothing like him. Actually, you know what? I am a bit like him. I want what’s best for you.” He rolled off her and sat on the bed.
“And how do you know what that is?” She swung her legs over the bed and reached for her discarded bra and panties.
“Well, I know your life doesn’t have to be as hard as you try to make it. Molly, most people would kill for the opportunities you keep pushing away. Me included.” He pulled on his pants and tugged his sweater over his head, inside out.
“You have no idea what accepting help from my father means. It means he controls every move, every decision… Argh! Having the opportunities is wonderful, but it’s also stressful. It means you can’t fail, or the world is watching. If I take the position and I fail, do you know how disappointed my father would be?” She turned away from him, watching the rain dance on the street outside the window. She’d lived with the fear of failure her entire life. Aiden couldn’t understand the pressure that working for her father would involve.
She heard him move across the room and relaxed when she felt his strong arms encircle her waist.
He pulled her down onto his lap in the chair next to the window. “So that’s what this independent streak is all about.” He brushed her hair from her face. Her eyes shone with unshed tears.
She nodded.
“Molly, you would be fantastic in that position…or any other.” He hugged her close. “But, I understand, and as much as I hate Mike for offering you the position in Buffalo, you deserve to do what makes you happy.” He kissed her forehead and wiped a teardrop from her cheek.
She cuddled into his chest and closed her eyes. If only she knew what that was.
Chapter Ten
“So you didn’t actually have sex?” Cameron asked the next day at lunch.
“Seriously? That’s all you heard?” Molly shook her head at her friend.
“Well, it was the most interesting part.” Cameron laughed, fastening her apron behind her back.
“Cameron, be serious. I need your help. Do I take the job in Buffalo or not?” Molly pushed her salad away untouched and leaned her head in her hands.
Cameron delivered an order of cheesecake and a latte to a table near the door, then re-joined her friend. “I’d hate to see you go.”
“I’d miss you too. So, you think I should take the job my father’s offering?” Molly cringed at the thought.
Cameron laughed. “What kind of friend would I be if I suggested that, knowing how you feel. I think you’d do a wonderful job, but I know you hate the idea of working so closely with your father.”
“But if I take the job in Buffalo, it means leaving Aiden.” Molly slumped in her chair. When had her life become complicated? She’d been waiting for a position like this to come along. This should be an easy decision. But it wasn’t. Far from it. Just the thought of leaving Aiden was too much.
“I hadn’t realized things were so serious between you two.” Cameron wiped a nearby table.
“Me neither.” Lying in bed under the weight of his arm, listening to his steady breathing, revealed what she’d been fighting. She was in love. The idea of leaving him made her heart ache. “I just wish I could have it all.”
“Maybe you can.” Cameron pulled out a chair and sat opposite her friend.
“What do you mean?”
“Think about it. You were happy with the internship a week ago, right?”
“Yeah, but now this is a real PR job.”
“In the wrong city, away from the man you love.” Cameron pointed out. “The way I see it, Mike sees potential in you. If he’s willing to offer you a position in Buffalo this quickly, I’m sure you can secure a position in the Manhattan office eventually.” Cameron smiled.
“You’re right.” Molly nodded, a smile spreading across her face. She didn’t have to rush into a position. The internship paid her bills, and she could work her way into a position in Manhattan, the way she’d been prepared to do all along. And she could stay with Aiden.
She jumped up and hugged her friend. “Thank you.” She grabbed her coat from the chair.
“Where are you going?”
“I have to see Aiden.”
“You better have sex this time. I want to hear all about it!” Cameron called as Molly dashed from the café.
She hurried down the street toward the office, eager to tell Aiden the good news. She was staying in Manhattan and she loved him.
Inside his office moments later, she found Lynn buried behind a stack of boxes. She didn’t see her, just heard her sobbing.
“Lynn?” Molly stood on tiptoes to peer over the tallest box.
“Hmph,” Lynn grunted. She turned away and blew her nose into a tissue. Tears glistened on her cheeks.
“Lynn, what’s wrong? What’s going on?”
“Don’t tell me you don’t know.” The woman glared at her. “And I thought you were good for him…the dog…the couch…”
She threw items from her desk into an empty box.
“Lynn, slow down. I really don’t know what’s going on. Where’s Aiden?” Molly glanced into his office. He wasn’t there.
“In Buffalo, looking for new office space.” The woman collapsed into a fresh batch of tears.
“He’s what?” Molly didn’t believe it. “Why?”
“Because…he…wants…to…be…with…you,” Lynn sobbed.
Molly laughed. He was in Buffalo? The man was persistent.
“What’s so funny? I hate Buffalo.” Lynn sniffed and reached for a new tissue.
“Well don’t worry. You’re not going anywhere.”
“What?”
“Unpack these boxes.” Molly removed her coat and checked her watch. She had an hour before she had to be back at the office. “I’ll help.”
“I don’t understand.” Lynn sat on a stack of boxes, a puzzled expression clouding her eyes.
“The office isn’t moving. I’m not moving. Neither is Aiden.” Molly rubbed the older woman’s arm and smiled.
“We’re not moving?”
“No. I’m not taking the position. Now cheer up, and let’s get this office unpacked.” Molly tore into a box.
“Oh that’s fantastic news.” Lynn blew her nose again and wiped the tears from her face. “Does Aiden know?”
“Not yet. When is he due back?”
Lynn checked the itinerary on the desk. “Seven o’clock.”
“Perfect.”
****
Molly heard the key in the lock at 7:10. She fluffed her hair and grabbed a book, pretending to read. She heard Aiden drop his briefcase and hang his coat. Her heart raced with excitement.
“Hello?”
“In the living room,” she called out, her eyes on the page of her book.
He entered and took a seat next to her on the couch. “Molly, I’ve been thinking…”
She put the book aside.
“I understand you need to take this job in Buffalo, and I respect that, but the truth is I love you.” He stared at his folded hands on his lap.
Molly’s pulse raced. She fought the urge to fly into his arms and tell him she loved him too. Instead, she waited.
Mistletoe & Molly Page 6