by Mia Ford
Could Robert be? I knew that he wasn’t retiring tomorrow but he could make a life here unless he decided to transfer. I knew how the military worked that way and he could move almost anywhere if he wanted to.
I pushed the thought away as the door opened and more people came in, forcing a bright smile on my face as I helped them. At the end of the day, this cafe was my constant in life. I shouldn’t think about anything more.
The morning still seemed to drag even with the steady flow of regulars coming in and I let Noel sit down for her break first to eat since Nate came in to see her. I watched them, thinking how cute they were together.
I grabbed some soup for my own break and took it to the same table that I sat at when Robert was here. I still felt the electricity in the air from that day and my phone chimed when I was mid-bite. I checked it to see a message from Robert asking if I was free tonight. My heart soared. He wanted to see me again. I replied that I was and he said that he would pick me up at six again if that was enough time after work for me.
I agreed and returned to my lunch with a smile on my face. Noel noticed and asked if lover boy contacted me for another romantic date as I blushed deeply. “Yes.”
“For tonight? He’s into you,” she smiled at me with bright eyes as I shrugged and took my place at the counter.
“Maybe,” I agreed as the lunch crowd started to leave and we cleaned up. I wiped down the tables and cleaned the glass as I hummed the song that was playing over the speakers. I was tired but the adrenaline running through me, along with the coffee, seemed to balance that out. I knew that I should sleep a little bit when I got home but I wanted time to get ready for Robert.
We walked in to smell a roast cooking slowly in the oven as my stomach growled. “How was it last night?” Marta called out as Noel and I glanced at each other curiously.
“Who do you mean?” Noel called back with a wink as her mother poked her head out of the kitchen.
“Both of you, sillies.” She laughed as we went into talk to her. Noel told her about the dinner she’d had with Nate and his roommates before she looked at me like the cat that swallowed the canary. “And your night?” Marta asked, trying to contain the laughter at the look on Noel’s face.
“It was nice. We went to that Asian place in town and had a nice dinner,” I replied as I felt them both staring at me. “He’s a good man.”
“I’m sure that he is. One thing I will say is that Robert is a gorgeous man!” Marta told me as I smiled at her. “He seemed pretty smitten with you.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I told her as Noel smirked at me.
“He asked her out tonight as well. Does that sound like something a confident, older man would do if he was smitten?” Noel challenged me as I rolled my eyes.
“Why, yes it does. Where are you going?” Marta asked as she leaned on the counter.
“He mentioned the movies last night, but I’m not sure.” I shrugged, feeling like a child. I had no idea what I was doing and last night still had me reeling.
“I don’t know if you’re ready for this, but I made a huge roast for dinner. He’s invited to stay and eat before the movies,” Marta offered as Noel clapped her hands.
“Oh, my goodness.” I imagined sitting at the table with the two of them watching us and Keith interrogating Robert. He looked at me as a daughter now and he’d protect me as fiercely as he would Noel. “No. We can’t do that.”
I got ready, dressing in some gray slacks that were perfect for dinner or the movies, paired with a lavender shirt that buttoned up over my curves. There was no time for a nap since the idea of him eating dinner here got me all worked up, so I freshened up my makeup and hoped for the best. I was just slipping my feet into some black flats when I heard the doorbell and groaned. There was no way that I would make it to the door before anyone else, so why bother trying?
CHAPTER 11
Robert
I smiled as the door to the house swung open, seeing Marta and Noel looking out at me. “Good evening,” I greeted them, wondering where Molly was.
“Hi, Robert,” Marta said brightly as she glanced at her daughter. “I made a huge roast for dinner tonight with some vegetables and I was wondering if you’d like to join us, assuming you didn’t have plans for it with Molly.”
This was a surprise and I fought the urge to laugh for a moment. The way the women were looking at me told me that they wanted to know more about me and technically, we didn’t have dinner plans. I was going to wing it tonight and I smelled the scent of the roast drifting outside. “I would like that very much. It smells amazing. I’ll have to check with Molly, of course.”
“You want to stay?” I heard her voice and the shock in it as she stared at me from behind Noel’s head.
“I don’t get a good, home cooked meal too often. It’s entirely up to you, though,” I offered generously as she licked her deep pink lips. Marta and Noel moved so I could walk in and Molly took my breath away as usual. She was dressed simply in pants and a soft shirt that clung to her curves, making me take a longer look as she blushed. Molly looked embarrassed and I imagined that she would be with the obviously excited women looking at us.
“No, that’s fine. We’ll stay.” She said after a moment and smiled. “Can I help with anything, Marta?”
I went into the living room with them and met Keith, Noel’s father. He was a pale man that was a few years older than I was, and we shook hands as Marta introduced us. He took me in carefully and I recognized the look as that of a worried father. He must consider Molly like a daughter, something that I appreciated. “Would you like something to drink?” Molly asked from behind me as I glanced at her. “We have everything.”
“Get us some beers. Molly,” Keith said easily as I nodded and looked at him. “Thank you.”
The women went into the kitchen and he invited me to sit down in the spacious room where a hockey game played. “What are your intentions with Molly? You’re considerably older than she is.”
I noted that his wife was a few years younger than he was, but nothing near the difference that I shared with Molly. “I met her at the cafe and she caught my eyes. It’s just the second time that I’ve been out with her, or in as it were but I have no plans on hurting her.” I looked at him, guessing that the look in his eyes meant for a moment. “I can sense that she’s been hurt and I would never want to make anything worse. She’s a sweet, beautiful woman.”
“She’s like a daughter to me and you’re right. She has been though I don’t know the details.” He glanced up as Noel walked back into the room with the bottles, looking curiously at me as she smiled.
“Here you go. Dinner will be ready in a jiffy.” She looked at her dad. “Don’t be too hard on him, Dad.”
Keith chuckled as she walked back into the kitchen and shook her head. “That one drives me crazy,” he said affectionately with a smile. “She brought Molly home for holidays a few times and it was obvious how close they were. When she mentioned bringing her home with her to open the cafe, we agreed immediately. There was just something about Molly that made me want to protect her.” I’d never tell him that I knew the details, nor how bad I wanted her. We were both men and I suspected that he understood that.
Marta called us to the table and I sat down beside Molly with Noel across from us and her parents on either side. Keith had already started to ask me about the military and I told him some stories of places I’d been and some of the action that I’d seen. He seemed to enjoy them and I understood that once I heard that he was the owner of a construction company. He’d lived here his entire life so the idea of travel and different surroundings must be exciting, even though I knew that he was happy here. The way he looked at his wife told me that as well as the gentle smiles that he gave Noel and Molly.
For the first time in my life, I felt a craving for that security in my life and I stared at Molly. She smiled at me as she took a bite of potato and blushed as I reached for the bottle of beer. I got to kn
ow the family, liking their kindness and the way they fit so well into this town. I went with Keith to watch the game while they cleaned up, full and happy as I settled on the couch. The girls were laughing in the kitchen over the sound of running water and I looked around. “How long have you been married?” I asked him as he smiled.
“Thirty years. I met her when I was just out of college and she was starting, so we got married when she was done.” I guessed him to be around fifty-two or so, though they were both healthy like I was. “We moved here and then Noel was here and everything seemed perfect. I started the business with Marta’s help and she started doing the bookkeeping for some locals. We’re not rich but I don’t think you have to be to be fulfilled.”
I made a great salary and prior to this, I was thinking only of saving money. I wanted to buy a nice house and live life to the fullest but when I looked around this room, I knew what he meant. “Yeah,” I murmured thoughtfully as I took a drink of the beer. I was nursing it since I assumed I’d be leaving with Molly at some point and wanted to be safe.
“Have you ever been married?” Keith asked me as I shook my head.
“I’ve always moved a lot and never wanted to bring someone into that life. It was chaotic at times and I lived for that. Now that I’m here, I might settle some and think about retiring.” I shrugged and glanced at the score, fondly remembering a few games that I’d attended over the years.
“You’re going to stay here?” Marta asked from the end of the room and I glanced her way with a smile.
“Perhaps. It’s time I start thinking about where I am going to live permanently.” I told her as she moved to sit beside Keith, taking his hand.
“It’s a little slow here but so peaceful. I never could imagine living in a big city.” Keith smiled at her and I looked up to see Molly walking into the living room, staring at me.
“Would you like to see a movie tonight?” I asked her as she nodded with a smile.
“I have apple pie for dessert, so feel free to come in and have some when you get back.” Marta said as I chuckled.
“She always makes too much food,” Keith confirmed, smiling dryly as she pretended to hit his arm with her free hand. I stood and helped Molly into her gray cardigan sweater, saying thank you and goodbye before we walked to my car.
“They’re a great family,” I told Molly as she smiled and nodded.
“They’ve never made me feel unwelcome here. It’s like a second mom and dad for me.” Molly watched me as I opened the door. “Did he give you the Spanish Inquisition?”
“No, but he is protective of you,” I replied before closing the door and walking around to my side. I got in and started the engine before giving her a long look. “I respect that, Molly.
“It drives Noel crazy. I think that she dates some guys just to get under his skin. I’ve not dated since they met me so this is a first for him.” She laughed as I pulled down the long driveway and to the main road. “Thanks for staying. I was horrified when Marta suggested it but I had a great time. You’re fun to watch.”
“How so?” I asked curiously as she smiled.
“You’re so confident and you got along easily with them. I guess that’s because you’re older perhaps, but I never met a guy like that before.” She leaned back into her seat. “There’s also something about you that scares me; thrills me. Maybe something dark. I’m not sure.”
She had no idea. I headed to the theater that we’d seen one another at that night a few weeks ago and she stared at the offerings for a moment. “What sounds good?” I asked her, stroking her back as she moved closer to me.
“Will you protect me from the monsters if we see the scary one?” Molly asked softly as she turned to look at me, her eyes heavy with desire. I leaned in to kiss her softly, loving her heat.
“Yes, I will always protect you.” I murmured as I brushed my lips against hers again. I led her forward and bought the tickets for the show, walking inside to order popcorn and a drink to share. That was a must at the movies, and I knew that she felt the same from seeing her before. I walked into the small theater and asked her where she’d like to sit as she shrugged. I grinned as I took her to the back corner and placed the drink between us as she settled in.
I glanced forward to see Olivia walking in with a guy that looked a little younger than her, making me wonder if it was a student. If so, she moved quickly. She glanced my way and frowned as our eyes met and then looked away, moving to the front of the theater. I reached out for Molly’s hand and held it as she reached for some popcorn with her free hand. I wondered if Olivia saw me with Molly, hoping that she did. I wanted her to see the kind of woman that appealed to me.
The room darkened and we settled in for the previews, my arm securely around her. She moved closer to me with the featured horror movies that they pushed on the crowd and I kissed her hair gently. The film we came to see was more of a creepy kind of scary than it was gory and Molly was practically in my lap by the end. She buried her face in my neck as she groaned and shook her head, making me want to groan back for completely different reasons.
Her lips brushed against my skin and I froze, feeling my body heat up in response. She kissed my neck and up to my jaw as I slid my hand into her loose hair, holding her close to me. “Will you come over?” I asked her as her lips moved up, closer to my mouth.
“I was hoping that you’d ask,” she murmured before kissing me softly. I wanted to push her back against the seat and kiss my way down her body, but when the lights came back on I was all too aware of where we were. She seemed to want to keep going, but I pulled away and took a breath. “Mmmm,” Molly moaned, leaning forward again as I gripped her hair again.
“Let’s take this elsewhere,” I suggested as our eyes locked in the light. I saw that she wanted more and reminded myself that I needed to stop when she asked me to. I didn’t want to and was rarely asked to, but this was important. I stood slowly and took her hand, leading her out of the building and out onto the street as she looked around. Her face was flushed and eyes heavy, making me stare at her.
“Major Johnson,” came a familiar voice as I glanced up to see Olivia. She was looking at Molly with an inquiring gaze as I smiled weakly.
“Good evening,” I greeted her, seeing that she was alone. “Did you enjoy the movie?”
“It was scary, wasn’t it?” She asked as I laughed and Molly squeezed my hand tightly. “I’m Olivia. I work with Major Johnson.” She extended her hand boldly and I sensed Molly cowering for a moment.
“I’m Molly,” she said simply as she shook Olivia’s hand. The women were so different but Molly was the one that I wanted to be with and I looked at Olivia to see disdain pass through her eyes.
“We’re going to head back to town. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said as I pulled Molly to my car across the street in the parking lot. I could feel Olivia watching us but I kept going until my keys were in the door.
“You work with her?” Molly asked softly as I looked at her. She looked so insecure and I left the key in the door to pull her gently against me.
“She’s an instructor at the base. I am overseeing the classes,” I explained as I moved closer to her.
“She wants you, doesn’t she?” Molly asked as I let out a slow breath.
“It doesn’t matter. I want you…I want to be with you,” I assured her as I stared into her eyes, moving in slowly for a kiss. She melted against me, returning it as I got caught up in Molly’s mouth all over again.
CHAPTER 12
Molly
I thought that I could stand there forever with him in that small parking lot. Every time he kissed me, my knees turned into jello. Lance didn’t even come close to this and I berated myself for getting involved with him at all.
I felt Robert push me against the car as his tongue slipped inside of my mouth eagerly, claiming me as his. What would it feel like to lay bare before him, feeling his tongue on my body? I shivered as I pulled him closer, tilting my head to deepen th
e kiss. We made out for a while before he pulled away, breathing raggedly. “Let’s get to the house,” he suggested as I nodded and pressed against him. “You make me crazy, Molly.”
“I feel the same way,” I admitted as I held onto him for a moment. I finally pulled away and he secured me in the car before going to his side. I thought about what he did to me for a moment, focusing on the way my stomach knotted up. I thought about the way my nipples were aching and how damp my thighs were. I knew that I wanted to sleep with Robert but I feared the attraction for a fleeting second. What if it was a mistake to take things that far?
I looked over as he got into the car and started the engine. "You look beautiful with kiss swollen lips, Molly.” I blushed. Robert pulled out onto the street and headed back to Mountain Home as I watched him drive. The way he held the steering wheel was sexy as sin, so confidently. He had no doubt about the safety of this trip; of me. He probably had little doubt about anything at all. He glanced at me and smiled for a second before looking at the curvy road ahead. “What are you thinking about?”
“I like watching you drive,” I told him as he frowned. “It’s so controlling and hot. Are you controlling, Robert?” Something told me that he was but I wasn’t scared.
“Not in a bad way, Molly. I do like to have the control in a situation though. I think it comes from the military,” he admitted as I turned to face him a bit. “How about you?”
“I don’t think I even know. I haven’t been offered it before and when I tried, it led to an argument.” I shuddered as I thought back to Lance, whom I now knew was faking his confidence.
