by Wendi Zwaduk
Austin sank onto the closest chair and rested his elbows on his knees. He dipped his head and stared at the floor. He’d been told a liar couldn’t look a man in the eye. Was he a liar? No, but he couldn’t face her. “I want you to accompany me because you’re my best friend and the best co-worker I’ll ever know. People like you, and I’m an arrogant ass. Maybe you can smooth out my rough edge.” Knock some sense into him, make him admit the truth…only the impossible.
“You’ve got the ass part right,” she snapped.
“I’m sorry, Molls.” He looked up at her. She might’ve been arguing with him but she was still there. He had a chance. “I’m trying to do the right thing. Yes, they told me they wanted me there, but you did the lion’s share of the work. I can’t allow them to leave you out.”
“Thanks, I think.” She plopped onto the couch. “You annoy me so much sometimes. It’s like you know exactly how to get under my skin, but how to be sweet at the same time. I should thank you, but I want to punch you in the arm.” She swept her hair out of her eyes again. “It hurts, you know. Hurts to think the companies only see you.”
“I know, Molls, and I’m sorry.” He crossed the room and kneeled at her feet. “Come with me to the gala. Show Aura and everyone else you’re a creative force to be reckoned with.”
She swiped the tears from her cheeks again. “Let me think about it.”
“I’m taking that as a yes.” He rested his head on her lap. “We’re going to have a great time.”
“I never said yes.” She stroked his hair. “I’m not convinced it’ll be a good situation. I’m better suited as the silent partner.”
“Well, the gala is tomorrow, so that doesn’t give you much time to think. You’re either in or out.” He laced his fingers with hers. Her touch seared him to the core. “It’s going to be very good and I’ll get to see you in a dress.”
“I hate dresses,” she whispered.
“I bet Remy would go with you to find the right dress.” He could see her now in something red, or maybe dark blue. She’d outshine the rest of the women at the gala and he’d have the honor of being her date.
“I should call Remy and get him out of himself for a while. He’s been lonely.” She ran her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp and soothing him.
“Why? He’s not needed at the gallery?” He wound his arm around her legs and cuddled up closer to her. “I bet Saturdays are busy there.”
“The gallery is closed until four on Saturdays, but I meant since he and Javier split he’s not exactly busy.”
“Oh.” He frowned. “They were so good for each other. When did they end it?”
“Three weeks ago. It’s still fresh.” She sighed. “I can’t see why they couldn’t make it work. Maybe I’m wrong, but it almost seemed like Remy wanted it more. Javier wanted to be in a relationship, but he wanted to be free, too. I don’t know.”
Austin scooted off the floor and onto the couch beside her. He draped his arm around Molly’s shoulders. Even he could see the parallels between him and Remy. She, like Javier, wanted something that could very well not be possible and why? Because he, like Remy, liked to roam. Remy might not want to change, but what if Austin did? The gala was his chance.
“Maybe you see things wrong,” he said. “You never know. What you believe might be half the story.” And he just might be capable of turning his life around. “What if Remy didn’t realize the good thing he had until he lost it and he’s willing to work to get that passion back?”
Molly stared at him. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.
“Can you trust me? For once? And not with an advertising account?” He rested his forehead against hers and kissed the tip of her nose. “You never know what could happen at this gala. People will see your photographs. You might be able to chuck the ad job and follow your passion. Other things could happen, too.”
She didn’t say anything right away. Molly’s shoulders sagged and she folded her arms. “Show me you’re not an ass and I might believe you.”
“I can’t guarantee I’ll be perfect, but this could be good for us.” She’d given him a chance. He wasn’t worthy of her or another opportunity with her, but damn it, he was tired of screwing up. If he and Molly were meant to have a romantic relationship, then he wasn’t about to tempt fate.
Chapter Three
Molly covered her face with both hands. A gala. How in the hell had she ended up being invited to one? She’d done her job. She rested her head on the back of the couch.
“So I’m going with you.” She patted Austin’s thigh. “I’m in a hotel room with you, I’m your ride home and I’m supposed to attend a gala. I’m so screwed.”
“Why?” He clasped her hand. “I’m that awful?”
“You can be.” But she’d been mean to him. “Did you tell them I’m coming along because you felt sorry for me?”
“Nope. I told them you were coming along because the photos are yours, the idea was yours and you deserve the credit. I fought for you.”
She could accept that. “So, I need a dress. I don’t have any. I never even had a wedding dress.”
Austin sat up and faced her. “Wait, what? You didn’t have… But you married Linc.”
“At the courthouse.” She shrugged. “He didn’t want to wait and I couldn’t find the right one. He said I didn’t need one. I guess I was so wrapped up in not wanting to be alone that I gave in.”
“Molls.” He jumped up from his seat and paced the length of the room. “This is crazy. Nuts.”
“You were happy. Our friend Aiden was happy. I was…alone.” She left the couch and wandered out to the balcony. The chilly night air wrapped around her and sent shivers through her. She hated talking about her past, hated reliving any of it. But Austin deserved to know the truth. She wanted nothing more than to be in a relationship, just like her college friends, but Aiden had found a girlfriend and Austin had moved on long before she’d been able to tell Austin how she felt. Maybe she’d settled for Linc but she hadn’t been alone.
“Molls.” Austin joined her on the balcony. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you talk to me and make me listen?”
“I was on my own. You and Carole just started getting heavy and I wasn’t allowed into that situation. She’d slam the door in my face and hang up on me when I called. I gave up.” She rested her forearms on the railing. “I let him talk me into expediting things. I hated the situation and, looking back, it was bad, but I learned from it. I gave up settling and focused on being happy.”
Austin bumped shoulders with her. “Still.”
“I know what I want and I’m not settling.” She watched the waves crash on the jagged beach. Even when the world seemed to be falling apart, she took solace in her decision. She might not be in a long-term relationship with the man of her dreams but she was happy.
“Good for you.” Austin tucked her close to his body. “But you still need a dress for tomorrow night.”
“I do.” She wasn’t even sure where to start looking.
“Have you ever been to Erin’s over in Avon Commons?”
“That’s a bridal shop.” She stared at him. “I didn’t even go there while I was engaged, so yeah, no.”
“Mom could set you up. I’ll call her and ask for a favor.” He frowned but continued talking. “She’s always got a few dresses that might work.” Austin steered her away from the balcony and back into the room. He strode over to the couch long enough to retrieve his bag then disappeared into the bedroom with his phone. “Every woman needs at least one nice dress.” He turned his back to her and spoke into his phone. Less than a minute later, he faced her and grinned. “Done.”
“Wait.” Not that she had much of a chance to hold up anything. She stopped him and smoothed her hands over his chest. Here they were, him still in the underwear from the photo shoot, her fully dressed and they were discussing gowns as well as the past. Something was wrong. “Mom? What? Are you collecting parents? I t
hought Gretchen was down in Texas, or was it southern Ohio? She moved around so much.”
“Mom hates staying in one place for long, but she’s settled down for a while.” Austin sat on the bed and tugged her onto his lap. “She had a bridal shop down in Oxford but decided to move it up here after I got the job at CDL. I like having her close—closer than Texas.”
“But you never mentioned her coming back. I liked your mom and would’ve met her for lunch or something.” Embarrassment washed over her. If good old Mom didn’t really care for her then that would explain the disconnect.
“She has her thing and I’ve got mine, but she’s always loved you. We’ve both been busy and I never got around to bringing her up.” He twirled a lock of Molly’s hair in his fingers. “Anyway, I called her. She put a few dresses aside and said to come in tomorrow morning after we sign the contract. She’s got a friend who can do your hair and makeup. Hell, I bet even Dylan would help out.”
“Why are you doing this?” Why did he feel the need to overwhelm her?
“Because I can.” He brushed his nose against hers. “I want to make this night special for you. Both nights.” He cupped the back of her head and feathered his lips over her mouth.
From her head to her toes, her body warmed and her nerve endings sizzled. She draped her arms around his neck. The desire to give in to him was strong. He wanted her. For right now? Forever? She wasn’t sure.
Molly threw caution to the wind and ignored her better judgment. Austin had been her favorite mistake from the get-go and she refused to push him away again. She shoved her hand under his shirt and palmed his pecs. Damn, the man was strong. She pressed her knees together and moaned. He knew how to kiss, too. He alternated nips with longer kisses and sucked on her tongue.
“Molly.” He shoved her blouse over her head and tossed the article of clothing onto the floor. “Sweetheart.”
She curled away from him and wanted to hide. She wasn’t perfect, slender or anything he normally went for in his women. Besides, she’d worn a sports bra.
“This is hot.” He eased the straps of the bra down her arms. “I like it.”
“Austin.” She wished she’d worn something a little more fancy.
“Don’t hide from me.”
He moved the top of the lingerie over her breasts and bared her chest to him. He moaned then mashed his face into her boobs. His warm breath turned her insides out and when he sucked on her nipples, she whimpered. She threaded her fingers into his hair and tipped her head back. He was dangerous to her resolve and restraint.
“So good.”
He scooped her into his arms and stood then placed her on the bed. The predatory look in his eyes scared and pleased her. She wanted to be possessed by this man. She sat up long enough for him to help her out of the bra then eased onto the mattress. Austin climbed between her thighs. He leaned over her and brushed her hair off her face. He kissed her until she couldn’t catch her breath then licked a path of fire down her neck.
She wanted to protest, but why? Because she knew how this situation would end. Still. He was here and she wanted him. Why not give in and let nature take its course?
Molly didn’t fight him when he popped the button on her jeans, or when he helped her out of the pants and her panties. She knew where this moment would lead and cherished what was about to happen.
Austin rested her leg on his shoulder and kissed his way down her inner thigh. She balled her hands in the bedding to hide the trembling.
He met her gaze as he nipped her belly. He trailed his fingers over her thighs then up her ribcage to her breasts.
She couldn’t look him in the eye. The last time they’d fucked had been before her marriage. She’d been a different woman back then. There was no way he’d miss the changes.
“Don’t hide from me.” Austin dragged his tongue along her slit then grazed his teeth across her clit. The slight pain sent pleasure through her body.
Molly bit back a moan. Fucking balls. He knew what to do to make her soul sing. She writhed beneath him and planted her feet on the bed.
“Austin.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. Each time he licked her pussy or sucked on her cunt lips, she cried out. The blood thrummed in her ears and the scent of his cologne wrapped around her. He swiped his tongue over her cunt and blew chilly air across her sensitive skin. He reminded her of velvet with each lick.
“Damn, babe.” He buried his nose in her pubic hair and sucked hard on her clit.
“Austin,” she bit out. The pressure sent pain-filled pleasure to her core. She opened her eyes and moaned.
“Love how you make noise when we’re together.” Austin speared his tongue into her pussy, mimicking sex, then rubbed her clit with the pad of his thumb.
She shuddered. This wasn’t supposed to happen this fast—the climax washed over her and her legs trembled. Her world spun. “Austin.”
“Fuck, that’s sexy.” He buried his face in her pussy again and licked until the bliss-filled post-orgasm glow settled around her.
She sagged against the bed. She caught her breath then whispered, “This puts a new spin on getting work done.”
“It’s not over yet.” Austin stood and yanked the shirt up over his head. His chest glistened and his nipples beaded as he moved.
Molly had seen him a hundred times without his shirt and a few of him totally nude, but he still stole her breath.
Austin shucked the boxer briefs and stood before her. He took his glasses off and placed them on the nightstand. “Been forever.” He didn’t give her a chance to think before he opened a condom wrapper and sheathed himself. He stroked his dick then crawled onto the bed. He paused over the top of her.
“I need this—need you.” Austin captured her mouth in a kiss. He palmed her breast and moaned. She swallowed the noise.
Jesus. He overwhelmed her and had so much power. She needed to take some back—but not right now.
“Take me,” she murmured between kisses.
“Mine.” Austin slid his cock along her cunt lips, stroking her.
She drew her knees up around his hips and guided his dick into her pussy and groaned at the tight fit.
“God, that’s good.” He pressed his face to the side of her neck and nibbled between thrusts. He started slow but built speed within moments.
Molly gripped his shoulders. In and out, thrust for thrust she met him and melted. When he dipped his head, she tugged him closer and mashed her mouth onto his. She sucked on his tongue. She needed him everywhere.
Austin broke the kiss first and rested his forehead against hers. The muscle in his jaw tensed and he slipped his hand down to her hip. He dug his fingers into her skin as the orgasm swept over him.
“Fuck,” he said from between clenched teeth. “Jesus.” He shuddered and pumped into her a few more times as the trembling subsided.
Molly held on to him. She hadn’t come a second time but she didn’t care. She still couldn’t quite move from the first orgasm. She looped her arms around his neck and basked in the delicious post-climax feeling.
A bead of sweat slipped down his temple and his shoulders sparkled with perspiration. “Missed that, babe.”
She nodded. Having sex with him again hadn’t been smart, but she wanted to keep making the mistake. He’d always been her favorite. She shoved her worry aside. For now, she’d allow herself to believe there was a chance she and Austin could make a relationship work. But just for now.
* * * *
Austin rolled over and watched Molly sleep. He’d forgotten how beautiful she was first thing in the morning. He breathed in the scent of her lotion, or was it her perfume? He wasn’t sure and, really, it didn’t matter. He didn’t regret sleeping with her and never would. She might call their trying to have a relationship outside of work a disaster, but he didn’t agree. She kept him sane. He wasn’t giving her up.
Yes, he wasn’t sure if they had a chance at forever and part of him still wanted to hold on to his freedom.
Molly sighed and sat up. She scrubbed both hands over her face. “Shit. What time is it?”
“Eight. You crashed shortly after we…” He wanted to say fucked, but sex with her wasn’t fucking. He made love to her. “I held you and we slept. Best night of my life.”
“I see.”
“Hey, it was. I slept soundly, feel refreshed and cannot wait for tonight.” He smoothed his palm over her back. “Can’t wait to see you in some spangly dress and looking like a million dollars.”
“That’s right. I do need a little…work. You mentioned your mom, right?” Molly climbed out of bed and hurried into her clothes. She pulled her hair into a ponytail. She gathered up her tablet, laptop, phone and scooped them all into her bag, then yawned. “I need to call Remy, but if your mom’s still got time, I’ll go to the store.”
“You will?” Austin couldn’t get dressed fast enough. He scrambled into his shoes and snatched his keys and messenger bag from the couch. “Hold up. I need to make sure I have everything.”
“I’m not in a hurry.” Molly leaned her hip against the back of the sofa. “Where am I meeting you for this date to the gala?”
“I’d say your place.” He rummaged through the couch cushions to ensure he hadn’t lost anything then ruffled the sheets. He dug through his bag. “Keys, wallet, phone…tablet and notes. Looks like I’m good.”
“Are you?” She rolled her eyes but smiled.
“You thought I was last night.”
“That was last night.”
“It doesn’t have to end there.” He followed her out to the elevator. “How about seven tonight? We’ve got to be there around eight.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “So I’m meeting you downstairs at seven.”
“I thought I’d come up and get you. I’m calling a limo.” He pressed the button for the elevator. “We should arrive in style.”
