We linger while Mollie puts her flowers in water. I don’t have a vase, but I do have a nice pitcher I make margaritas in. I have to say, it works well. The chocolates are put in a cabinet, so Samson doesn’t make a play for them.
There’s much oohing and aahing by Mollie as she says goodbye to her pooch. She has him settle on the couch with his favorite chew toy, then we slip out hand in hand.
?
“This has been incredible,” Mollie says as she takes her last bite of dessert. It was a chocolate ball concoction the waiter had poured more hot chocolate over, which then melted the ball to reveal a raspberry chocolate torte inside. It was a lot of damn chocolate. I had a bite, but it was too rich. Rarely do I indulge in dessert, but I do have a glass of port in its place.
I glance around the restaurant. Dominik had made the recommendation after a quick text from me asking for the finest restaurant in Phoenix. I knew he would be the one out of all my friends, teammates, and coaches who would have the answer.
He had recommended this place—simply called Dine—and then promptly told me it took at least three weeks to get a reservation.
Before I could even respond, though, he had texted again. But I’ll get you the best table in the place for 7:30 tonight.
That man was just fucking awesome.
“So, a good first date?” I ask for clarification.
“The best I’ve ever had,” she assures me as she pushes her dessert plate away. “I’m stuffed.”
“Me too.” I lift my glass, then take a tiny sip of the port. “Would it be bad form to suggest we put on sweatpants and watch a movie when we get home?”
Mollie laughs. “That would be perfect form to me.”
“How’s it going at Clarke’s bookstore?” I ask. Mollie has been working at the shop for a few hours here and there. She doesn’t need the money, but it’s a way to get out of the apartment and get some socialization.
“She’s great,” Mollie replies with a fond smile. “And it’s an enjoyable way to pass the time.”
Her words hang in the air, but I know her well. There’s more to say, so I take a guess and fill in the blank. “But it’s not what you want to do.”
Mollie nods. “I’m not ready to go back on the road, and I don’t know if I ever will be. I mean, the thing with Matthew shook me up, and I’m relishing my time with you right now.”
“You’ll know when the time is right,” I assure her. While it pains me to think about her leaving, I’ll never hold her back.
Her eyes get a little bright. “I had an idea, though. I’m not sure if it’s stupid or what.”
“Tell me.”
She tips her head to the side with a coy smile as she glances away. When her eyes return to mine, she says, “I was thinking of maybe writing a travel guidebook. And not a typical one telling you where to go, but instead to travel how I do. For those people who want to pack up a car with the bare essentials and go on an adventure.”
“I love it,” I exclaim. “Your travel blog is so popular; I bet you could even get a publisher to jump at the idea.”
She shrugs. “It will be something to do until I can decide if I ever want to hit the road again.”
I take another sip of my port. “I’ll travel with you in the summer if you want,” I offer. For a second, I think I’ve offended her.
Her face pales slightly, her eyes going round. But the shaky tone of her voice reassures me that I didn’t offend her in the slightest. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course I would,” I say.
“You’d give up your entire summer to travel with me?” she queries, clearly stupefied.
“I’d be with you, Mollie. I wouldn’t be giving up anything.”
“I travel cheap and light. It’s not comfortable.”
“But I’d be with you,” I reply simply.
Mollie’s gaze drops to her lap, and I can tell she’s fiddling with her napkin. It’s obvious she’s working out something in her mind.
Finally, she lifts her eyes to mine. “I want to say something. And it’s important, so I just want you to listen. And when I’m done, I don’t want you to respond to what I’m saying. You can talk about something else if you want then, but, right now, just listen.”
Something skitters up my spine. I’m not sure if it’s foreboding or what, but I tamp it down. “Okay.”
Mollie takes a breath, lets it out slowly, then reaches across the table for my hand. “I love you, Kane. I’ve loved you for years, but in a different way than I mean right now. I’ve loved you as a friend and a confidant—as the trusted person who would always be there for me—forever. But we’ve never really shared those words, and I’ve been wondering when the right time would be to tell you. Is it too soon since we’ve only been intimate for like ten days? Or maybe I should have told you after that wonderful time we first had sex? I don’t know the answer, but my heart wants me to say it to you now. So that you know I love you as a friend and confidant, as that trusted person who has always been there for me, and as my lover and boyfriend. As the man who is more important to me than anyone and anything else. I don’t know where we’re going or where this path will end up taking us, but I’m excited about it. And I don’t want you to give me any words back right now. Just let this settle. Let it be enough that I’ve said it to you. Besides, I’m pretty sure I know how you feel. Maybe you can spring it on me at some time I’m not expecting it, then I’ll kiss you, we’ll make love, and then celebrate our relationship together. But for now… let’s talk about something else.”