Lip Lock (10 page)

“And to think you passed up the chance for crab bisque and Caesar salad.” He loosened his tie.

She stopped chewing. “Shut up.”

“Grilled steaks…”

Molly speared him a look. “I’m warning you.”

“Chocolate raspberry cake…”

“You are living on borrowed time.”

“All to run errands.” Kyle sighed and shook his head with mock sorrow.

“Unlike a lot of your dates,” Molly said as she grabbed for the soda bottle, “I don’t have three hours a night to hang out at a restaurant.”

He looked out of the corner of his eye. “I thought all trust fund babies did.”

She froze for just a second, but Kyle caught it. He hid his smile as she continued to remove her soda bottle cap. “I’m not independently wealthy.”

“I figured that one out.” He looked around the Laundromat.

“I never said I was.”

“Strangely enough, I believe you.” He didn’t know why, and he hoped it was based on gut instinct and not that he was enamored of her charisma.

“My truck tipped you off?” she asked, her mouth pressed against the plastic bottle.

“So it is your truck?”

Molly groaned, obviously realizing her error. “Technically, no.”

“Is it your temporary home?”

She braced her shoulders and faced him directly. “Why do you want to know?”

Kyle raised his hand. “Let’s get something straight. I can’t fire you because of a lack of address. It’s against the law.”

“Doesn’t mean you won’t find something else to fire me for,” Molly said as she capped the bottle and set it down. “I might be late for work one day and boom! You decide to fire me. Or maybe I didn’t supply you with enough towels.”

“Or something like insubordination?”

Her jaw tightened. “Exactly.”

Okay, when she put it like that, he could see why she didn’t trust him with the facts. “Just tell me the truth about one thing.”

“
One
thing?” She shrugged. “Go for it.”

He didn’t expect her to agree that quickly. Was she going to lie? Sidestep the answer? She was good at that.

And there were a lot of questions he wanted to ask. Deeply personal ones. Questions that would get him closer to her and get her in his bed.

But he had to get one question out of the way, and then he could pursue her single-mindedly. “What’s your relationship with Curtis?”

Molly made a face. “Curtis was a big mistake.”

Hmm. That could mean anything. “So, you two…?”

“No. No way!” She shuddered with disgust, but the idea didn’t seem to ruin her appetite as she picked up her half-eaten sandwich. “I didn’t want you asking questions about what I was doing at the office after hours. So I told Curtis to just act like we’re together.”

“And he went with it? Just like that?” It didn’t make sense. Why would Curtis do that and receive nothing in return?

“Yeah, he was totally up for it. I didn’t know he was married!” She took a ferocious chomp out of the sandwich.

“Do you see him outside the office?”

She held her hand over her full mouth. “I’m always at the office.”

He raised his eyebrow at her. “You know what I mean.” Kyle had finally got her to open up. It wasn’t a lot, but he wasn’t going to backtrack.

She took her time chewing before she swallowed. “No.”

Good. He didn’t want Molly involved in this intellectual property mess. He wanted to pursue the woman without having to watch his back.

She gave him a shrewd look. “Does this have anything to do with why you’re following me?”

“Sorry, I can’t tell you,” he answered, surprised that she picked up on that. “You don’t have security clearance.”

“In other words, you don’t want to tell me and you’re hiding behind corporate bureaucracy.”

He smiled, knowing he was caught. “Yeah, basically.”

“Mm-hmm.” She took another bite of the sandwich.

Kyle watched her. She seemed to be softening up to him. Not a lot, but she wasn’t dodging him, either. “By the way, where are you going to sleep tonight?”

She coughed and slapped her hand over her mouth. “Not with you.”

“I wasn’t extending an invitation.”

“Suuure.”
She grabbed for her soda bottle.

“I wasn’t.” He looked up as an older woman walked by with a metal laundry cart. He moved his feet out of the way before she ran him over.

Molly chugged down the drink. “Then why are you asking? Worried about my well-being?”

“As a matter of fact, I am.” Which wasn’t good. Molly was a distraction he couldn’t afford. He couldn’t trust her, was trying hard not to like her, so why did he care?

Molly didn’t bother to hide her disbelief. “I’ll be okay, but thanks for asking.”

Kyle shifted his chair and studied her. “Let me see if I get this straight. You would rather sleep in a cold truck alone than in my warm bed with me?”

She considered what he said. “Yep, that pretty much sums it up.”

He saw her slow blink.
Yes!
He had been getting worried there for a second.

“Okay.” He shifted back and stared at the clothes flopping in the dryer. “I get it.”

He watched her reflection on the machines. Her eyes narrowed into slits. “Get what?”

“Don’t worry about it.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I understand.”

The eyebrows went up. “I seriously doubt it.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “It’s obvious.”

She shook her head and took another bite of her sandwich. “Not to me.”

“You’re a virgin.”

Molly choked. Spluttered. “I’m a what?!”

“It’s okay.” Kyle looked back at her. “There’s no shame in being one.”

She pounded her fist against her sternum. “What makes you think that?”

“Though maybe there’s something wrong.” He tapped his finger against his chin as if he was deep in thought. “Considering your advanced age and all.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Now I’m an old maid?”

Kyle tilted his head to the side. “How old are you?”

Her mouth snapped shut and she gave him another warning look. “Old enough to know not to get tangled up with you.”

“Molly, Molly, Molly…”

She slouched in her seat. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“You need to learn a few more things. You know, that’s the problem with virgins.”

“Would you shut up?” she said in a hiss and quickly looked around for eavesdroppers.

“Once they get to a certain age, they make some stupid decisions all based on their first time. They make complicated plans because they feel like they need to make it perfect after waiting so long.”

“You’re an expert on virgins?” She held up both hands and leaned away from him. “That bit of info isn’t warming me up on the idea of sleeping with you.”

“Virgins would rather sleep in a truck than share a bed.” He had no idea where this stuff was coming from, but he was having fun. “Because it’s not the bed in their plans.”

She closed her eyes. “Here we go.”

“Virgins will go through great lengths to avoid temptation. They can’t have anything ruin their plans for that First Time.”

“Wouldn’t know about that.” She opened her eyes and picked at her sandwich.

“Like gaining fake and unattainable boyfriends.” He nudged her with his elbow.

“Really? Fascinating.” She removed a pickle from her sandwich and stuffed it in her mouth. “Did you do a focus group?”

“Or watch a guy showering but bolt at the first offer.”

Her jaw tightened.

“Or sleep in an unsecured truck rather than a bed a guy offered.”

The muscle in her cheek twitched.

“And in no way did the guy offer to share,” Kyle was quick to point out.

“All right! All right!” Molly interrupted. “I am not a virgin. Sheesh.” She flopped back into her seat.

The Laundromat fell silent. All he could hear was the hum of the machines and the tinny voice on the television. Kyle struggled not to smile.

“Oh, come on.” Molly looked around and splayed her arms in the air. “Like y’all are pure and innocent.”

An infant wailed on the other side of the large room and everyone looked away. The buzz of conversation resumed.

She glared at Kyle. “Thanks a lot. I’ll never be able to use this place again.”

“So…”

She pointed her finger at him. “Don’t say it.”

“Where are you sleeping tonight?”

Molly exhaled hard and long. “Kyle, there are three reasons why I won’t be going home with you.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Only three? I’m closer than I thought.”

“Number one,” she said through clenched teeth. “I don’t sleep with every guy who buys me dinner, does me a favor, or simply asks.”

“Good to know.”

“Number two”—she held up two fingers—“I don’t sleep with my boss. Ever.”

Kyle sighed with relief. “I’m glad to hear it.”

His answer distracted her from her list. “You are?”

“Yes, because technically Sara is your boss, and that would bring a weird dynamic to this relationship.”

Molly’s eyes glazed over. Shook her head and pressed her lips together. She turned and stared at the dryer.

“What’s number three?” he couldn’t resist asking.

She hesitated before she looked at him, her eyelids half open. “You’re not my type.”

Blink
.

Kyle tried not to smile. “What’s your type?”

“I like the quiet, silent type.”
Blink
. “Blue collar worker.” She looked up at his dark hair. “Blond.”
Blink, blink
.

“Anything else?”

She thought for a minute. “A homebody.”

He nodded and leaned over to whisper, “You forgot boring in bed.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“Good night, Kyle,” Molly said cheerfully as she pulled up to the entrance of Ashton Image Works. “See you tomorrow.”

He leaned back in the passenger seat and studied her. “You really would rather sleep in a truck.” He couldn’t believe it. He really thought he was going to get his way by the end of the night.

“I’m not sleeping in the truck,” she admitted.

Relief flooded through him. “Yeah?”

“No. Why should I when there’s this nice cardboard box with my name on it by the Seattle Aquarium?”

“Molly,” he groaned and closed his eyes, but the image was clear and disturbing.

“Why are you so concerned about my sleeping arrangements? Are you worried that I will be sneaking around work? Using up the office supplies to make a bed?”

“Something like that.” He was stuck. He didn’t want her to sleep in a truck, vulnerable and alone.

But he couldn’t allow her to sleep in his office. She might be embroiled in this theft. She had the means and motive. No reason to give her plenty of opportunity.

He didn’t trust her, but he also wanted to protect her. It didn’t make sense. If anything, it should cool any thoughts of taking her to his bed. That was more dangerous. It would bring her closer than he should allow.

“Don’t worry, Kyle,” she said, her tone suddenly serious. “I have no intentions of sleeping in your office.”

“Yeah, how do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Have you tried sleeping in your office?” She scrunched up her nose. “The carpeting is too hard.”

“And a sidewalk isn’t?” Why was he worried? She was an adult. She made her choices. She made it clear she didn’t want him looking after her. Fine. She could look after him.

He hopped out of the van and strolled around to her side. Kyle knocked on the driver’s window and waited for her to roll it down.

“Are you going to escort me to the door?” he asked.

Molly smiled. “You’re funny. A load of laughs.”

“That’s why you want me.”

Her smile quickly disappeared. “I don’t.”
Blink.

Kyle was tired of the lies. There was only one way he knew how to stop them from coming. He cupped his hand around her head and sank his fingers in her soft hair. Pulling her closer, Kyle pressed his mouth against hers.

Molly’s lips parted as she gasped. He took advantage of it and slid his tongue inside. She tasted hot and spicy. Hunger rolled through him, fierce and wild.

He pulled back, but he wanted more. Lots more. “Yeah, you do. You want me bad.” Kyle turned and walked away. “ ’Night, Molly.”

Sitting at one of the tables in Ashton ImageWorks’ extensive courtyard, Molly enjoyed the rare sunshine. The break from the dreary weather was a good sign. She knew it.

She tilted her head up to meet the rays before returning her attention to the Cascade mountain range. Molly listened to the gurgling fountains that splashed into zigzagging waterfalls. The plants and bushes were asleep for the winter, but everything seemed brighter, more colorful.

“There you are,” Kyle said as he approached her.

Molly sat up straight. Her heart did a funny little flip when she saw him in the sleek black pinstripe suit and crisp white shirt. Even the bold red tie gave her a few naughty thoughts. “Did you need me for something?”

The look he gave her was hot and suggestive.

Molly felt the excitement fizzing inside her, but offered him a wry smile. “Forget I asked.”

“So what did you do last night?”

“Sleep.” Barely, but she did manage a few hours.

“Where?”

It was best not to give too many details. “Around.”

“Oh, so you do sleep around.”

She groaned and rolled her eyes.

“But you won’t sleep with me.”

She rose from the bench and started down the steps that followed the waterfall. “You’re sounding like a broken record.”

“You wouldn’t know what to do if I stopped asking you.”

“Sure, I would.” She liked the playful side of him. She wished she saw it more often. Then again, maybe not. Too dangerous. “I’d get on my knees and thank my lucky stars.”

“There are better things to do on your knees.”

“Like crawl away from you?”

Kyle was right beside her on the steps. “You’re being very feisty today.”

“Don’t you mean insubordinate?” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Yeah, there’s definitely something different about you.” Kyle’s gaze traveled down her pale pink coat to her black heels.

“Today is Friday.” She skipped down a few steps.

“And you can’t wait for the weekend? Is this something you should say in front of your boss?”

“You’re not my boss,” she said, tilting her head toward him. “According to you, Sara is.”

“And I’m her boss.”

“Details.” She decided to take the small bridge over the waterfall. “You can’t change your story to fit your argument.”

“Because you have a monopoly on that?”

She stuck her tongue out at him.

“Okay, come on.” He reached out and took hold of her arm. “Tell me why it’s so good that today is Friday?”

“I get my review.” She couldn’t stop her smile.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. So, how are you going to celebrate?”

“I haven’t figured it out yet.” She reluctantly stepped out of his grasp. She was trying her best to act professional, but one touch from Kyle and it all went out the window.

“I was thinking of taking my friend Bonita out with her kids,” Molly continued. “But she can’t this weekend. So tonight, I’m thinking a huge dinner for myself.”

“Good plan. And then what?”

“Maybe check into a nice hotel for the weekend.” She’d been thinking, planning, dreaming about it ever since she was evicted. “With a bed.”

He winced.

“A huge bed where I can lie there spread-eagled.” She stretched her arms wide.

Kyle looked like he was in pain.

“With a gigantic bathtub. Or a hot tub.”

“All by yourself?” he asked hoarsely.

“Say what?” She dropped her arms.

“You’re going to enjoy all that by yourself?”

“Kyle, are you trying to get yourself invited to my hotel room?”

His smile was hopeful. “Is it working?”

Molly chuckled. “No.”

“But what about promotion sex? You’re going to miss out on that.”

“What?” She’d never heard of such a thing. “You’re making that up.”

“Nope. Doesn’t everyone have it?”

She couldn’t say. She’d never been promoted. “And you have to have it with the CEO?” she asked with suspicion.

Kyle smiled. “Now you see why the job review process is so rigorous.” His cell phone buzzed. Kyle sighed as he grabbed it and read the text.

“How do you know I’m getting a promotion?” Molly asked, hope stirring in her chest. “Did you sign off on the paperwork?”

“Maybe.” He frowned as he returned his phone back into his pocket. “I don’t remember seeing your file.”

She poked him in the chest with her finger. “You’re a tease.”

“Nah.” He captured her hand and pressed it against his heart. “I always make good on my promises.”

An idea burst into her mind and she followed the impulse. “So what are you doing tonight?” she asked.

“Why are you asking?” Kyle asked as he lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against her fingers.

“I’d like to take you out to dinner.” She suddenly felt nervous and shy.

His hand tightened around hers. “Huh?”

He couldn’t mask his surprise. Molly didn’t know if it was because she took the initiative, or because a receptionist just asked the CEO to dinner. Now she felt stupid.

“I have a few things to do first,” she said, giving him time to back out, but really hoping he didn’t. “I can call you on your cell. I have your number.”

“Molly, are you asking your boss out on a date?” The arch of his eyebrow was downright wicked. “Breaking your own rules? I’m touched.”

“No, I’m asking you to dinner.” She retrieved her hand. “I’m not interested in a date.”

Kyle smiled. “Liar.”

“Tease.” She smiled back.

“Keep calling me that I will be required to follow up.”

“Yeah, right.” A heavy warmth nestled low on her hips. How would he follow up?

“Call me,” he said as he stepped off the bridge. “I’m driving.”

And that meant he would take control. She hadn’t planned on that. “My truck cramps your style?”

“It doesn’t set the proper mood.”

“No mood is going to be set.” She hurried after him, determined to make that clear.

“Wanna bet?” He stopped and faced her. “Who drives is going to be the deal-breaker for me.”

Oh, gee. A choice between a DIY truck and a sports car. Hmm…Let me think
. “Okay, you win. You drive a tough bargain.”

Kyle was openly suspicious of her easy capitulation. “You’re not going to bail on me now, are you?”

That question was a surprise. Kyle needed to know one important thing about her. “I don’t bail.”

“Good to know.” He leaned forward, his voice low. “But I want to seal this bargain. Let me know that you mean it. Kiss me.”

She found herself about to do just that and reeled back. “What? No.” She frantically looked around to make sure there were no witnesses. “How many times do I need to tell you? This is not a date.”

“Come on, Molly.” He leaned closer. “You know you want to.”

Was it that obvious? “Kyle, you’re sounding desperate.”

“I am desperate.”

“Aw, poor baby.”

“Come on, Molly.” He circled his arm around her waist. “One kiss.”

She stared at his mouth. Her own lips stung with need. She wanted to kiss Kyle, but where would that lead? Eventually, the unemployment line, that was where.

Molly wasn’t sure what she was doing with him, but it felt something like playing with fire. She was mesmerized by the flames and wanted to explore the magic. But she had to be careful because it was almost guaranteed that she would get burned.

“Kyle,” she said as she smoothly stepped out of his loose hold. “No guy is worth risking a job.” She hurried up the steps before he caught her again. “And you can’t convince me otherwise.”

“You can say that now, Molly,” he called after her. “But you haven’t seen me try.”

Molly swept the mountain of empty envelopes to the side of her desk as she looked for her calendar. Yep, it was Friday. She hadn’t been wrong about that.

But where was Sara? Molly looked around, wondering where her boss was. She hadn’t seen much of her today. Sure, it was busy, but not
insanely
busy. About as hectic as last Friday.

Molly’s throat got tight and dry. Maybe that wasn’t a good thing, considering that she couldn’t see the top of her desk. She might be able to get it clean before Sara wanted to do her performance review. If she found the time today.

No, Sara couldn’t push her review back. Molly sat straighter and kept stuffing envelopes. Her boss
had
to meet with her today or human resources would get on her case.

Supposedly.

The phone rang and she quickly picked it up. “Ashton Image Works. Molly speaking.”

“This is Laurie, the caretaker for Kyle’s island cottage.”

“Hi, how—”

“Can I talk to him?”

Molly paused, noting the urgency in the woman’s voice. “He’s not in, but I can transfer you to Sara.”

“Eh.” That one sound gave Molly a clear understanding that the two butted heads in the past. “I’d rather leave a message on his voicemail.”

“It’s temporarily out of order,” Molly said, doing her best to keep the woman away from the voicemail. “Some sort of…computer virus. I can take a message.”

“Tell him I’m sorry for the short notice, but I have to catch the only ferry out or I’ll be too late.”

“Understandable.” What was she talking about?

“My kid is in labor and is on her way to the hospital in Seattle.”

“Oh…uh…that’s great.”
Does she want me to write this down?
Molly quickly grabbed a pen.

“Her water broke—”

Molly paused in her search for the message pad.
Uh, too much information
.

“And she lost her mucus plug—”

Mucus plug?! Waaay too much information
. She grabbed for her scratch pad, wishing Laurie would stop before she was traumatized for life.

“Well, it sounds like she definitely needs her mom with her,” Molly interrupted, as chirpy as possible. “What would you like me to tell Kyle?” Although she would love to see his face at the mention of a mucus plug.

“Oh, right. That’s why I’m calling,” Laurie said with a laugh. “I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with her head cut off.”

I think I’d rather stay with the mucus plug imagery.

“Tell him that the redecorating is done. I gave his neighbors the spare key in case there were any problems.”

“Okay.”

“It might be a while before I get back. I didn’t have time to clean out the refrigerator, which I apologize for, but the freezer and cabinets are full of nonperishables in case he drops by the cottage.”

Molly doubted if Kyle would care, but jotted down the key words. “Got it.”

“Although that’s unlikely since he hasn’t been to the cottage for at least a year. I have a feeling he’s going to put it up for sale. But that’s okay, because then I can be there for my grandkid—”

“Okay.”
Is there an off button for this woman?

“Not that I don’t like my job,” Laurie quickly assured her. “Love it—”

“Okay.”
Get off the phone.

“Oops!” Laurie exclaimed. “I’m getting another call.”

“It might be the hospital.” Molly was quick to point out the possibility.

“I better take it.”

Yes, good idea. Please do
. “And I’ll give the message to Kyle. Good luck.”

“Thank you,” Laurie said as she immediately terminated the call. Molly hung up the phone with some relief and saw Sara standing in front of her. She was frowning.

Molly glanced at her desk and felt the growing horror. Her desk looked like a tornado wreck. She felt her shoulders dip. Well, maybe she wasn’t party pretty like last week, but it shouldn’t wreck her review.

“Where is Kyle?” Sara asked, looking worn out and overworked.

Molly felt her nerves flaring up again. “I think he’s in a meeting about security with Glenn and Timothy.”

“Are you sure?” Sara paused from sweeping her red hair from her eyes. “There’s no meeting on his schedule.”

“That’s what I heard him say,” Molly answered with a shrug. “He was in a rush.”

“And Annette?”

Molly had no idea. “I think she’s in her office.”

“No, I was just there.” Sara slowly walked back to the glass doors, and then turned around. “Molly…”

“Yeah?”

“Since they’re gone for who knows how long, we can do your review now. Could you run down to human resources and get the paperwork?”

Yes-s-s-s!
Molly wanted to bolt from her chair, arch her back, and crow. Instead she tilted her head and said, “Yes, I have time to do that. Are you sure they’ll give it to me? Is that allowed?”