Lip Lock (17 page)

“Wondered how long you were going to hold out,” Kyle grumbled drowsily.

Molly’s mouth twitched. Nothing got by this guy.

Kyle gradually became aware of the sun streaking across the dark sky. Of the enveloping warmth. Of the curves nestled against him.

Curves?

He blearily opened one eye and saw the mass of brunette waves pillowing his face. Inhaling the scent that was familiar yet mysterious, he felt the kick in his veins and the buzz in his head.

Molly.

He flexed his hand and felt the warm, smooth skin underneath his fingers. Further exploration proved his hand was resting against her midriff. Under her T-shirt.

Raising his head, Kyle wondered what made her curl against him in the middle of the night. Then he noticed that it was
he
who gravitated toward her. Worse, his leg was entwined with hers, as his arm wrapped possessively around her waist.

Smooth move, Ashton. What was all the crap about not being interested?

Kyle reluctantly removed his hand from her, his fingertips gliding along her warm flesh. His hand trailed along the lace edge of her underwear. Kyle paused before darting his hand away.

Molly shifted and rolled onto her back. He was thankful for the heavy, thick comforter that surrounded them both. He knew the shirt had ridden up her stomach and exposed the underside of her breasts. His iron control didn’t need a visual.

He needed to get out of bed. Now, before the need pulled him closer. Before he rested his hand against her and curled against her side.

His leg bumped against her. Her smooth leg against his rough one offered a teasing sample of what they would be like, skin against skin.

Don’t go there. You don’t want her.

That was a lie. He did want her. A lot. Even when she lied to him. Even when he saw her standing in his house, he wanted Molly Connors.

But he didn’t want the trouble she carried. She was untamable. Chaos.

She didn’t follow the rules.

Not that that was a bad thing, but it was something he didn’t have room for in his controlled world. Once upon a time, he was like that. But things changed. Now he
had
to play by the rules. Why give his enemies an easier target? The risks were too great.

He studied her face again, finding peace and disquiet. Molly reminded him of his past. Sometimes he missed those wild days. Those were the days when he was bold and brash and nothing would get in his way. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

When did he lose that feeling? He was on top of his game. Could go anywhere. Do anything.

And he was playing it safe.

Except when he was with Molly. Then he felt the lick of wildfire. But it was an illusion. He felt all-powerful when he was with Molly, but it was all a lie.

And he had to remember that or lose all he fought to acquire.

Molly stirred awake. She blinked her eyes open. She paused and looked at him before smiling sleepily.

The quiet pleasure in her expression turned him inside out. His chest ached from the sight.

But it was all a lie. She was up to something. No one who could lie as fluently as Molly could look that innocent.

But who cared if it was a lie? There was something magical about the time between being sleep and awake, between night and dawn. Between real and unreal.

He wasn’t ready to pull away. To wake up.

Kyle placed his hand boldly on her stomach. He felt the muscles underneath his hand bunch.

She didn’t move away. His pulse kicked.

Molly watched him between her lashes. Her chest rose and fell.

Kyle lowered his head, anticipation flooding him as his mouth touched hers.

His mouth touched hers. Seeking, wanting.

So much for not being able to stand the touch of her. Not that she minded, Molly decided as a hint of a smile played on her lips.

Kyle gently pressed a small kiss on the edge of her mouth. She felt herself softening under his touch. Responding.

He deepened the kiss and she parted her lips more. She wanted to know where he’d take her. How far they would go. How much it would change her life. She was ready for a life-changing, mind-altering encounter. As long as it was with Kyle Ashton, she was ready for anything.

She turned into him. Feeling safe, feeling on the edge. Molly placed her hand on his shoulder. She paused when her hand touched warm skin. Muscle.

Molly explored the contours of his shoulder and arm. He was muscular like one of those famous stone sculptures. What those artists dreamed as the ideal, Kyle achieved with his body.

Her fingers pressed into his back. His power, his restraint flexed under her fingertips. Molly traced the length of his spine until she came to the small of his back.

She cupped the compact planes of his buttocks, pleasure sparking at her pulse points. His flesh was tight and promised strength. Stamina.

Their kisses grew frantic. Passed the edge of restraint and back again. She felt her mouth redden and swell.

His large hands cupped her rib cage. Her heart fluttered so wildly, Molly was sure he could feel it under his fingers. She felt fragile under his touch, yet ready for anything.

His hands skimmed under her breasts. Her nipples tightened and stung. She couldn’t wait for his palms to cover her breasts. She was ready to grab his wrist and guide him when he finally—finally—touched her.

She arched under him, her soft breasts pressing against his hard chest. Molly sought his mouth, kissing him fiercely as her body ached with pleasure.

She moved her hands forward, teasing his hips with the brush of her fingers until she found his penis. Molly wrapped her hands around his length. He was hard and smooth and warm.

She tightened her grip and enjoyed the sound of his groan. Molly felt the violent twitch under her touch. She glided her hands up, one palm after the other.

Kyle rolled on top of her. He grabbed her hands and raised them over her head. Her knuckles hit the pillow, his hands encircling her wrists, leaving her exposed and vulnerable to his mouth.

She found it exciting but unnerving. Something wasn’t right in the way he held her. In the way he overwhelmed her. Controlled her.

She entwined her legs with his. Bucked her hips. Molly wished she was as naked as he was, yet she was grateful for the cotton barrier.

Kyle trailed his mouth down her neck. She wanted to sink her fingers into his hair. Clasp her hands against his head and direct him to her breasts.

But she couldn’t move her arms. She tried to pull out of Kyle’s grasp, but her arms didn’t budge. She tried again.

Kyle’s hold tightened.

“Come on, Kyle,” she pleaded.

“No,” he said against her throat.

“Don’t you trust me?”

His mouth hovered over her skin. It was for just a second, but it was enough for the answer to hit her upside the head.

Nothing had changed. He wanted her, but he didn’t trust her. Even in bed.

It shouldn’t have bothered her so much, but it did. After all, he wanted her. She had proof. It was pressed against her inner thigh.

But that was it. He was going to take her and get away as fast as he could before she hurt him again.

Just how good could it possibly be between them if he was holding her down?

Well
…

No, no. Molly pushed the tantalizing thought to the side. She might want Kyle, but not like this.

She wanted him. Wanted him
bad
. But she wanted him to lose control. Wanted him to give her everything he had. She would accept nothing less.

“Let go, Kyle.”

He hesitated. His hands flexed against her wrists as he considered his next move.

“Now.”

He released her and rolled over. The silence was tense. It pulsated in the room. Matched the ache inside her.

“Can you blame me?” Kyle whispered.

Molly closed her eyes. “No.” That was the problem. She understood why he didn’t trust her.

She sat up and tugged at her T-shirt. Molly looked and saw Kyle lying on his back. His arm was thrown over his eyes.

“I’m sorry I broke into your house and stayed.” She found it difficult to say those words out loud. She felt what she said, but it stuck in her throat.

And she found the pressing need to explain her actions. Molly fought to keep her silence. She wasn’t going to ruin her apology.

Kyle must have expected to hear excuses. It took a moment before he lifted the crook on his arm and glared suspiciously at her. “Uh-huh,” he said carefully.

So far, so good. “And I’m sorry I lied about being your fiancée.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Regretting it already?”

Molly jumped out of bed and didn’t look at him. “What I regret is getting you stuck in this lie. But I’m going to fix it.”

“Fix it how?” Concern darkened his voice.

“I’m going to play the part of your fiancée to the hilt,” she promised.

“I don’t like the sound of this.”

“I’m going to give you guys the best Thanksgiving week ever.” She noticed she was holding her hand up as if taking a pledge. Molly hurriedly dropped her hand.

“There’s no need,” Kyle assured her. “We are going to be working. Just keep yourself scarce and your mouth shut while I negotiate terms with Darrell and Bridget.”

“Don’t worry, Kyle,” Molly said as she strode into the adjoining bathroom. “You’ll see. I’ll be the best damn fiancée this world has ever seen,” she promised and closed the door behind her.

The plan was to stay away from Molly, Kyle reminded himself as he scowled at the horizon. So why was he finding every reason to see her? Be around her?

He could have said it was because he was checking up on her. But so far she’d been doing exactly what she promised.

Maybe that’s what was freaking him out.

She hadn’t bolted. She’d been the perfect hostess, setting the tone for the week. What could have been a number-crunching and tense working holiday was turning into a getaway for two couples.

He watched Molly and Bridget walk along the rocky beach. Molly wasn’t making a run for it. She wasn’t trying to get kicked off the island—which he wouldn’t put past her.

He leaned back on the deck chair, unable to keep his eyes off of Molly. It took him a few moments to realize that his cell phone was ringing. Kyle picked it up and looked at the number. He turned it on. “Hello?”

“Hey, Kyle.” Glenn’s voice came in loud and clear. “You were supposed to call me back yesterday.”

“Glenn. Sorry, man. I—” He forgot. For the life of him he couldn’t imagine how he managed that. The CFO was supposed to be here today to help him with the negotiations.

“The ferry is about to dock and I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

“There’s something you need to know.” He needed to Glenn up to speed fast. “Molly is here.”

“Molly? Molly who?”

“Molly Connors,” Kyle informed the chief financial officer. “She used to work for us.”

“Wait a second. The receptionist?” Glenn yelled into the phone. “She’s there? At the cottage?”

“Yep.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Hold on to her.” Those words pricked at him. “Keep an eye out so she doesn’t make a run for it and disappear again.”

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Glenn said, almost to himself.

“I know.” Kyle hesitated, knowing he had to tell Glenn, but really didn’t feel like getting into it. “By the way, if anyone asks, Molly and I are engaged.”

“Whaa…?”

“I’ll explain it to you later. How’s everything at the office?” Glenn didn’t respond. “Are you still there?”

“Yeah, sorry,” Glenn replied. “I just made eye contact with this hot blonde in a red Mercedes. I’m going to see if I can score.”

Kyle made a face. “Glenn, you’re here to work.”

“Wish me luck.”

As long as it wasn’t someone from work, Kyle didn’t care. He disconnected the call and saw Molly and Bridget walking back up to the house. He decided to meet them halfway.

As he got closer, he was able to see the glow in Molly’s face. The two women were laughing. Molly tilted her head back and laughed without restraint. The sound, the sight, the beauty of it all, hit in his chest. Slammed at him so hard that he staggered back.

Molly turned to face him. “Kyle, Bridget was telling me—” She broke off and her smile dimmed. “Is everything all right?”

No. He was in trouble. He was feeling something more than attraction for this woman. How could he feel this way about someone who—he knew
exactly
what kind of woman she was. Why was he interested in her?

“Kyle?” She moved next to him, placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned in. She looked up into his face and her expression hit him like a one-two punch.

He knew it was all for show, but damn if it didn’t feel good. “Uh.” He swallowed awkwardly. “Glenn is on his way.”

“Glenn.” Caution dulled the sparkle in her eye.

“Your CFO?” Bridget asked.

“Yeah, I forgot to tell you he was coming.” He found himself wincing, waiting for the fireworks.

Molly took a step back. “Oh, that’s okay. When is he coming?”

“He’s on the island now.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I know this is short notice…”

Molly and Bridget exchanged knowing glances. “What?” Kyle asked, trying to figure out the silent communication arcing around him.

“How long is he staying?”

“Until Monday.” And why did he feel the need to apologize? “He’s helping with the deal.”

“I better go make up his room.” She took a step back. “Are there any more guests? Because there are only three bedrooms.”

“No more. I promise.”

“Should we believe him, Bridget?”

Bridget smiled. “I don’t know, Molly. But it looks like you need to train him better.”

She waggled her eyebrows. “Now there’s an idea.” She turned and made her way to the house.

“You need any help getting ready for Glenn?” Bridget called out.

“No, I’m good.”

“Thank you!” Kyle said.

“You owe me,” Molly told him without looking back.

“Huh. Did you hear that?” He turned to Bridget and found her smiling. “The woman has nerve.”

“Kyle, if you were my fiancé, you wouldn’t get lucky for a week from that stunt.”

Was this what they meant by training? “I better go help her out then.”

Bridget laughed as he walked away. “Men.”

Kyle rested his shoulder against the closed bedroom door and watched Molly change the sheets on the bed. “You’re nervous,” he said.

“I’m not—” She closed her mouth. She wasn’t going to lie anymore. “I’m…what’s the word? Apprehensive? No, that doesn’t sound right.”

“Why? Because of Glenn?”

“I feel like I’m being cornered.” She stretched her arm to cover the mattress corner with the fitted sheet. “The last time I was in a room with the two of you, I was being accused of stealing and threatened with jail time.”

“That won’t happen again.” Kyle paused. “Unless you do something illegal.”

She flashed him a long-suffering look. “I didn’t do anything wrong the last time.”

He shrugged a shoulder. “So you keep saying.”

And she’d keep on saying. She’d already ’fessed up to enough. Why would she hold back on the trade secrets?

“I already told Glenn that you were here and that we were ‘engaged.’”

“I’m sure that went over well.” She fitted the bottom corner of the sheet only to have the top corner slide off. Molly straightened to her full height, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

“Actually, it did,” Kyle said. “He was preoccupied at the time.”

Molly opened her eyes. “Platinum or strawberry blonde? Here.” She gestured at the opposite mattress corners. “You’re supposed to be helping. Make yourself useful.”

He approached the bed. “Glenn isn’t going to be the problem.”

Molly let out a snort. “Unless you tell him to be one.”

“Don’t think of running away,” he warned her as he fitted the bottom corner with ease.

“What’s the point?” she asked as she stretched the fabric over the corner closest to her. “I’ll have two of you after me.”

“You promised you’d stay.”

“Yeah, I did.” She moved to the headboard. “And I am.”

“Doesn’t sound like it,” Kyle said as he walked to the top of the mattress.

Molly put her hands on her hips. “You know, I gave my word and I’m doing my best. You don’t know what it’s like having it hang over your head that in a couple of days you’re going to make me regret living.”