Page 57 of Moonlit Kisses

“How was the drive? I was worried about you driving so far, so late.” She moves to drop her feet to the ground, and I reluctantly let her go.

“It was okay. I got to the guy’s place around ten, bought it and got back on the road. I ended up pulling over for a couple of hours’ sleep.” I tuck her silky hair behind her ear. “I have no idea how you slept in your car for all of those weeks.” My admiration for her skyrocketed last night as I tried to get comfortable in the tow’s cab, which has a ton more space than her compact car. “I’m tired, but a coffee, shower, and breakfast should get me going for the day.”

“Show me this truck and I’ll make you a coffee while you shower.”

I take her hand and guide her toward my next project. I love that she’s interested and understands the beauty I see when I look at the rust bucket. “The engine’s frozen, and she has a lot of rust, but she’s going to come up a treat.” I drop my hands to her hips, rubbing my shaft against her. “Why don’t you come in the shower with me?” I ask with my eyebrows raised in hope.

She laughs as she pushes me toward the bathroom. “Nope. We need to open soon, and you need to have breakfast. I’m going to run across the road and grab something for you. Get in the shower and I’ll have everything ready when you come out.” She briefly presses her lips to mine. As if that would ever be enough for me. I cup the back of her head and hold her in place while I take my time giving her a proper kiss. Since she won’t join me in the shower, I’m going to have to rub one out—damn it.

I have one car on the books for today, which works out well, unless someone brings their car in without a booking, which happens occasionally. Once I’m finished, I’ll move the new project off the tow truck and clean her up a bit before I park her in my usual bay. Satisfied with my plan, I step out of the bathroom to be greeted by the delicious aroma of coffee and a breakfast sandwich.

“Thanks, Molly. How’s Lawrence? I don’t see him all that much now that you pick up our lunch.”

“He’s great. His daughter’s coming home for a visit on the weekend, so he’s really excited about that.”

“I don’t think he sees her very often.”

The bell at the front door rings. “I’ll get that. You eat.” She points to the desk as she lands a swift kiss to the top of my head on her way past and returns a few minutes later with a set of keys and her trusty clipboard. Molly’s idea of asking clients to complete a simple questionnaire saves me a lot of time. I don’t get caught up with the clients discussing basic information, which inevitably leads to talking about what’s going on in the community or about whatever sporting team is at the top or bottom of their game this week.

* * *

After a hectic day, which included two callouts and an unexpected wheel alignment, I’m sliding the heavy front door closed when a young girl near the front gate catches my attention. Her hair’s almost black and she’s staring at the building. Something about her is familiar, but from this distance, I can’t quite make out her features.

“Can I help you?” I call out to her. She’s on foot, so I’m assuming she’s not looking for a mechanic unless her car broke down and she walked here.

The girl steps forward, one slow step at a time. As she gets closer, I suck in a sharp breath. She looks a lot like Molly. A brunette version of my girl. The similarities are uncanny. I’m guessing this is one of Martin’s kids.

“I’m looking for Molly.” The girl seems a little nervous, a little unsure as she brushes her bangs out of her eyes.

“Yeah? Why are you looking for her?” I don’t want this girl upsettingmygirl.

She twists her fingers in front of her as she steps closer to me. “She’s … uh …she’s my sister.”

“Max, I’m about to clo–” Molly freezes in place as her eyes land on the girl. “Holly?”

Holly swallows hard, her eyes wide. The two women stand, locked in place, their eyes scanning and cataloging each other. Seeing Holly next to my girl gives me an insight into how Molly must have looked during high school. Holly isn’t as tall or willowy as her older sister. She’s more petite, like her mother, but they definitely look like sisters. I bet the boys used to drool all over Molly. I rub the back of my neck. I don’t like the thought of anyone drooling over Molly.She’s mine.

“Did you. Uh, did you want to come inside?” Molly offers as she gestures over her shoulder.

The grace she’s shown since finding out that Martin is her father is astounding. She told me all about Beth turning up unannounced and that she invited her in. Now she’s doing the same with her sibling. She could have easily turned them away, and I would have completely understood.

“Yeah. Come inside.” I wave my arm out to welcome her.

She steps forward, and the two women move toward the office. I wonder if I should give them their privacy. Perhaps I’ll hang around for a little while until I know Molly’s going to be okay. I need to get to soccer, but the guys’ll understand if I’m a little late.

CHAPTER28

–molly–

How brave is this girl?Turning up here, not knowing if I would welcome or reject her. I show her into the office, but I think it might be better if I take her upstairs to my little apartment. “Do you mind waiting here for a sec?”

She nods. “Sure.”

I don’t need to search far to find Max. Realizing he can eavesdrop from here, I smile to myself as he sorts his workbench, which is adjacent to the office. He’s been my greatest support as I navigate my new reality and come to terms with finding my father and his family,myfamily.

“Hey you.” Reaching up, I land a kiss on his cheek. “I’m going to take Holly upstairs to talk, and I’m not sure how long we’ll be. I’ll probably be late to your game, so I wanted to wish you good luck!”

He cups my cheek, his eyes studying me closely. “Are you gonna be okay? I can hang around down here in case you need me.”

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