Page 70 of Pity Present

She surprises me by agreeing. “I don’t think he’s a bad guy, either. I know he regrets what he did to me, but I’m still a fan of how karma has returned the favor.”

“Justice has a way of rearing its head, doesn’t it?” And suddenly I worry about my own karma for lying to Molly about why I’m here. I hope there are some loopholes that cover my current situation.

“Haveyouever been dumped so spectacularly?” Molly wants to know.

I tell her about Finley and how I found out about her affair along with the rest of the country during the Emmy Awards.

“Finley Adams?” she asks, seemingly amazed that I had once been part of such a duo.

“Yup.”

She surprises me by saying, “I don’t mean to be a hater, but I never saw her appeal. She always seems like she’s overacting.”

Leaning in, I give Molly a quick kiss. “Thank you for not thinking she’s amazing. I’ve been over her for years, but it seems I’m always hearing people singing her praises and it starts to grate on me.” Molly yawns again, so I tell her, “Let’s go.”

As we walk toward the elevator, she asks, “So, what do we do now?”

“I think we’re going up to bed.” She looks startled, so I clarify, “Each of us in our own rooms.”

Smiling sheepishly, she says, “I meant, what do we do about the singles’ event?”

Ah, I see. She wants to know if we’re declaring ourselves a couple and bowing out from meeting other people. While I have no interest in other women, I still have to be there. “I’m still working, so I need to check out the action. I was hoping you might join me.”

“I’d like that.”

“But you should know that I’m not looking for myself anymore.”

“Oh?”

“No, ma’am,” I assure her. “I’ve met the person I want to get to know better.”

Molly leans into my side. “Me, too.” Then she says, “My sister is not going to believe this.”

“Will she be disappointed I’m not a lumberjack?”

Molly laughs. “Probably, but she’ll get over it once she meets you.” She hurriedly adds, “Not that you need to meet her.”

Putting her mind at rest, I say, “I would love to meet your sister, whenever you’d like to introduce me to her.”

We take the elevator up to the second floor without talking. It’s remarkably pleasant and not all that common to enjoy someone’s company without the need for conversation. When we get to Molly’s room, I give her a small peck before asking, “Do you want to have breakfast with me in the morning?”

“I would love that,” she says. “And Blake …” I wait expectantly to hear what she says next. “Thank you for not lying to me anymore. I can’t ever be in another relationship with someone who doesn’t tell the truth.”

Well, crap. Stumbling over my words, I tell her, “I never want to lie to you, Molly.”

“Good, because that’s one thing I will not put up with.” She kisses me quickly on the cheek before opening her door. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night,” I tell her. I’m still standing there long after she’s gone. How in the world have I gotten myself into this situation? Even if it means risking my job, I want to be honest and tell Molly everything, but if I do that, I won’t be able to help Ben. And that little boy reminds me of my family’s most challenging ordeal. As such, I’m going to have to continue to keep the truth hidden. I hate the deception, but I don’t really see a way out of it right now.

I inhale deeply before releasing a ragged breath. I say a silent prayer that Molly will understand why I did what I did and that she will forgive my transgressions. Even though it’s happened remarkably fast, I know without a doubt that I want to pursue a future with her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

MOLLY

As soon as I get into my room, I close the door and pick up my phone. Ellen answers after only one ring. “Molls, are you okay? Why are you calling so late?”

I’m practically giddy as I tell her, “I think I just met my lumberjack.”

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