Page 51 of The County Line
She shuffles her paperwork on the table and pulls out a pen from her briefcase before looking at me with a smile. “I washed it,” she laughs, “Washed and dried actually. Thank you.”
I nod, maintaining eye contact with her for a few beats longer than necessary which causes her to squirm slightly under my gaze.
Good.
“Okay, Colt...” she clears her throat and moves her hands to her slender neck to scratch. It’s her tell. That thing that she doeswhen she’s nervous. “So, talk to me about how things have been going since we met last.”
Since you watched me get myself off with your name on my lips?
“Feels a little formal asking that question given we’ve been spending the last two weeks together; I think you know how they’ve been going. Pretty well, I’d say?” I wink.
She blushes, a soft pink spreading from her cheeks down to her chest—a reaction I can’t help but admire every time. My gaze stays locked on hers, my lips curving slightly at the side, and my arms folding across my chest in a casual but deliberate stance. I know my strength, both from my job and the way I push my body when Cash and I lift weights together, but right now, I want her to see it so badly that shefeelsit.
Teasing Molly like this? It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite pastimes.
“Yes, we have, um, been spending time together,” she says, though the flush deepens, betraying her cool tone. “Why don’t you tell me what you’ve been up to with the distillery and planning for the brewery’s grand opening?”
I chuckle softly, letting her off the hook for now but I’m not finished with her yet. “Checked out the property in Charlotte. It’s looking solid—everything’s on track for the grand opening in a few weeks. I’m back to managing the distillery full-time now, and I feel like we’ve got a good handle on the brewing plans to keep up with the new restaurant. We have some new products in the pipeline to deliver at the end of the year for the holidays, too.”
“That’s great, and how are things with your family?”
“Fine.”
“Are you back to having weekly family dinners?”
I shake my head no. “Not consistently. The spring and summer are a hectic time for our businesses, but we’d love to have you there for the next one when we do.”
She flushes again, and I know it’s my cue. Leaning forward just enough to close the distance, I lower my voice, keeping my eyes locked on hers. “Molly, you’re a part of our family, you know that, right?” The words are familiar, ones I’ve said to her countless times before, but today they carry more weight. Today, after that kiss—after she’s seen just how deeply she affects me—I want her to trulyfeelit.
I want her to understand that no matter what happens between us, she’ll always have a place at the Marshall family table.
“And... and dating?” she asks, stumbling over her words and ignoring my comments. Her voice is soft and hesitant, cracking just slightly. I’ve got her now, caught in the web we’ve both been weaving.
“What about it?” I ask, leaning back slightly, playing it cool.
“Are you seeing anyone? Have you gone on any dates? Put yourself back out there?” Her questions come out in a rush, but her tone tells me she already knows the answer and is hoping I’ll set her straight.
I raise a brow, because I know that’s not a question that’s a requirement of a parole officer, even if ensuring we’re maintaining healthy relationships are, and she’s asked me this shit before. “Whose name did I say when I was fucking my hand two days ago while you watched?”
She shivers, her lips parting slightly as she stares at me with a soft gasp. “Colt…”
“I think we both know that it was you who had me spilling my seed all over myself in the back of my RV.”
“What are you doing Colt?” she whispers. I watch as her eyes widen and lips part slightly.
“What do you think I’m doing?”
She clears her throat. “I… Okay...” she flushes again, quickly regaining her bearings as she tries to pick up her paperwork and shove it into her briefcase. “I think we’ve covered everything for today then.”
She moves to stand and it’s the first time I get a good look at her since I’ve entered since she was seated when I arrived. Cute little police uniform cargo pants, her dark black hair blown out in curls the way that I know she never wears it if she’s just going on patrol for the station.
She wore it like this for me and she knows it too.
“Hey, wait,” I reach out, tugging on her wrist gently to stop her before she can make her escape and retreat back to the precinct where she feels like I can’t reach her. She freezes, her blue eyes turning to gaze at me with a look of panic and desire behind them.
“Colt…” she whispers, it’s both a warning and a request. She wants me, she just doesn’twantto want me.
“What do you think I’m doing?” I ask her again, needing her to say it.
