Page 8 of Straight, No Chaser
"There's a visitor at the house."
Not bothering to open my eyes, I shake my head. There's no one I want to see. "Get rid of them."
His knowing chuckle pisses me off. "Don't think I won't put a bullet in the back of your fucking head. Call Mason and let him know I want them gone."
"Oh, this person I think you'll want to see."
This stupid bastard really does have a death wish. "Damn it, Kurt. I—"
"It's Molly."
And now I'm fucking alert as hell. My mind and my dick. I knew she would come to me after what I did, but I didn't think it would be this soon. A shit-eating smirk crosses my face. Maybe this is going to be easier than I thought. Maybe I'll be fucking her by the end of the week rather than the end of the month like I predicted. Maybe I can keep her from going out on her birthday too. She'll be celebrating with me. A huge rock on her tiny finger and my cock in her sweet pussy. Fuck yes. I'm a smug motherfucker because this is so fucking spectacular.
I scroll through my messages again. I'd received confirmation earlier from her father's bank. But nothing from her dumb ass landlord who was supposed to give me the heads up once he spoke to her. Usually I'd send my guys to kick his ass for forgetting to update me. But I'm so fucking happy, I'm going to let it slide. My angel is waiting at my house. Nothing can ruin my good mood.
"Stop yapping and hurry the fuck up."
Kurt laughs again but picks up speed so I let him off the hook too. Damn I'm getting fucking soft.
Once we get home, I hustle inside and follow the sound of childish laughter. Cilantro fills the air, and I'm grateful Mrs. Benson has made me something a bit more appetizing than barely seasoned meat and cheese in a corn shell.
I lean against the door frame, taking in the enticing scene in front of me. Soothing me like a fucking baby to see my brother and my woman sitting together, relaxed and happy in my kitchen. I could get fucking used to coming home to this every night.
Eli's milk mustache highlights his huge smile while he peppers Molly with questions as she dollops sour cream on her tortilla soup.
"You own a real horse? With hooves and a long tail and everything?"
"Yes, Copper's a real horse. He lives in the barn and loves to eat apples and carrots."
"That's cool!"
"Yes, but it's also a lot of work. I have to clean out his stall and brush his coat and clean his hooves every time I ride him."
"I could do that! I promise I really would!"
I love his enthusiasm. Unlike Ty who has to be prodded into everything he does, Eli's ready to jump in and take on more responsibility than he should.
"I know you would."
Her body jerks slightly when she catches sight of me watching her. Damn, I don't know why I love that, but I do. I'll never get tired of seeing her reaction to me. She attempts to hide her timidity by focusing on her spoon. Stirring and stirring the yellow broth until the white swirl dissolves completely.
"Good evening, Mr. Ellison."
"Thank you, Mrs. Benson." I accept a plate from my housekeeper, breathing in the rich scent of seared beef, medium rare just how I love. If she wasn't old enough to be my grandmother, I'd marry her. No one grills a steak better than this woman.
Feigning surprise, I nod toward Molly as I drop down in the chair across from both of them. Attempting to hide my pleasure with the stoic face that usually means I'm going to destroy you. And enjoy every fucking minute of it. Which I plan for her as well. Albeit in a much different way. "I wasn't expecting you tonight."
Her gaze flicks to mine. Only for a second does she meet my eyes. “I needed to talk to you, and Eli invited me to stay for dinner."
Uncertainty lilts her voice, turning her hesitant words into a question. Fearful of me. Of my irritation. Which I need to eliminate. Even though her blush from my inquisition is one of the hottest fucking things she does.
"Yeah, for tacos!" Eli wipes the back of his hand across his mouth, smearing sauce further up his bulging cheek. "And guess what else?"
I swipe at the red streak with a napkin before he jerks his head away. "What?"
"I got picked! I'm the flag bear in the Fourth of July parade!"
His little chest puffs out, his face beaming with pride. Which I can't help but return his smile. "You mean bearer?"
