Page 23 of Moonlit Kisses

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I have to admit;I was completely wrong about Molly. I made assumptions about the girl sleeping in her car that were way off base. Yeah, she’s fucking gorgeous, but she doesn’t shove it in your face and her looks don’t seem to be her priority. She’s a hard worker who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Over the last three weeks, I’ve found her to be thoughtful, sweet, and friendly, if not a little guarded. Her capabilities in the office have helped to streamline some aspects that I never knew needed streamlining. And tonight, well, that was the icing on the cake. When I spotted her sitting on the hood of her car while I was warming up, I couldn’t stop myself from showing off a little. I’m a decade older than her—not to mention I’m her boss—and have no business trying to attract her attention. But I wanted her to look at me and to like what she saw.

I grab her slender hand as we step over the threshold into Brady’s. “The guys are usually in the back booths in the corner. Follow me.” Not once on the way here did she worry about what she’s wearing or the fact that she had no makeup on or that her hair is actually a mess.It’s fucking refreshing.

Those dimples I love so much, make an appearance as she nods her head. She’s still an enigma. She’s shared very little about where she’s from or what brought her to this city. It’s not my business, but I sense she doesn’t have many people around her, if any at all, and I wonder why that is. I guess I have to be patient and give her time to get used to me, to trust me enough to share her story. And I think she’s going to have quite a story. Sometimes I catch her lost in thought, her eyes glassy and I wonder what’s made her sad.

The boys spot us through the crowd, their faces lighting up at the sight of Molly. There was a fair amount of discussion about her during the half-time break until I announced she was my new office manager and told them to cut it out. For some reason, I didn’t like them talking about her like she’s just a hot body and pretty face. She’s so much more than that.

Finn stands, allowing the two of us to slide in, then he takes his position at the end of the booth. He needs to sit on the end in case he needs to see to anything behind the bar. “Pizzas should be out in a minute.”

The guys pat their stomachs, showing they’re ready to demolish the dozen or so pizzas Finn supplies each week during soccer season. We try to make up for his generosity by buying drinks and eating here at other times during the week.

“Guys, this is Molly, my new office manager. Molly, this is Finn, Gary, Aaron, Lincoln, Brent, Rob, Sean, Matthew, Thomas, and Kevin.” I point to each of my friends as I introduce them. “We’ll have a quiz at the end of the night to see if you remember their names.” Her eyes widen as I laugh. “Only joking.”

She waves timidly at the group. “Hi, guys.” She chuckles. “I don’t think I’ll remember all of your names, but I’ll do my best.”

Everyone says hello and offers her a free pass on remembering everyone’s names. Gary stands. “Anyone want a drink while I’m at the bar?”

I pull out my wallet. “I’ll take a beer.” Turning toward Molly, I ask, “How about you, Dimples? What would you like to drink?”

She chuckles at my nickname but doesn’t question it. I’m guessing she’s probably been called it more than once. “I’ll have the same as you, thanks.”

Gary taps the table, taking my money, then heads up to the bar. He has to weave his way through the crowd. I swear it gets busier and busier every Monday night.

Aaron grabs Molly’s attention. “So, Molly. What’s it like working for this ogre?” He points his half empty beer toward me.

“Fuck off! I’m a good boss, aren’t I, Molly?” I nudge her arm with mine.

“Shut up! She can’t answer honestly now that you’ve said that.” Aaron laughs. He gathers his composure, locking eyes with the girl next to me. “Seriously. Is he being good to you?”

She studies me for a few moments, her eyes scanning my face, then she turns her focus to Aaron. “He’s been a great boss so far. I have no complaints and I’m not only saying that because he’s sitting next to me.” She bumps her shoulder against mine and gifts me with her dimples. I think I could grow addicted to her smiles.

The servers bring out the pizzas and Gary returns with our drinks. The talk around the tables dies down as we dig in. It’s not until we’ve demolished almost all the pizzas that we slow down and chatter starts up again.

“How’s Layla? She feeling any better?” I ask Gary.

He smiles at me, wiping his mouth. “Sheisfeeling better. I was going to tell you guys something earlier, but we got sidetracked with our new cheerleader over there.” He tips his head toward Molly, then stands. “Guys, if I can have your attention for a moment.” Everyone quiets down, even the other patrons close by. “I’ve been wanting to tell you guys for a few weeks now, but Layla insisted we wait. Layla’s pregnant. We’re expecting our first baby!” His smile takes up his entire face as we all jump up to congratulate him. Even Molly congratulates him as though she’s known him for years. Well, that explains Layla’s sickness over the last few months.

Gary pulls out a square piece of paper to pass around. “Here’s our first baby photo.” He hands it to Molly first, and she studies it closely, then passes it to me. A pang of longing hits me out of the blue. I’m getting up there in age and I’m wondering if I’ll ever meet someone and have a family of my own, or am I destined to always be the favorite uncle?

Okay, I’m the only uncle, but I’m still the favorite!

“If you ever need a babysitter, I’d be happy to help. I used to love looking after my baby brother.” Molly offers. She never mentions much at all about her family or her life, so I’m surprised by the mention of a brother. I’m not sure she’s mentioned him before. I’m dying to ask her about her family, but I sense it’s not something she wants to talk about since she never brings them up. As much as I want to ask her more, delve into her history, this is not the time nor the place.

“Thanks. I’ll let Layla know. It’s been tough trying to get pregnant. I’m not sure she’ll ever want to leave Junior behind.” He huffs out a short laugh.

I feel like an asshole. I never knew they were even trying to conceive let alone that they were having trouble. “Well, congrats, man. I’m thrilled for you both. You’re gonna make great parents,” I tell him.

He glances down at the beer in his hands. “Thanks, man.”

I spot Molly trying to hide a yawn. “You want me to drop you back to your car?”

She looks around the table. “You guys aren’t done here, are you?”

I shrug. “We can leave whenever we’re ready. I don’t mind.”

“If you’re sure. Suddenly, I’m exhausted.” She gives me an embarrassed smile.

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