Page 64 of Moonlit Kisses

–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.”

His offer eases my nerves and I realize that as much as I love having his support, I can do this on my own. Later, I know I can lean on him if I need to.

“Thank you.” I turn my head and land a kiss on the palm of his hand. “Would it be okay if we catch up later?”

“Of course. Whatever you need, Dimples. If I don’t see you at the game, I’ll come straight back here after.” I blow out a long breath. He didn’t hesitate for one single second. God, I’m lucky.

“You don’t need to do that. Have your drinks with the guys. I’ll still be here.” He pulls my face forward with care and kisses me. Stealing my breath and my heart. Now that I know how he can work my body, I react instantly to his kisses. My clit pulses and I squeeze my thighs together to temper my response.

We say our goodbyes and Max finally leaves for his weekly soccer game. I’m pretty sure the guys don’t care if they win or lose. It’s all a bit of fun and an excuse to catch up each week.

Holly and I head upstairs. “Can I get you anything? I have juice or I have water.” I wave my arm out toward my tiny couch. That couch has been privy to some interesting conversations over the past couple of weeks.

“Juice, please.” She sits and I prepare our drinks.

I hand her glass over and she takes a sip. “Do your parents know you’re here?”

“Mom does. She dropped me off. She said I could text her and she’ll come straight back to pick me up.” I nod. “Is it weird for you how much we look alike? Because it’s freaking weird sitting here, looking at you.” She chuckles.

“Definitely weird. When your mom showed me photos of you and Noah, our similarities surprised me because I’m a lot like my mom.” I point toward the photo I have on my wall. “Even though we all look similar, it seems Noah missed out on the dimples.”

She nods as she gets up and moves closer to study the photo. “Yeah. He’s happy about that, though. Says they’re girlie, which pisses Dad off something fierce. Wow! You really look like your mom.” She comes back to sit on the couch beside me, not making eye contact with me. “It was pretty shocking to learn I had a big sister.” She looks at me. “Not gonna lie. I was worried.”

I tilt my head to the side, frowning. “Why would you be worried?”

She shrugs. “I’ve always been Daddy’s girl.”

We’re both quiet for a long time as we contemplate how me being on the scene changes things. Whether or not we want it to, both of our lives have changed.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Holly nods, uncertainty written all over her face. “This has all been a huge shock for me and I’m still coming to terms with what it all means. I’m scared.” Her eyes widen. “I’m twenty-six and I’ve only now met my father for the first time. What if I’m not a good enough daughter? I know I can be a great big sister to a brother, but I’ve never been a big sister to a sister before. What if I’m shit at it?” She laughs and the ice between us is shattered.

“Well, I’ve never been a little sister, so we can work it out together.” My shoulders drop and I know that we’ll be able to muddle our way through this new relationship. Holly seems like a sweet girl, much like her mom.

“Your mom told me you’re seventeen. How’s your senior year going?”

She shrugs. “Okay, I guess. I don’t really like school. The kids are freaking annoying, and the boys are so immature.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’m sorry to tell you they don’t actually improve until their late twenties.” I chuckle at the look of exasperation on her face.

“Thanks. That’s something to look forward to. Not.”

“What do you want to do when school’s done?”

She flicks her hand down her body. “I want to be a fashion designer.” She stands up. “I designed and made this.”

Wow. I stand and make my way around her. “This is gorgeous. It looks like something I’d see in a fancy boutique.”

Holly puffs up at my compliment. “You think?”

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