Page 6 of Molly

“So, you think that’s all he’s after? A one-night stand?” she asks.

“Yep, and let’s both think back on what happened last time I decided that was a good idea.”

“Emma,” she whispers.

“Mhmm.”

I love my daughter, don’t get me wrong. Emma is the light of my life, but raising another baby without a daddy just isn’t my idea of a good time. My life is nothing like I thought it would be at this point. I always imagined that I’d fall in love, get married andthenhave kids. Cliché, but it’s what I wanted. Especially after growing up the way I did; My mum didn’t want me. She left me with my grandma when I was little, and I have no idea who my dad is.

It’s not like my childhood was horrible, but it wasn’t what I’d consider picture perfect. I’m lucky, though. I have Evie and Penny, who treat Em like their own, and help me out as much as they can. Coffee Leaf is thriving, too, so I’ve never had to worry about money. Most single mum’s don’t have the support network and financial security I do. I still struggle sometimes, though. As Emma gets older, she’s becoming more curious, more determined. Her tantrums are next level, and trying to get her to eat properly is a nightmare. It’d be nice to have a partner... someone to share the load with. Someone to supportme, sometimes.

“And he doesn’t know about her?” Evie asks, pulling my focus back to her.

I shake my head. “No, I avoided the subject when he asked about the date on my wrist. I was enjoying the attention, I guess,” I whisper.

“Just because he sleeps around doesn’t mean that’s all he wants with you, Mol. You’re a real catch, you know?” Evie says, placing her hand over mine.

“I agree,” a masculine voice calls from the front.

I freeze. That deep, rough, sexy voice. The shop was empty earlier, and Penny had just taken Emma down to the park, so I thought we were alone. I didn’t even hear the front door open.

“You stay here,” I say, pointing at her.

She pretends to zip her lips and takes a sip of her coffee, watching me with humour written all over her face.

I stand and turn, quickly adjusting my yellow knee-length sundress and re-tying my hair into a messy top knot before racing out of the room.

Shit, shit, shit, how much did he hear?

As I come around the corner, there he is. He’s leaning against the counter wearing a white fitted t-shirt, tight blue ripped jeans and a dark green cap turned backwards.Goodlord.

When he spots me, his face breaks into a panty-melting smile, and I feel my heart rate pick up. I clear my throat and ask, “How long have you been standing there? I didn’t even tell you the name of my shop. How’d you find it?”

He stands up straight and tucks his hands into his front pockets. His smile fades, turning into a grimace. “Been here long enough to hear you call me a pig and tell your girl that you felt a connection between us.” He pauses and rubs the back of his neck with one hand before continuing. “Booked in for your tat on Instagram, so it was easy to find. Mawson Lakes ain’t that big, babe. Could have easily looked up‘plant cafe’and found you.”

Okay, so he didn’t hear anything about Emma.

I nod. “Fair point.”

He sighs. “Look, Molly, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I don’t just go around snatching up innocent women and promising them the world and then never calling. They all know the score when we hook up. What happened yesterday was a first.”

I nod again. “Noted. Thanks for clearing that up. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Go out with me.” He holds my gaze, and I swear I almost say yes just because of how stunning he is. He steps forward and runs his hand down my arm. Goosebumps erupt along my skin and I lean into his touch, welcoming it.

When I look back up and watch the smirk spread across his face, my brain kicks back into gear, and my blood boils. I step back, making his arm drop to his side, and cross my arms. This is histhing, I’m sure. “Hard pass, but thanks.” I smile. It’s fake, and I’m sure he can tell.

His eyebrows draw together in confusion before he lowers his voice to an almost pleading tone. “Just one date. Give me a chance here. You weren’t the only one to feel it, you know?”

I tilt my head in question.

“The attraction, the connection,” he clarifies.

I nod. “Still a firm no from me, but I appreciate the effort. I’m not right for you. I don’t do the casual hook-up thing. Love that for you, but it’s not me. You didn’t need to come here to prove anything to me, Ryan. It’s all good.”

He shakes his head. “I didn’t ask you for a hook-up, babe. Asked you for a date.”

“And I said no, that’s it. And don’t call mebabe.”

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