Page 847 of Not Over You

It’s a foolish notion that I could have sex with her and it would mean nothing. Even I’m not that delusional. There’s so much emotion and betrayal between us that it would be a really bad idea.

My phone chirps and it’s a text from my friend, Dirk. He and I were able to keep in touch over the years and when I moved down here, he was really helpful in connecting me with local stores and interior designers who could promote and sell my furniture. He still has his place in Brighton. His parents had an ugly divorce and he got the beach house. He’s the only person I know, other than Mollie, who lives here offseason.

Dirk: Dude, I heard you have a tasty new neighbor.

Me: How did you hear that?

Dirk: I know Jack from the sanitation department and he saw a hot blonde putting out her recycling yesterday.

Me: Nothing goes unnoticed here.

Dirk: It’s the curse of the deserted island. So, do tell.

Me: It’s actually Mollie James.

Dirk: No shit?

Me: No shit. She is staying for a few months. I’m most likely screwed.

Dirk: Torch still going strong?

Me: Not sure about the torch but there are still a few embers.

Dirk: Tread carefully, my man.

Me: I will.

A laugh huffs out of me because, like a fool, I think I can control it. I’m thinking about her now, like I have been all day. Will it feel good to go there with her again? I know it will—that’s the problem. I look at her and it’s like that summer was yesterday, not years ago. All of my regrets, all of my failures, the entire direction of my life so far has revolved around that summer. Maybe I give it too much importance, clearly, she didn’t view it the same way.

Finally, I feel like I’m in a good place, I’m healthy, doing something I love in a place I love. She’s a temptation that could ruin me, again.

CHAPTER 9

KISS THE GIRL

OWEN THEN

Why are all these people here? I know I invited them, but it’s after midnight and I’m ready for this party to be just me and Mollie. She’s chatting with Dirk and Katie and I can’t keep my eyes off of her.

Those kisses were like nothing I’ve experienced with other girls. Everything felt right, we fit in every way. Her soft lips and sweet taste, the way her body felt against mine. It’s pure agony sitting here watching her, not being able to touch her. Wait, why shouldn’t I touch her?

I walk over to the couch where she is sitting and normally, I wouldn’t sit next to her because there’s barely enough room but since I literally can’t get close enough to her, I wedge myself in next to her, making her laugh.

“Owen, can I make some more room for you?” she says scooting so her knees are pressed up against Katie.

“Sure can,” I say, scooping my arm under her and placing her in my lap.

“Whoa,” she says, but doesn’t object. “I guess that is one way to make more room.”

I rest one hand on her lower back and grab her hand in her lap with my other. “I had to come touch you, I hope that’s okay.”

I’m out of my element because I truly like this girl and don’t want to mess it up. My one and only girlfriend in high school lasted all of two weeks and all of my other relationships have been casual make-out sessions with the occasional trip to second or third base. Everything seems easy with Mollie, and all I want to do is make her smile.

She’s giving me more of a smirk right now, but since she’s letting me hold her hand I don’t much care. “Not sure why you had to wait so long, but yes, it’s more than okay.” I kiss her chin and she smiles fully.

“This is new,” Dirk says gesturing to the woman on my lap. “You owe me ten bucks, Katie-did.”

Katie rolls her eyes and hands him a ten-dollar bill.

---