Page 13

Chapter Thirteen

Miles might have started the evening thinking in broad strokes about romancing Molly, but helping her get Bryce to bed gave him a clear view of what family life could be.

He had no idea the kid could argue and negotiate every detail from pajamas to bedtime stories. It was simultaneously adorable and intimidating.

When Bryce was finally tucked in for the night, Molly closed the bedroom door and shooed Miles down the hallway to the family room.

“That kid will grow up to be a lawyer,” he mused.

“It’s crossed my mind,” she murmured. “There are a lot of years between now and then. I try not to dwell on the looming college expenses.”

“There are solutions?—”

She cut him off with a look. “Not dwelling.”

Fine. There would be plenty of time to discuss it. To let her know he had more than enough money to get Bryce through college. And law school. Money for more kids too, if all his fantasies about Molly and kids came true. Tonight had been fascinating and wonderful and only fueled him with hope that he could make it work for all three of them.

“I’ll walk you out,” she said.

He shook his head. “I’ll stay on the couch. I told Jess and Sharon I would.”

“That’s really generous and not at all necessary. Go home. Come back for breakfast if you want. We do that earlier around here on school days.”

He understood the warning, but he knew the primary school schedule. “If I’m here, the timing wouldn’t be an issue.”

“If you’re here, I have to explain it to Bryce.” She pointed toward the dark night outside the front window. “There’s a car watching the front door and another out back.”

True. He’d seen the text alert from Jess. That didn’t change anything in his mind.

“Miles, please. I’m safe and you deserve some good rest.”

“Are you worried about gossip?”

“Maybe a little.” Then she wrinkled her nose and shrugged it off. “Anyone thinking that we are together isn’t entirely wrong.”

She made it sound like a question and that bothered him. “We are together,” he said firmly. He wanted that more than anything. Day after day Molly was the one thing he needed more of. More smiles, more kisses, more time with Bryce. He wasn’t quite sure when he had fallen in love with her, he just knew he didn’t want this amazing connection to end.

Oh, sure, there would be tough days. Part of living. But he wanted to share his tough days with her and in turn, ease her burdens.

First, he wanted another kiss. What would she do if he whispered all his longing for her? Would she let him stay or toss him out faster ?

“What are you thinking?” she asked, eyeing him cautiously.

He didn’t dare tell her all the details of how he wanted to love her and worship her body. It had to be too soon to share all the ideas rushing through his mind. Brushing his fingers over the shell of her ear, he fought for his tattered self-control. “Let me kiss you good night?”

Her smile was lovely as she leaned closer. “As long as I can kiss you back.”

Her lips under his were even sweeter than on the boat. Alone now, they both burned hotter, letting hands and fingers roam, seeking skin and sighs.

“You need to go.” The words fluttered over his throat, driving him mad.

“I’ll stay. And behave.”

She shook her head, palms pressed to his chest. “I can’t make the same promise.” The ragged confession nearly undid him.

Darting around him, she got the front door open and he found himself on the porch. With her. The chilly air wrapped around them before either of them said another word. He held her, his arms linked loosely at her back. It shouldn’t have been satisfying, but somehow it was enough.

For now.

“Thank you for the best Valentine’s date of my life.” She looked up at him, her lips full from their kisses.

He didn’t want to leave. “Can we sit for a minute?” He pointed to the porch swing. “I don’t want to let go.”

“Miles, you know we shouldn’t. Even… Even if I thought I was ready.” She looked around as if she expected to find a camera in the azaleas, ready to snap another incriminating photo. Sadly, after the threatening text messages, he understood her fear.

“Just another minute to be close,” he said. “Please.” Taking her hand, he guided her to the swing. “Bryce is safe and we’ll hear him if he wakes up.”

When they were seated, pressed close from hip to knee, he pushed off with his foot and sent them swaying. He draped his arm around her shoulders. “I had a really great time. Thank you for being so brave.”

She snorted. “To go out in a tethered boat.”

“One step at a time. That’s all it takes.” He needed to remember that himself.

“Maybe. Along with an expert in all things boats and water.”

“Before long, your son will fit that definition.”

“I’m afraid you’re right.” She chuckled.

“Why?”

“It’s hard enough to say no when I need to now. How am I ever going to disappoint him when he asks me to come sailing with him someday?”

“What scares you so much about the water?”

“The unknown, I guess. I’ve always had a vague dread and a general uncertainty of what might be out there with me. I can’t really explain it better than that. I mean I grew up on the coast. Nothing terrible happened. I have basic swimming and survival skills. I’ve just never been comfortable in or around boats.”

“But you would brave all that if Bryce invited you to sail someday.”

“Tonight proved that, didn’t it?” She snuggled into his embrace. “That pretty much sums up motherhood—doing the scary things so your kids can do great things. Don’t go using that against me.”

He squeezed her shoulder and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Never. I could help you be more confident.”

She sighed. “I’m sure you could. I might even let you.”

When she shifted, her face tipping up, he kissed her, happily falling into the easy way she surrendered to the passion arcing between them. He was curious to know her thoughts about their undeniable chemistry, and terrified to ask. She agreed they were boyfriend-girlfriend official. Why wreck a good thing with more qualifiers? Slowing the kiss was a challenge, but he managed it. For both of them.

“When will Sharon be back?”

“Sunday afternoon. Unless things don’t go well.”

“Let me stay,” he tried one last time.

Her smile took on a wicked gleam. “I’d love that. But not tonight.” She fanned her face. “The ideas you put in my head, Miles. Being close to you makes me think about things I thought passed me by.”

“That’s absurd, Molly. You’re a beautiful and vibrant woman.” And young, too, though he often forgot she was only twenty-five.

“Who currently shares a bedroom with her son. You need to go.”

“You’re welcome at my place anytime.”

Her gaze dropped to his mouth and she licked her lips. “Maybe once the custody issue is over.”

“No maybe about it.” It came out all growly, with far more heat and need than he intended. But she didn’t shrink away. She pressed a hand to her heart. “Okay. Okay. When this custody thing is done, I’ll talk with Sharon about watching Bryce overnight.”

“I’ll be counting on that.” Reluctantly, distinctly uncomfortable, he stood. “Go ahead and keep the car,” he said.

“Miles.”

“It’s only a short walk home and the exercise will do me good. Besides, I’ve got the truck once I’m there and borrowing my car saves you a trip into Charleston for a rental.”

“I’ll need a trip into Charleston to buy a car.”

“That too. Just use the car, Molly. ”

“All right.” She laced her fingers through his. “Thank you.” Using him for balance, she pressed up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Sweet dreams.”

“Not a chance. I’ll be dreaming of you.” He bent his head to her ear. “The things I want to do with you aren’t all that sweet. “He nipped her earlobe, satisfied when she shivered. “Sleep well, Molly.” He loved the way her nose crinkled at that.

“Text me when you get home?” Her voice followed him down the steps.

“You got it.”

He was practically whistling as he walked away from the cottage and all they had done was make out a little. Outrageous but true. And he couldn’t wait to see her again. He might as well be floating down the street like a lovesick cartoon character. And he didn’t really mind. It felt right. Strange the way being with her filled him with a sense of belonging.

He was so deeply contemplating that, so lost in the wonder and warmth of holding her close, that he missed the first hint of trouble.

It was almost too late when the soft rustling of someone walking through pine straw registered in his brain.

He turned, and a blow aimed at the back of his head slid across his shoulder instead. He’d chosen the most direct route home and put himself in jeopardy.

On a curse, everything inside him switched to fighting mode. Throwing elbows and trying to land punches, he dodged the assault.

Only one attacker. Small mercy. Miles couldn’t see a weapon. Yet. The lighting sucked this close to the maritime forest that sheltered this side of the island from the ocean.

There was no point in running. Not much point in screaming for help either. He was better off trying to immobilize the guy until Knox showed up or one of the cops. If he was lucky, they could get a name, maybe an explanation for the attack.

“Did you trash my boat?” Miles shouted as he scrapped for any advantage. He took a blow to his jaw, a knee to his ribs. He fought back only to get tripped up by a sucker move that took him down hard. But when the guy came over him Miles twisted away and got to his feet.

The man had a dark, knit mask over his face and the hood of his black jacket pulled up, casting deeper shadows. It was impossible to pick out any distinguishing features, not even the color of his hair.

Miles noticed the gloves, also dark but not anything someone would wear for warmth or grip. More like the disposable gloves used in kitchens. He figured his attacker was trying to avoid leaving evidence behind.

“What the hell do you want from me?”

The attacker didn’t answer, just charged him like a bull, driving him back into the trees. Miles lost his footing and he heard a sickening crack when he fell back over a broken log. Was it the tree or his body? He was too stunned to sort it out.

Expecting a killing strike or at least to be searched and robbed, Miles was shocked when the guy kicked him one last time in the ribs before running off.

Struggling to breathe, he stared up at the sky. Most of the starry landscape was hidden by the tree canopy. He figured it was a safe bet that somewhere high in those limbs, owls and squirrels were laughing at him.

Were bizarre, random thoughts like that a sign of shock? Probably so. He had to get out of here. Get home. Rolling to his hands and knees, he gasped. Everything hurt. And every breath felt like a thousand razors slicing him from the inside out.

Broken ribs? Check. Along with who knew what else .

Where the hell was Knox? What good was having a protective shadow if they didn’t show up during a crisis?

Desperate, listless, he patted his pockets in search of his phone. But the device wasn’t with him anymore. He was too weak to look for it now. Maybe the jerk had taken it. Which would make searching a waste of his waning energy.

Whoever attacked him, they’d picked a prime spot to strike. Dumb luck, good strategy, or someone who knew the island?

He’d have to let someone else figure it out. His only goal was to get out of here. Find help. Miles dragged himself closer to the street, praying someone would find him soon. If he could make the street, maybe he could get to the clinic.

He took a few more shaky steps, fell to his knees, and crawled. And then the beating took him under and he passed out.