Molly's Man (Haven, Texas 4)

“Once you’re in you never leave.”

She threw up her hands in exasperation. “For goodness sake, don’t you believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt?”

“Not when it comes to the safety of my people.”

“Well, I’m not one of your people, Sheriff. I’m leaving soon. And if I want to get a damn tattoo, I will. Excuse me.”

She undid her seat belt and before he could make his way out she’d opened the car door and was standing.

“I’ll help you inside.”

She scowled at him. “You won’t. I can do this myself.”

She took a step forward on her bad foot, letting out a pained cry and nearly collapsing to the ground. He caught her, lifting her up into his arms before bumping her car door shut with his hip.

Foolish, bullheaded woman.

Molly nearly cried as she stared at her bandage-wrapped ankle. This time the doctor had given her crutches, some stronger painkillers and a warning to be more careful.

Yeah, she got it. She was an idiot. Perhaps attempting to skateboard wasn’t her brightest idea, but she’d never tried it as a kid. Now she’d managed to not only re-injure her ankle, but she’d also made a fool of herself in front of the too-handsome sheriff.

Awesome.

“Molly? You okay?” Jake asked her carefully.

He’d stayed in the waiting room until she was finished and now he was driving her back to the Ferguson ranch. She’d been too tired and in too much pain to argue with him. She couldn’t drive her stick-shift for a bit with her ankle the way it was, and she didn’t want to bother Max or Logan by calling them. They’d already done so much for her. In fact, she was starting to wonder if she shouldn’t take Laken up on her offer of the apartment above her store. She loved being out at the ranch, but she didn’t want to wear out her welcome. Plus, staying with them just made her realize how much she was missing out on. Max and Logan adored and cherished Savannah. Molly had never had that. She’d never had someone love her the way Max and Logan loved Savannah.

Plus, being in town would make it easier for her to get around. Although she’d have to wait until she got rid of the crutches since going up and down the stairs to the apartment would be a real nuisance. Yeah, maybe she’d call Laken when she got back to the ranch and see if she’d mind a tenant for a while.

This was going to put a serious dent in her plans to go to Saxons this weekend.

“Molly?”

“What?” She turned to Jake.

“Are you all right? You kind of spaced out.”

“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about moving into that apartment above Laken’s shop.”

“Why? Don’t you like staying with the Fergusons?”

“Oh, no, I do. They’ve been amazing to me. But I just feel like a third wheel, you know? Or is that fourth wheel?” she joked.

“Something like that.”

“I just think it’s time for a bit of independence.”

“I’m sure Laken would be happy to have you stay in the apartment. It’s been empty for a while, and I think it comes fully furnished.”

“It does. Which is good since I got rid of all my stuff.”

“So you could move to some tropical island?”

“That’s right. Cocktails, sunshine, and beautiful beaches here I come.”

“So why did you come here first?”

Because she’d wanted to get through her bucket list first and go to the island knowing she’d achieved everything she wanted to before she died.