Kane (Arizona Vengeance 8)

She immediately tips her head up with a sweet smile that clearly says she very much likes my arm around her. Not able to fucking help myself, I lean down and brush my lips over hers before whispering, “Love you.”

“Love you back,” she murmurs.

A gagging sound comes from across the table, Jett exaggeratedly acting like he might throw up at any point. We all laugh because it’s fun to rib our teammates—and, by extension, their women.

“You know,” Bain ruminates as he grins at us. “It’s so weird seeing you be affectionate.”

“Why?” I demand with a laugh. “I’m a generally nice and affable dude.”

“Yeah, but it’s like you just met Mollie,” Jett says, stepping into the conversation. “You’ve only been dating a few weeks, but you’re all “I love you” and making moon eyes at each other. It’s like it happened overnight.”

“But it technically had a ten-year head start,” Mollie points out.

I squeeze Mollie, smirking at Jett. “Don’t listen to him, babe. He’s just jealous the better man won your heart.”

Everyone around the table starts chuckling and teasing Jett, who laughs it off good-naturedly. He even admits, “I knew Mollie’s heart wasn’t in it during our one date. All she did was yammer on about that bonehead.”

“Well, I think it’s fucking cool,” Erik says, lifting his beer to make a toast. “In fact, theirs is the best kind of love story—one that has been built over time. It’s a luxury we should envy. I’m happy for you two.”

Everyone raises their drinks to toast us. Mollie blushes, and I feel like I won the Cup all over again. Of course, I think like that around Mollie a lot.

We hang for a few hours, slowly drinking our beers while ordering nachos and buffalo wings to share. Blue eats a burger, joking she’s eating for two. Since I don’t have that excuse, I promise myself I’ll sneak in an early morning run before we have to get on the bus to go to the airport.

Blue yawns first. When Erik insists they’re leaving, we all decide we’re ready to head to the hotel.

Jim’s rooming alone tonight, a situation I’m sure he’s just as grateful for as I am.

Mollie and I make our way to our room. As soon as we’re inside with the door closed, I’m grabbing her around the waist. She laughs, turning in my arms, and we start kissing.

We’re both buzzed, so we half stumble to the bed while trying to keep our mouths fused and take off our clothes at the same time.

I’ve only managed to get her shirt off before I’m pushing her down on the bed and falling on top of her. My lips go to the center of her chest for a light kiss, then I rise to unclasp the front of her bra.

Before I can flick it open, though, Mollie’s phone dings from somewhere inside her purse. We both freeze.

Our eyes lock, and I know we are thinking the same thing.

Is it him?

It’s been that way ever since we sent that fucking email. Every time the damn phone makes a noise, a jolt of adrenaline washes through me, filling me with horrified anticipation.

Mollie pushes me off her with a huge heave, then scrambles off the bed for her purse. She pulls the phone out as I pop up, and I crowd right behind her so I can see over her shoulder.

With efficiency, she unlocks her screen and moves to her email.

My head goes a little dizzy as I take in the bolded email right at the top—it’s from Matthew.

Whistling through her teeth, Mollie taps on the screen to bring it up for full view.

There’s no greeting—only a short response.

I was surprised to hear from you, Mollie, but I’m not sure how to take your request. Perhaps we can talk over the phone?

Matthew

Kynan had prepared us for this. That Matthew might want to engage in conversation through either voice or digital means. The investigator had advised us not to wind him up as he’ll just draw us down a rabbit hole.

As they spent time going over many different scenarios, Mollie already knows what response Dr. Ellery recommended to send.

I’m sorry, Matthew, but I want this over. I’m going to be at Perlman’s on 3rd Avenue at 5 PM on Thursday. I’ll be at an outdoor table. If you want to talk, please come. Otherwise, I’ll move on without the closure I need.

Mollie tips her head to the side, eyebrows raised in question. “Good?”

It’s precisely what Dr. Ellery told Mollie to write. The doctor believes Matthew won’t be able to resist the urge to see her—and perhaps even taunt her—since they’ll be in a public place.

“Send it,” I advise.

When she does, we both realize the wheels are in motion for a resolution. Either Matthew will show up and Jameson will take him down, or he won’t and I’ll hire Jameson to go on a manhunt. It might be expensive and take more time, but it will be worth it.