The One I Love

I made a great salary and prior to this, I was thinking only of saving money. I wanted to buy a nice house and live life to the fullest but when I looked around this room, I knew what he meant. “Yeah,” I murmured thoughtfully as I took a drink of the beer. I was nursing it since I assumed I’d be leaving with Molly at some point and wanted to be safe.

“Have you ever been married?” Keith asked me as I shook my head.

“I’ve always moved a lot and never wanted to bring someone into that life. It was chaotic at times and I lived for that. Now that I’m here, I might settle some and think about retiring.” I shrugged and glanced at the score, fondly remembering a few games that I’d attended over the years.

&n

bsp; “You’re going to stay here?” Marta asked from the end of the room and I glanced her way with a smile.

“Perhaps. It’s time I start thinking about where I am going to live permanently.” I told her as she moved to sit beside Keith, taking his hand.

“It’s a little slow here but so peaceful. I never could imagine living in a big city.” Keith smiled at her and I looked up to see Molly walking into the living room, staring at me.

“Would you like to see a movie tonight?” I asked her as she nodded with a smile.

“I have apple pie for dessert, so feel free to come in and have some when you get back.” Marta said as I chuckled.

“She always makes too much food,” Keith confirmed, smiling dryly as she pretended to hit his arm with her free hand. I stood and helped Molly into her gray cardigan sweater, saying thank you and goodbye before we walked to my car.

“They’re a great family,” I told Molly as she smiled and nodded.

“They’ve never made me feel unwelcome here. It’s like a second mom and dad for me.” Molly watched me as I opened the door. “Did he give you the Spanish Inquisition?”

“No, but he is protective of you,” I replied before closing the door and walking around to my side. I got in and started the engine before giving her a long look. “I respect that, Molly.

“It drives Noel crazy. I think that she dates some guys just to get under his skin. I’ve not dated since they met me so this is a first for him.” She laughed as I pulled down the long driveway and to the main road. “Thanks for staying. I was horrified when Marta suggested it but I had a great time. You’re fun to watch.”

“How so?” I asked curiously as she smiled.

“You’re so confident and you got along easily with them. I guess that’s because you’re older perhaps, but I never met a guy like that before.” She leaned back into her seat. “There’s also something about you that scares me; thrills me. Maybe something dark. I’m not sure.”

She had no idea. I headed to the theater that we’d seen one another at that night a few weeks ago and she stared at the offerings for a moment. “What sounds good?” I asked her, stroking her back as she moved closer to me.

“Will you protect me from the monsters if we see the scary one?” Molly asked softly as she turned to look at me, her eyes heavy with desire. I leaned in to kiss her softly, loving her heat.

“Yes, I will always protect you.” I murmured as I brushed my lips against hers again. I led her forward and bought the tickets for the show, walking inside to order popcorn and a drink to share. That was a must at the movies, and I knew that she felt the same from seeing her before. I walked into the small theater and asked her where she’d like to sit as she shrugged. I grinned as I took her to the back corner and placed the drink between us as she settled in.

I glanced forward to see Olivia walking in with a guy that looked a little younger than her, making me wonder if it was a student. If so, she moved quickly. She glanced my way and frowned as our eyes met and then looked away, moving to the front of the theater. I reached out for Molly’s hand and held it as she reached for some popcorn with her free hand. I wondered if Olivia saw me with Molly, hoping that she did. I wanted her to see the kind of woman that appealed to me.

The room darkened and we settled in for the previews, my arm securely around her. She moved closer to me with the featured horror movies that they pushed on the crowd and I kissed her hair gently. The film we came to see was more of a creepy kind of scary than it was gory and Molly was practically in my lap by the end. She buried her face in my neck as she groaned and shook her head, making me want to groan back for completely different reasons.

Her lips brushed against my skin and I froze, feeling my body heat up in response. She kissed my neck and up to my jaw as I slid my hand into her loose hair, holding her close to me. “Will you come over?” I asked her as her lips moved up, closer to my mouth.

“I was hoping that you’d ask,” she murmured before kissing me softly. I wanted to push her back against the seat and kiss my way down her body, but when the lights came back on I was all too aware of where we were. She seemed to want to keep going, but I pulled away and took a breath. “Mmmm,” Molly moaned, leaning forward again as I gripped her hair again.

“Let’s take this elsewhere,” I suggested as our eyes locked in the light. I saw that she wanted more and reminded myself that I needed to stop when she asked me to. I didn’t want to and was rarely asked to, but this was important. I stood slowly and took her hand, leading her out of the building and out onto the street as she looked around. Her face was flushed and eyes heavy, making me stare at her.

“Major Johnson,” came a familiar voice as I glanced up to see Olivia. She was looking at Molly with an inquiring gaze as I smiled weakly.

“Good evening,” I greeted her, seeing that she was alone. “Did you enjoy the movie?”

“It was scary, wasn’t it?” She asked as I laughed and Molly squeezed my hand tightly. “I’m Olivia. I work with Major Johnson.” She extended her hand boldly and I sensed Molly cowering for a moment.

“I’m Molly,” she said simply as she shook Olivia’s hand. The women were so different but Molly was the one that I wanted to be with and I looked at Olivia to see disdain pass through her eyes.

“We’re going to head back to town. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said as I pulled Molly to my car across the street in the parking lot. I could feel Olivia watching us but I kept going until my keys were in the door.

“You work with her?” Molly asked softly as I looked at her. She looked so insecure and I left the key in the door to pull her gently against me.