First Time with the Major

Blurb

Molly

I think he wants to control me. 

My life is comfortable, predictable and boring….

Until, 

That guy next door walks into my café..

He says he is new in the town. 

And I wonder if he is experienced with…..women.

Those hard abs under that crisp shirt make me wonder how HARD I could make him.

Those Greek God like looks make me want to surrender. 

And that voice…

My world turns upside down. 

As he whispers my name.  

But how can I do this? 

Should I let go of the fears from my past and try and venture into the unfamiliar future that awaits me? 

 

Should I let this guy control my desires….and my life? 

Chapter 1

Molly

I laughed as I unlocked the door to the shop, giving my best friend Noel a sharp look. “I can’t believe you told him that. You were on a date and he was being decent. We don’t have a lot of men in this little town, so why run off the ones that are here?”

“I will not have some man ordering for me at a restaurant. I’m capable of making a proper decision for myself.” She leaned down to slide the muffins she’d made into the display case carefully, tossing her red ponytail over her shoulder.

This was our coffee shop, called Mountain Brew. Being that we lived in Mountain Home, it certainly wasn’t original but it fit the theme of our little home. We were surrounded by mountains after all and a lot of our customers made a living from those beautiful peaks. I thought the shop was cute with tables and couches sprinkled around the bright, spacious room. I had the idea of adding some bookshelves and taking in donated used books from people in town to give customers something to do when they were here. There were a lot of poor people living around here that didn’t even have books to begin with, so we could provide that. Noel had agreed to the idea, but I knew that she wasn’t thrilled with it.

I ran the front, and she did all the baking with my assistance. We got up early to be here, darkness settling around the cafe as we danced and sang in the kitchen. We drank too much coffee and laughed while we worked, making me so proud to have done this with Noel.

I went to college at the University of Idaho and got a degree in Literature, so the books were all me. Noel was more business minded and did all the paperwork and numbers for our shop and I filled in the blanks. I picked out the unmatched, used furniture for the room and decorated the walls with a lot of old pictures of the town. I also had some colorful prints to match the vibrant purple walls and cleaned up the old fireplace in the corner. It was cold here a lot of the time and we needed it, and the old brick mantel attracted a lot of attention. It was a beautiful place.

I smiled as Mike walked in. He was always our first customer and grabbed a coffee and a Danish before he went fishing. Mike was a retired hotel owner that opened fifty years ago and because of that, was very successful. He kept it up even to this day, and it did well while he fished several times a week and just enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us. “Good morning,” I told him as I straightened my dark ponytail, watching him walk to the front where Noel was finishing with the case.

“Good morning, my ladies.” He always greeted us with those words and I grinned at Noel as she reached for a coffee mug.

“The usual today?” She asked him as he pulled out his wallet. She got his coffee poured and grabbed his Danish while I turned on the sign that told everybody we were open for the day. I found a radio station that was light and fun and headed back behind the counter to get organized while Mike settled in the corner table with a newspaper. Noel went back to start making some sandwiches for the lunch menu and check on the soup that she started earlier today while I watched the front.

There were enough customers to keep us busy, and I loved seeing them every day. I felt like I was part of the highlight of their day as they came in to greet me like they hadn’t seen me for weeks. There were a few older folks that came in, some freelance writers that worked at our tables and just some readers like myself. I watched the writers, wondering if I should do something like that myself since I did have a degree in Literature.

I also had some things to write about. I had some things to release; issues that were going to ruin me if I allowed it.

Noel had saved me from hitting rock bottom after college when she suggested that I move back to her home town with her and open a coffee shop. Noel liked that small town life despite having a blast in college where there was a lot to do and wanted to return. We’d lived together in the dorm and become close friends quickly, so I agreed. I didn’t want to go back home to my parents in Malad City but also didn’t have any other plans. I was too broken to want to move forward with my life. I agreed, and she told me that I could stay with her at her parent’s ranch house and open something in the empty building with her.

I looked at Noel as she came out for a fresh cup of coffee, smiling at her as she looked at me. She was twenty-three and a natural redhead with bright blue eyes, thin and pale. Those looks had all the attention of the local men and she’d started dating a little once we were established in the cafe. She was a little too much for most of them so far and I just laughed and watched from a distance.

I had dark brown hair and whiskey colored eyes that were a bit wide for my taste. My skin was a shade darker than hers and I was curvier than Noel was, too. I joked with her about how much it irritated me that she could eat double the pastries that I could and not gain a pound while it went right to my hips, but it was mostly in jest. I exercised by hiking around here and doing some exercise tapes at the house, so I was a bit toned. Noel just never stopped moving to begin with.

I sighed and got back to cleaning the tables that were empty, thinking about the Starbucks that was located near the university. It was always packed with lines of people and didn't offer anywhere to sit, a fact that I brought up to Noel when she first suggested this. I didn’t want that.

She’s laughed and assured me that this town was smaller and slower. A coffee shop would do great but we wouldn’t be slammed like some of the places you see on every corner in other places. It would be a great place for people to warm up and relax on cold days and just chat on the warmer ones. The hours were early morning to the afternoon, so we had a lot of free time if there was any energy left after baking in the early hours of the morning. We were closed early on the weekends, only staying open until one as opposed the three o'clock like we did during the week.

By the time we were closing for the day, Noel had gotten a message from her date. He wanted to go to the movies tonight and she asked me what I thought about it as I drove her Jeep home to the large house.

“Apart from the meal, he sounded nice. I say give it a try,” I told her as I drove down the main road lined with shops and restaurants.

“When are you going to give it a chance?” Noel asked me as I stared forward at one of three stoplights in our little town. “It’s been two years, Molly. You’re not in college anymore.”

“I know but I am not ready,” I told her in a tone that made it clear I didn’t want to discuss this. I didn’t want to think about Lance and what he did to me in junior year; what any other man could do to me if I gave him the chance. I didn’t want to face any of it and I jammed on the gas pedal a bit hard when the light turned green, jerking forward as I pressed my lips together. “Sorry,” I told her, gripping the steering wheel tightly as I focused on the road. I was here because of her; working and driving this car, with a roof over my head. I didn’t want to ruin any of that and I forced the past out of my mind as I drove the rest of the way home.

Keith and Marta Jones were her parents. They were high school sweethearts that got married right after graduation, with Keith going to work for a construction company while she stayed home and did bookkeeping in their home office. He moved up to management and she got more clients and once they had kids, they moved into this house and made it in a small town. It was a dream for some people and Noel had a great childhood. Mine wasn’t awful and my parents were kind people, but we didn’t have a lot of money. I worked hard in school to earn a scholarship for college and sometimes wondered if it was worth it now.

I was working in a coffee shop. I loved it but it seemed like something that should be a part time job while I pursued my dream, but what was that? I could read a lot now, but I suppose I always thought I might work in a famous library or teach. I’d never say that to Noel, though. It was a fun job and I loved the customers but life was just a little stale sometimes. It seemed like I should have more being twenty-three with a bachelor’s degree, but a lot of people just worked normal jobs. Didn’t they?

Chapter 2

Molly

We had roasted chicken and sweet potatoes for dinner that night. I was pretty tired and was going to go to sleep early but Noel rushed out of the house for her date as her mom just shook her head. Noel looked a lot like her though she had her father’s nose and eyes. “She was so mad last night about him and look at her go.” We were washing dishes together and she handed me a plate to dry.

“She said she’d never go to dinner with him again. Maybe she is just going to try different scenarios now,” I joked as I wiped it clean with the yellow towel and added it to the pile beside me.

“How are you doing, Molly?” Marta asked as she looked at me with warm brown eyes.

“I’m great. Everything is going so well at the cafe. We’re busy enough to make something without being insane,” I told her as I glanced at her with a smile.

“I know. I am glad it’s doing well but what about you? Are you happy here?” She pressed as I looked out of the window to stare at the meadow in front of their house.

“It’s beautiful here. It’s small and I am getting used to such a small town. Home was slightly bigger.” I paused as I licked my lips. “I just feel like I should be making more of a difference in my life.”

I grew up wanting the college scholarship and then to move to some big city for an exciting job. I only had some of that.

“You are, Molly. Noel loves having you here and everyone is crazy about the cafe as well as you girls. It’s a big thing for people to have a regular place to go. I think that humans need a schedule and you provide them somewhere to go.” She laughed. “If you think about it, we just work here too. I work from home doing the books for clients and Keith’s business. It isn’t all that exciting.”

“You’re happy, though. You have Keith and a family,” I told her as she looked into my eyes.

“Is that what you want for yourself?” She asked as I shrugged. “Noel said that you had a bad experience in college with a boy. Is that why I haven’t seen you dating anybody?”

It was so much of the reason and I blushed as I thought about Lance. His blonde hair and bright blue eyes still haunted my mind and I blinked to force the image out of my mind. “I’m just settling in. That’s all.”

“This is a small town and you’ve met everyone that lives here in the last eight months since you opened the shop. There’s not much settling to do, although you will get a bit of a trickle from the air force base nearby.”

I hadn’t heard about the base. I suppose nobody had come in that was obviously in the military. “Really?”

“Be careful with that, though. Those boys are here for a time and gone and it won’t do you any good to fall for someone like that.” Marta shook her head. “Noel’s sister fell for that back when she was a senior in high school. He broke her heart in half!”

“Oh, I won’t fall for that.” Charm was something I’d never fall for again. Lola was now happily married with twins so she survived it. Maybe I would as well.

“It’s hard sometimes. They can be so charismatic. Lola’s guy had all of us fooled and then one day he was gone. She never heard anything from him again. It was a relief when she met Jack at the diner! She fell so in love with him and now they gave us those beautiful babies. Life happens the way that it’s meant to.” Marta smiled as she looked around. “I think we’re done. Want to have some tea with me? I made a chocolate cake that Noel is now going to miss out on.”

We settled in the big living room to watch some television with our plates and big mugs of tea. I was wearing some yoga pants and a sweatshirt and felt cozy by the fire as I laughed at something that a character said on the movie. This really was a relaxing life and I was lucky to have a successful business in such a gorgeous town. I could end up with a big house like this down the line with a family. I could end up happy and I was only twenty-three. I had a lot of time to build my life and tonight, I was just going to enjoy this environment.

I went to bed when the movie was over, sleepy from the fire and the TV. My room was on the third floor and spacious with a king-sized bed and a window overlooking the lush, green grass. I had a small attached bathroom that I changed in, pulling on my favorite sleep pants and a worn gray Henley before I walked over to my bed. I had a Kindle that I usually read before going to sleep and I grabbed it before I snuggled against my pile of pillows. It was only ten thirty and I wasn’t sure when Noel was going to come home, but she’d have energy for work no matter what. She always did. Her room was on the second floor so I never heard her come into the house but she was always ready when we left at four to go to work.

In the morning, she was smiling. “Nate made up for the dinner. We went to see that new comedy with Amy Schumer and it was so funny. He bought me popcorn and Junior mints too.” We were walking to the car and she drove today as I looked at her dreamy face. She was back in her happy place.

“Good. I’m glad,” I replied as I buckled my seat belt and pulled my hat lower over my hair. It was cold here in September and I flicked the heater up higher as we left the garage. It was so dark out when we left and the air was crisp. I was always happy to get to the cafe to start the coffee and warm up the place since we had so much fun in the morning. The baking got us moving as we drank our caffeine and talked about whatever was going on though most of it revolved around Noel. I didn’t have a lot to say since I didn’t have a life. Today, she told me every detail about her new cowboy and I could tell that she was smitten this morning.

Noel was fickle with men. She always had been at school and it made my head spin. I was more of a one-man kind of girl and when I started dating Lance, I knew that I didn’t want anybody else. He was my everything for a year, making me think he was perfect for waiting for me when I didn’t want to sleep with him right away. I thought I found my Mr. Right.

I was so, so wrong.

We finished the baking and she started loading things into the cart to set up in the display. I walked around and wiped everything down one more time before I turned on all the machines and made the drinks that we’d need for opening. There were always two coffee pots going and we also had a large Decaf pot and a featured flavor every day. Noel made amazing treats and was thinking of bringing someone else in to make breakfast for customers soon along with some more lunch selections. We had enough traffic for it and she was handling the money.

I walked out into the dining room after turning on all the lights and the radio, letting Mike in with a warm smile. “Hello, there.” I was going to be appreciative of all that I had today and let fate control the future. It worked out for others so I deserved something great too. I walked to the counter and got his usual before handing him his change, shaking my head as he dropped it into the blue tip jar that I set up. “You don’t need to do that every day, Mike.”

“It will keep you open for me.” He winked as he walked to his table and I reached back to pull my high ponytail tighter on my head. I had all the machines ready for all the coffee drinks that people liked and I looked at the door to see a man coming in, but it was someone that I didn’t recognize. He was older, maybe mid-thirties or forties and handsome as hell. The man looked around the shop with a curious expression before walking up to the counter to let his gaze rest on me. He had cropped, dark hair and light blue eyes that held mine with a power that I’d never experienced before. It was like he was in control and I shivered with the feeling, uncomfortable with it. His voice was smooth as he ordered a black coffee before he looked at the display case with his full lips in the beginning of a smile.

“What’s the best in there?” He asked me as I went blank. I’d eaten everything in there at one time or another and I couldn’t think of the name of a single one. What was wrong with me?

“The best? I might be a bit biased but the chocolate walnut muffin rocks my world.” I jumped at the sound of Noel’s voice even though the customer didn’t even spare her a glance before he looked at me.

“Would you agree?” He asked me as if we were alone and I nodded mutely. It was my favorite, or at least I seemed to remember that in the fog that had taken over my mind. “I’ll take one.” I took the twenty that he handed me and made his change before filling his mug for him. Noel got the muffin on a plate and handed it to him as we watched him drop a five-dollar bill into the tip jar.

“Are you okay?” Her voice was concerned as she touched my shoulder once we were alone.

“Yeah, he was just…” I shook my head and looked at her. I watched her glance at the table that he’d taken by the fireplace before looking outside to the overcast skies. Noel was always thinking of a dozen things at once and I smiled weakly, knowing that she kept this business going. I still couldn’t think clearly and felt useless.

“That is a man that knows what he wants. I’ve never seen him before,” Noel mused before the door chimed and her face broke into a huge smile. “Nate!” A young, strawberry blonde man walked in and she left the counter to greet him as I watched. He was cute enough but young. I thought back to Lance and realized that he was just over a year older than I was when we met, wondering if young just didn’t appeal to me at all. Noel looked happy as she led him to the counter to show him the cafe and introduced us. “This is Nate. Nate, this is Molly. She’s my best friend and partner in crime here.” I shook the offered hand and noted that he had pretty bright blue eyes before she came back to fix him a coffee.

Noel had forgotten all about mystery man but not me. I glanced his way to see him looking steadily at me as I blushed and felt the sweat pooling in my hair. I faked confidence a lot though I was a kind person by nature. I found it hard to be rude unless that person really struck me the wrong way, but I rarely felt sure of myself. This man was nothing but that as he raised the cup to me and I smiled weakly. He took me down a level while he filled me with something that reminded me of the way I felt when I was with Lance.

No. No. No.

I couldn’t let myself become vulnerable that way ever again and I forced myself to look away as someone walked through the door. I helped them with a bright smile and too chatty of a voice while Noel took a break with Nate at a table, laughing at something that he said.

Chapter 3

Robert

 

I watched the girl behind the counter, sipping the strong coffee as I sized her up. She was young, probably more than ten years under me. She was also beautiful and I remembered her lavender name tag that was pinned to the light pink shirt that boasted the name of this place. Mountain Brew. It fit being in this town, one that I was new to as of a week ago. The base needed to add to their staff to tighten things up after a scandal with another major and a female assistant. I was not the kind of man to fuck up at work that way, not after my twenty-year career with the air force. I would not allow those under me to either and I’d been demonstrating my leadership in the week that I’d spent with them. I had the financial means to live off base in a charming home at the edge of town so I could have my peace and finally decided to take my morning off today to wander a bit.

I found this cafe right away and felt drawn to it somehow. It was a quaint little place and not that crowded, and I couldn’t resist the strong smell of coffee and baked goods once I was inside. Once I saw Molly, I knew that I was drawn to her as much as I was to the cafe that she worked at. She was around five foot six with intoxicating eyes that reminded me of a good whiskey and pale skin. Her dark brown hair was pulled high on her head but I wanted to release it so that her thick waves would tumble over her shoulders. She seemed to be stunned by my presence, unable to speak. That pleased me as my body responded but I also saw the intense fear in her beautiful eyes.

It was a redhead that answered some of my questions and I only knew that from a quick glance before looking at Molly. I knew that the other girl was the outgoing one and probably more of a candidate for what I wanted, but I couldn’t be bothered. I paid Molly and watched as she turned to fix my coffee, noticing the soft curves of her ass in the black slacks that she was wearing. She wasn’t skinny like so many women and I liked that.

I dropped something into the tip jar as I took my items and surveyed the room carefully. There was a small table by the fireplace that was bright with a fire and I wandered over to it to take a seat. The warmth felt good after the crisp air outside and I sipped the hot coffee as I looked over the other customers seated around me. This was a mountain town and the faces represented that though I found it comforting in an odd way after being in much more populated places in the past. These people were happy with a small table, their breakfast, and a paper or one of the books that graced the shelves. Life was slow here even though I knew there was always some excitement to be found. I let my eyes drift to Molly again, watching her shake the hand of the young man that the other woman was clearly enamored with.

I watched as Molly smiled and talked but could tell that I was still affecting her. She glanced my way and her cheeks flushed pink at our eye contact before she looked away to help some new customers.

I’d slept with women of all ages, all legal. It wasn’t the thrill of their age as much as it was their willingness to please me. I kept that part of my life separate from my job and excelled at both. I also didn’t do long term commitment since I moved a lot and wasn’t craving a family now. My own parents were from the military and I moved all the time, so I didn’t want to do that to my own family. I followed in Dad’s footsteps who followed Granpa and I loved my life. He met my mom when he was new to the Air Force and they married quickly before starting their journey that led to my brother James and me.

I was never struck so hard by a woman. I enjoyed them and took time to get to know them out of bed, taking them out and showing them a good time. I was a man, not a boy. I could fuck them without all of that but I liked to treat the person that I was with well. I liked building them up and watching them get confidence, depending on where they were in life. I ended things respectfully once I was done, moving on quietly. I’d like to think that they remembered me a few months later fondly as well as with a shudder as they remembered what I did to their bodies.

I looked back at Molly as she walked back and forth between the counter and some back room. I could smell food over the other scents that lingered in the air and wondered what else they served here. This cafe would be a nice place to catch up on reports or even read some of the books that were piling up around my house. I worked several hours a week and was forced to take today with all the rearranging I’d been doing on base this week.

A scandal affected so many people in the time that it was happening. This one was with a married major and a young female which was even worse. They were both off base now and considering their next steps in life, but I blamed him more. He took advantage of a woman mentally and physically and while she played a role, she was more vulnerable. I knew this because I’d done the same, just not on the job. I remembered how badly I felt when I realized the damage done to the pretty young women before we parted way and as I glanced at Molly, I realized that she resembled Brittany. Was this why I couldn’t stop staring at her?

The tryst with Brittany happened quickly when I was new to the air force and we were in bed the night that we met. I took from her that night and every one that followed, dominant and demanding in my lust for her. She wasn’t a virgin physically but damn close and I didn’t realize that I was breaking her down until a month or so in. I didn’t realize that she was traumatized from it even as she was falling for me, not until she was weeping in bed one night.

It was then that I talked to her about her life, finding out that she’d been in a sexually abusive relationship a year before she met me. She admitted that she liked my dominance in some ways, craving it even but that it was bringing back some pain for her. She told me that she loved me. She’d been crying the entire time and I knew that I’d rushed this. I needed to talk to women more and make sure that they were into what we were doing because some complied for the wrong reasons.

I respected the fact that Brittany ended things to get herself some help, apologizing to her for the role that I’d played. I knew that I needed some ground rules after that.

I still allowed myself to imagine Molly on my bed, naked and on her knees. I let my fantasy move forward to see the red marks on her ass from my hands for a moment as my cock stirred in my jeans. I could imagine it without doing it, though seeing her walk back out to the front of the cafe made me want it.

I stayed for about an hour before I piled my dishes in a bin near the garbage to finish wandering the town. I glanced back to see Molly watching me as the door closed behind me, vowing to come back for her and the place itself. I found some stores that I’d shop at regularly and admired the views frequently. My house was at the edge of a forest and I had so much peace there but this location was breathtaking. I wondered if this might be the lifestyle I’d settle in, enjoying the slow pace. I could work on this base through retirement and settle here since my parents weren’t far at only a few states away.

That was an interesting thought. I made my way back down the street and stopped in a used book store to get some of the novels that were new to the shop and add them to my collection before walking past the cafe and glancing inside again.

Molly was helping a small line of people as the redhead moved behind her to fix orders. She was a pretty girl, the redhead. I sensed that she was confident and vibrant with a little sass and smiled at the image of the young man that was with her. She was going to be a handful. Molly looked over to see me through the glass and our gazes locked for a few seconds. I’d be back soon to pursue her, because I needed her deep inside. I craved her.

I walked back to the house that I was renting and fixed some eggs for breakfast. That muffin was delicious, but I needed food now and I sat at the table and took in the view as I ate. It was lush and green, gorgeous to look at as well as explore. I’d done a small amount of that in my free time here and tossed around the idea of a hike today. I took pride in my body and worked out a lot; running outside or just doing some basics inside. Most women didn’t take me for being forty-two years old and I wondered for a moment how old Molly was. Her face was youthful but her eyes showed experience and I guessed her to be in her twenties, perhaps around twenty-four or so. The redhead was slightly younger with the curiosity of a girl.

I knew that I didn’t want her, but I did want the dark-haired beauty that was haunting me now as I started out into the forest. I had to take my time with her, not wanting a repeat of Brittany. I needed to keep my cool and do this right since I had a lot of pressure at work to think about as well.

Chapter 4

Molly

 

Nate picked Noel up from the cafe when we closed, so I took the Jeep and ran to some stores the next town over. I loved Target and would drive any hour to go even if I was tired. I loaded my bags into the passenger seat and headed home, thinking of the man in the cafe. It reminded me of meeting Lance at the party in college. They both had that air of confidence in them However, the man today was gorgeous and I could daydream about him for a little while. His body was muscular while he was a few feet taller than me, and his eyes screamed intensity. I thought back to what Marta had told me about the base and wondered if he was from there with his cropped hair. Besides that, he just conveyed that he led a disciplined life and did things by the book. He looked a little lost walking into the cafe for a moment but once he looked at me, I saw the control setting in. I remembered not being able to speak as I blushed and shook my head, not wanting anyone to do that to me now. I was older and should be able to act it. I was thankful that Noel got so distracted by Nate’s arrival and forgot all about it.

I drove through town and turned to get to the house, needing to relax. I parked in the driveway and greeted Marta as I walked through the front door. I was sure that she knew about Noel’s last minute date and that I usually took that time to do whatever I needed with the car. “Hello, Molly. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes, it was busy! I feel a little tired so I think that I am going to relax for a while.” I smiled as I walked into the kitchen with my bags to see her stirring something on the stove. I loved coming home to dinner like this and just the smile on her face brightened my day.

“Target, huh?” She asked with a chuckle as I breathed in the scent of her pasta sauce.

“You know me too well,” I joked with a smile. “That smells so good. Do you need help with anything?”

“This is easy. The sauce has been simmering all day while I worked and the rest I’ll throw together before Keith comes home. Take a little nap if you’d like.” She smiled at me and I nodded and turned to head up the stairs to put away my purchases. I looked outside as I stretched, smiling at the view as the blue eyes of my mystery man flashed through my mind.

Changing into some leggings and a t-shirt, I crawled under my covers to sleep for a while just to get through the evening. Working with customers all day drained me to begin with, but people like that man took all my energy with just one look. I needed to recover and I closed my eyes as I turned to my side with a soft sigh. Why couldn’t I just grab onto life the way that Noel did instead of fearing every choice that I made?

I woke up later to a soft knock on the door, turning and blinking as I noticed my dark room. “Dinner’s ready, Molly.” I called back to Marta before I heard her walking back down the stairs as I frowned. Lance was in my dreams; the good version that I first met and the bad one. I hated when he came back but seeing that man was the reason. They were alike yet different since the customer had been older and not lacking the control that Lance did. How I knew that after seeing him for an hour tops was beyond me, but I did. I wondered if he would be worth the risk as I stepped into my bathroom to fix my hair.

I walked down both sets of stairs and smiled at the family sitting at the table. Noel had come home and she smiled at me. “Look what the cat dragged in,” I joked as I took the seat across from her and smiled back. “How was your afternoon?”

“Good. We went for ice cream,” she replied as her eyes sparkled. “Mom said you went shopping.”

“I needed things,” I defended myself as Keith chuckled. “You never want to go.”

“We have stores here, you know.” Noel smiled brightly as she waited for my response.

“They’re not Target!! I need to look around and get my crack corn.” I held a hand to my heart as I thought about the red and white bag of their popcorn that I always bought from the snack bar waiting for me in my room for a snack later. I knew that she didn’t care that I was using her car to get there but more teasing me since she’d been to the store with me countless times when we were in college. “I got you something. If you’re nice to me, I’ll give it to you.”

We ate dinner as Keith talked about his day, sending loving glances towards his wife several times as I quietly envied them. Marta talked about an issue she had with a new client and laughed as she described the mild argument that ensued. It was when we were eating the apple crumble that Noel looked at me as something crossed her mind. “What was up with you today at work?”

“What do you mean?” I feigned innocence as I sipped my milk and broke a piece of the pastry off with my fork. I knew exactly what she meant.

“That guy turned you into a mute, Molly. Do you know him?” Noel asked as Marta looked at me with interest.

“No. I’ve never seen him before. He just seemed so demanding for his first time in a place,” I said as I shrugged.

“He was older, Mom. Dreamy if I wasn’t crazy about Nate,” Noel said as Marta raised an eyebrow at me while Keith paled. He was already having trouble with his only child dating guys her age much less talking about older men.

“How much older?” He asked as Noel smiled at him. Keith was forty-nine and I could almost see his panic in his eyes.

“Oh, Daddy. I think he was in his late thirties or something. Don’t worry,” Noel assured him as Marta smiled at her husband. He relaxed a bit as I thought to myself that the man seemed older. I’d never confess how much I was thinking about him, at least not yet. I helped Noel wash dishes as she chattered about Nate and their afternoon, just listening to her enthusiasm. She asked if I wanted to see a movie the following evening together for a girl’s night out and I agreed as I looked at her. While we worked together, it would never be the same as a night out. I liked the time alone with her away from home and work since it reminded me of college. There were a few good memories from that time.

We finished cleaning the kitchen and went to her room to watch a show. She went to sleep earlier than I did since she was busy all day, so I hugged her and went to my room to read for a while. I lit a candle that filled my room with the scent of spiced cider as I took in the bad boy character and how easily the girl gave in to him. It was familiar to me. Well, apart from the hot sex scenes, anyway. I was grateful that I never gave that to Lance and still held onto my virtue since he would have broken my heart so much worse. I read those hungrily, wondering if that was what sex was like. It always sounded so irresistible and uncontrolled when I’d always been too scared to take things that far, much to Lance’s dismay. It led to many fights, but I was foolish enough to think that he’d wait for me.

I woke up to the alarm, wanting to stay in bed for just a little longer even though the cafe was calling my name. It was one of the mornings that I wished Noel wanted to open a bar until I was moving and showered. I braided my hair into a loose plait in the car and looked into the mirror, using the dim lights on the street. I had put on a little makeup today and checked the mascara that made my lashes look endless. I reached into my purse and applied a burgundy stain to my lips over the balm as Noel glanced at me curiously. She always wore makeup, but this was new for me. “Who’s that for?”

“Me. I didn’t want to look tired today and have chapped lips.” Lies.

“Huh. Okay,” Noel said briefly before she asked me if I wanted to see the new rom com or horror movie tonight, and I told her that the first sounded better. Horror scared me in a theater when I was surrounded by screaming people though it wasn’t too much better watching it in a dark house in the country. She agreed happily as we parked in front of the cafe and greeted the police officer that waited for us to get inside safely every morning. That was one of the perks of living in a small town to me. We told him to stop by for coffee once we were opened as always and headed inside to get started. I made some strong coffee for us while Noel got to mixing batters and fixed us cups before I helped her out. We had taken notes on favorites over the last few months and she always made them as well as adding a surprise one. The cafe was already set up with multiple ovens, making the process faster for us so we could sleep in a little.

There was also a section for a cook but she wanted to add to our small staff for that. It was already a lot to run this place alone some days. I walked out into the front while everything was baking, inhaling deeply as I wiped off the tables. It was windy and cold outside and I started a fire quickly before turning on some of the fans to low. I brewed more coffee as the hour passed and got everything turned on for the morning, grinning when I saw Mike at the door. Noel rolled out the cart loaded with muffins and cakes to begin to put them inside of the case as I walked forward to unlock the door. “Hi, Mike.” I smiled warmly at him as he walked in and turned on the open sign. I got his coffee and Noel placed his blueberry muffin on a plate as he paid me. It was always that muffin for Mike and he’d even made a few suggestions for it as we got to know him. It had lemon in it now and that made it so good.

I didn’t see the man today, but it was busy enough to keep me occupied. We were both helping people and brewing new pots of coffee all day, making Noel almost late in making lunch. “We need another person here,” I murmured to her when there was a break in the line, making her nod wearily. I looked at the window and watched as a familiar figure passed by, recognizing the man from yesterday. Was he going to come inside today?

He didn’t. We finished the day and closed, bringing a bag home for the house like we always did on Fridays. Noel’s parents helped us a lot with starting this business, even putting the idea in her head with all the baking that she did. There was a much smaller version of it in college when we were in a place with an oven. Noel did all the baking for parties and got paid by friends for supplying treats for them. We took short naps and ate pizza with her parents before heading out to the movies in the next town over.

We paid for our tickets and walked inside to get a large popcorn and a drink to split before finding seats. We’d chatted all the way here and I was glad that Noel seemed to forget about the man in the cafe, focused only on Nate. He was with his friends tonight but even before him, we always tried to spend a Friday night together. The cafe was open fewer hours tomorrow and we could make it through the shift and have time for a nap.

I was taking a handful of popcorn when I saw someone pass our seats as the lights were going down, and my hand stilled as I recognized him. I felt desire fill me and my heart start to beat as I watched him sit down with another man, holding a bucket of popcorn. He was here to see this movie? I pictured him as more of a horror type and I glanced at Noel to see that she hadn’t noticed him, smiling in relief. I wasn’t ready to share this yet.

Chapter 5

Robert

 

I leaned back in the theater, feeling a bit irritated that this was the movie that my colleague wanted to see. I wanted to see the new horror movie that was out but I compromised. It had been a tough week and getting out was nice on its own. I looked around the room as it went dark and the previews started playing, seeing that it was full of women, in groups and on dates. Typical, but still a night out. I wasn’t in a big city anymore and the bar scene was a lot different around here. I noticed a familiar face and stared at Molly as she watched the screen and nibbled on popcorn. She laughed at something someone next to her said and I realized that she was with the redhead who reached over for some popcorn. Molly was beautiful and I looked for a moment before turning back to the screen. Maybe I could get to know her today, away from the cafe.

The movie was mildly entertaining if not a bit predictable and I laughed a few times, distracted by Molly’s presence a few rows behind me. When the credits rolled, I looked back to see her looking around as people started to leave. I always waited for the crowd and she seemed to settle in her seat to do the same before looking at me. The contact was broken with people walking by but she saw me and kept staring. Once the room was emptier, she licked her lips and glanced at her friend with a quick smile. The girls stood and she looked over her shoulder to glance at me as they left, making me glad that Randy stood up to leave at the same time.

The theater was surrounded by a couple of bars and a few restaurants and I looked around to see the girls headed to the right. They were talking and laughing and I listened as close as I could before they walked into a diner. That made me wonder about how old Molly was but I was certain that she was over twenty-one. They might not be big drinkers and there was a drive home to consider. “Want to grab a beer?” Randy’s words broke into my thoughts and I looked at the bar beside the diner.

“Yeah, why not?” We had the following day off and although I planned to go to the cafe, it was still relatively early in the night. He led me to a place beside the diner and I looked through the glass to see the girls sitting at a table and looking at menus before we were at the door of the bar. Randy drove and he enjoyed one beer, taking his time since we didn’t need to get into any trouble. He talked about his girlfriend and the base, trying to get me to talk about myself a bit. I kept things private but did tell him that I was a bachelor and committed to the air force. I talked about the places that I’d lived over the years, fondly remembering some of the experiences as I relayed them to him. Randy was thirty and considering marriage and kids soon, something that never happened to me.

He looked like he was in love with Mara and I told him that he should propose to her. I wasn’t against love but I’d just never found someone that I wanted to bring with me as I moved around for work. He asked why and I just said that it never happened for me. I knew that there was a slim chance that it could and I might end up with a family, but never admitted how much I doubted that it would.

We left a couple of hours later after I’d had two beers and I glanced into the diner to see that Molly was gone. I hoped that she was home safe as some odd sense of possession washed over me, making me blink. I wanted to protect this girl but from what? I was the one that might hurt her, not anything else in this world.

I kept things simple in my life but there were the girls that fell for me and there always would be. I just tried to stay as honest as I could along the way. There were already women at the base that were expressing interest but I kept that as a strict boundary. Too much could go wrong.

He dropped me off and I caught some late-night television before bed. I was planning on a morning run tomorrow around the forest path and then some coffee and another one of those muffins in the morning.

I woke to the alarm after about six hours of sleep and stretched. The military made it easy for me to get up quickly, showering and changing into some sweats and a shirt to make the run. I pulled a thick running jacket over it and laced my best shoes before sliding an ear bud in and securing my phone in a pocket. I ate a protein bar as I left the house and during the first part of my run, starting slow. I was jogging at a steady pace when I got out of the woods and turned to head to the cafe, wiping my face with the towel that was draped around my neck.

I stopped running before I got to the door and cleaned up as best as I could. I opened the heavy glass door to the same scents and inhaled deeply as my stomach growled. Molly was at the counter with her hair in a bun, looking tired but beautiful. I looked her over slowly, seeing a curvy form and taking in her full lips that were a dark plum today. Was that new? She wasn’t wearing makeup the first time that I’d been in here. I walked forward and got into the short line, taking her in the entire time. Somehow, she didn’t notice me yet even though I felt the heat that was thick in the air.

When the woman before me stepped aside to wait for her order, our eyes locked and she let out a gasp. Her big, intoxicating brown eyes were framed with dark lashes and she stumbled as she asked what I’d like today. I went with the black coffee and that same muffin as she blushed and nodded quickly. She got a couple of the drinks after I was finished and had dropped another large bill into the cobalt blue jar, seeming to be nervous now. She handed one to the woman and the other to me as our eyes locked, electricity flowing between us. She took a deep breath and got a scone from the display case for the woman that was eying me hungrily, dropping it onto a plate heavily before she pushed it across the counter. I saw the look flash across her face that was clearly jealousy as I grinned, amused by the situation playing out before me.

I glanced at the woman, seeing a blonde as she walked away muttering something under her breath. She had nothing on Molly. I looked back to Molly who seemed to consider the selection of the chocolate muffins for a moment before selecting one of the larger ones. She didn’t drop it on the plate like she had the scone and I watched as she pushed it slowly to me. I saw that she was working hard on her control but there was a slight tremor to her hand. I realized that we were alone for a moment and reached for the plate, brushing my hand against hers. She jumped as she looked into my face, her cheeks pink. “Did you enjoy the movie?” I asked her as she smiled shyly.

“It was fine,” Molly told me as she eyed me slowly. “Did you? I would have pegged you for more of the horror type.”

“I compromised,” I assured her as I left my hand near hers. There was something about Molly that told me she wasn’t experienced, maybe even pure. She was nice and seemed nervous, but wasn’t flirting like the women that I was accustomed to.

She reminded me of Brittany and I cursed the idea, not wanting to go through something like that again.

The door chimed and a group of women walked in, making Molly look away from me. I sensed that the moment was over and took my stuff to find a table. I needed a moment and breathed deeply as I sat down. I looked back to watch her laugh at something and knew that I wanted her. I had to take this slow though and get to know Molly. The redhead came out from the back and started to put some wrapped sandwiches in the other display case that customers could pull from and glanced around the room. Would she recognize me today?

It seemed like she was just seeing how crowded it was before she headed to the back again. This was obviously the best friend and I thought that it might be good to get to know her as well. I could learn more about Molly and gain her trust if I treated the people in her life well since I sensed that she had little faith in her own choices. I glanced at the table that the blonde was sitting at as she tapped at her phone. She was about thirty and had a frown on her face, and I didn’t find her that attractive. I was less selective when I was younger and quick to jump, hence what happened with Brittany. Now I took more time and chose carefully and the woman that I wanted was behind the counter.

“Take a lunch,” the redhead said as she brought Mollie a bowl on a plate. “I have the counter.” Molly thanked her and fixed a drink quickly before she looked around. She glanced my way and saw me looking at her as she blushed.

I silently urged her to come to me and she licked her lips as she walked in my direction. There were free tables near me and she took one that put her in a place where her side was near to me as she got settled. I looked at the redhead who had noticed where Molly sat before she looked at me curiously. Her head tilted as she seemed to consider the situation before her with a tender smile.

That was promising and I turned my head as I heard Molly speak. “Are you new to Mountain Home?”

“I have lived here a couple of weeks. I transferred with the air force recently.” I saw her look at me with big eyes for a moment.

“So, you’re not staying?” She pressed as I frowned. Was she wondering if I was going to have my fun and just leave town?

“I am twenty years in so I have the choice. I like it here,” I assured her as she nodded and leaned over to take a bite of the soup. “Are you from this town?”

She chewed and shook her head after a moment. “Idaho, yes. I moved here after college a couple of years ago with Noel to open this place. It’s her home town.”

College. She was in her mid-twenties, then.

“It’s a gorgeous town,” I said thoughtfully as she nodded again.

“Do you live on the base?” She asked as I smiled. She was prodding me for information.

“No, I rent a house on the edge of town. I have always thought that base housing was for families.” That told her that I didn’t have one, something that might be important to her. I had already pointed out that I was older and she shouldn’t be worried about my having any kids or ex-wives.

“Oh, you don’t have kids?” Molly asked as she looked at me. I shook my head. Something softened in her eyes and I took the moment to ask her something.

“I am a career guy. I always have been, but a place like this makes me want to slow down a bit,” I said as she smiled and nodded.

“It does.”

Her lunch was over all too soon and she was taking her dishes to the back after a shy smile in my direction. I hadn’t told her my name but that would come. This was a great start.

I left after she was back at work, helping the stragglers. I noted that they closed at one today and tomorrow before I walked out, smiling to myself. I’d gained some trust today. I’d seen her closer and decided she was breathtaking with full breasts and a great ass in addition to her other assets.

Chapter 6

Molly

 

I watched him leave after my lunch, thinking about him as Noel sat down for a quick lunch with Nate. We didn’t talk a lot, but I felt like I knew more things about him that encouraged the attraction between us. I felt like something was growing.

Noel came home with me, planning to nap before going to a party with Nate. She asked all about my conversation with the sexy, older man and I explained that it wasn’t extensive. I told her that we were just talking about the town. “He is into you, Mol. I see it in the way that he looks at you.”

“He’s so handsome. He could have anybody,” I protested as she turned right.

“He’s not a boy. He’s a man and they go for what they want. He won’t be like Lance was because he’s grown out of that.” Lance’s name was like ice water and I leaned back.

“He might be worse,” I added as she looked at me.

“Oh, Molly. Not everyone will be him.” She pulled into the driveway and looked at me. “Don’t turn someone good away because of Lance.” I didn’t know what to say to that. I still had a lot of fear inside over men and while today made it a little less frightening, I was still hesitant.

I went inside first and decided to take a nap. I knew that Noel was going to do the same for her date but I knew that I planned to stay home and relaxing. I had a lot to think about tonight.

She left early for the party and I had dinner with Keith and Marta, enjoying some chicken and potatoes before they left for a movie. I dropped on the couch and turned on the television to find a movie. It was quiet tonight and I stared at the screen blankly for a few minutes. What would it be like to go visit mystery man at his house? What would it be like to just talk to him and get to know who he was?

What would it be like to kiss him?

I blushed and closed my eyes for a moment before letting out a sigh. I was thinking too much about him and I didn’t even know his name. I knew nothing about him other than the fact that he was in the military, which Marta warned me to be careful of. I couldn’t risk getting involved with him for him to turn around and leave. My life was here and I wouldn’t be able to just up and move, not with the cafe to run. Life was so unfair sometimes. I’d waited a few years since Lance and his betrayal and here I was attracted to another man that I shouldn’t be thinking about. It was too scary and impossible.

I found a love story that I left on to watch. It was pretty steamy and I shifted on the couch as I watched, feeling embarrassed despite being alone. I hadn’t thought about a man physically since Lance and right now I wanted to throw myself at my older man and let him ravage me. I laughed and sipped my wine as I dropped my head to the cushions and slid my hand over my thigh. Lance used to like to watch me touch myself so he could get off and I blushed as I remembered the feeling of it, but there was nobody here. There was no man telling me what to do and it would be for me. I looked around and listened to make sure that I was alone before sliding my hand under my yoga pants. I found my hot center, touching myself over my underwear. It was sensitive there and a little wet on the cotton and I giggled as I pressed a bit harder. I pushed the memory of Lance’s orders out of my head and listened to the moans on the movie as I closed my eyes. I moved the material aside to touch my bare pussy, feeling the slick folds and swollen clit. I learned these words from Lance and still blushed as I thought about them, feeling dirty as I stroked my nub, the hot juices spreading around and giving me some speed. “Oh, God.” I dropped my head back and moved faster, arching my back as I imagined the man over me, kissing my lips and neck. It urged me to move harder, pressing down as I rocked against my hand. This never felt so good before and I felt the pressure deep inside as I gasped. This only happened once before and even then, it was when I was alone.

I came, hard and fast as I moaned. It was intense and fabulous, making me breathe deeply as I jerked with the waves of pleasure. I opened my eyes when it was over, feeling like I’d been flying as I slid my hand out of my pants and grabbed my wine, draining it in one sip. I laughed, feeling light and free as I looked back up at the television. I slowly made my way to the kitchen to wash my hands and get some more wine before I took a muffin from the bag on the fridge. Somehow, doing that cleared my head and I decided that I could know him, whatever his name was. If I got turned on seeing him, which I surely did, I could just touch myself. It worked with Lance when I was too scared to go past touching with him, at least until he broke my heart. I could get through this crush or whatever this was and move on. Noel didn’t sleep with every guy she dated and there were a lot of them. She seemed fine, most of the time.

I went upstairs around eleven, now bored and a bit tired. I made myself come again, loving the feel of it before rolling over and falling asleep.

When the alarm went off, I thought to myself that we should be closed one or two days a week so I could sleep in. As great as it was having my own business, I could admit that part was a bit of a drag. I didn’t have to go in with Noel to bake but it didn’t seem right to send her in the building alone. It was faster with the two of us and we both owned the business together. Once I was up and around, I realized that I felt pretty good as I showered and pulled my hair into a low ponytail. I did the basic makeup and jogged quietly down the stairs to find Noel in the living room waiting for me. “How was your party?” I asked as she tilted her head at me.

“You are far too perky for this early in the morning.” Noel spoke softly as she shook her head.

“I slept late last night,” I told her as she rolled her pretty eyes at me.

“The party was fun. His friends are so nice and I think I met one that would be perfect for you,” Noel told me as we walked into the garage. “Hear me out. He’s low key and so nice. He’d give you the room you need.” I looked at her in the dim light of the street lights. “I can’t stand seeing you just sitting at home when I’m out. This way, you could be with me and someone else in the same place. You wouldn’t be alone.” Lance never liked Noel and separated us using his control over me, slowly and thoroughly.

She had a point, but I needed to get my older man out of my system. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do that other than time, but I would. “Let me think about it.”

“That’s better than a no,” Noel said with a small smile as she pulled onto the main street. It was cold and basically empty now of day, apart from the police car in front of the cafe. Noel told him to come in today for a dozen pastries to take to the small station for the other guys since they all took turns doing this for us. He laughed and agreed before seeing us inside the building, leaving when we were locked safely behind the doors. We got right to it doing the usual routine with music playing loudly as we danced and sang to the new Paramore song. I loved the beat and she laughed at me as I shook my hips around before putting trays of muffins into the ovens. “You’re in a good mood. Are you sure something didn’t happen last night?”

“I stayed in and watched a movie. Nothing exciting. I think I just slept well.” I shrugged as I grabbed another tray to bake. “Coffee!! I forgot the coffee.”

“Says she who cannot survive without it,” Noel said dryly as I laughed and walked out to the counter. I made us each a fancy latte and brought it in with a smile as she mixed the raspberry scone mix. That cooked a little less so she could work on it as the last mix of the morning last as well as the large snicker doodles that she was baking this morning. “Yummy. What’s the special occasion?” She asked after she sipped the coffee. Her eyes were wide with the need to know what was up with me and I didn’t have much to tell her. Noel was my best friend, but I didn’t feel the need to tell her every detail about my life. I was shy when it came to talking about sex and it took me a few weeks to tell her all about Lance.

“I just wanted something different. We don’t have the fancy drinks enough.” I brought mine with me to go tidy up the dining room and start a fire before I turned down the music. Noel started loading up the display case and I went to unlock the doors at six, greeting Mike as he walked in carrying flowers. “Mike! You shouldn’t have,” I said as he winked at me.

"I’d love to take credit, but they were against the door, Molly.” He handed me the bouquet and I looked at it as I followed him to the counter. There were about two dozen flowers; a few different roses, lilies and even a few orchids. It was beautiful and clearly expensive, making me wonder if Nate dropped it off for Noel. There wasn’t a card. I set the flowers down and got Mike’s order ready as Noel came over to stare at them.

“Who are these from?” She asked, looking between Mike and me.

“He said they were at the door. No idea. Would Nate do that?” I asked as I gave him his cup of coffee and muffin.

“He was exhausted last night, so I can’t see him staying up just for this. Maybe, though. How sweet, right? They’re gorgeous. We need a vase.” Noel pushed the cart into the back for more pastries and possibly to look for something to put the flowers in. I thanked Mike for the tip as always and glanced at the door to see that I had some time before more customers came in. I got all the coffee brewing and set up the cream station with fresh supplies before going back behind the counter for a sip of my coffee.

Sundays brought a lot of the church goers in, both before and after the services. We even made muffins for the services most weekends. I liked that the day went by quickly even though today I was looking for dark hair and light blue eyes.

He didn’t come in today. I looked at the flowers, propped in a high metal mixing bowl behind the register, hoping that they might be from him. Maybe he was thinking about me as well, but dropping off flowers before the sun was up was insane. It had to be Nate.

Chapter 7

Robert

 

I had to work on Sunday so I made a point of getting some flowers at the local flower shop to leave at the cafe late Saturday night. I wanted to leave them at the door so Molly would find them when she opened the doors since I sensed she hadn’t been romanced a lot in her young life. Men that age didn’t know what they were doing and I certainly didn’t back them.

I didn’t have the balls to leave a note with them once I jogged past and dropped them at the step. I liked the idea of her wondering if they were from me.

I got ready for work, trying to picture Molly’s face when she saw the flowers. I went big with them because the combination just caught my eyes when I walked in. She deserved that.

We were going over some flight training all day Sunday for the students coming in the following week. There was still some of the remaining gossip from the affair floating around and I sensed it when I walked down the hallway, my skin prickling at the vibe in the air.

Fucking immature children. That’s who worked for me. Nobody should ever get involved with colleagues because this is what happened. Is that why I was pursuing a local cafe owner? Was she separate enough for me?

I paused when one of the women stepped out of a room in front of me, her laugh throaty as she glanced at me with hungry brown eyes. “Good morning, Major Johnson. How are you?” I heard the inflection of her voice when she said my last name and I saw the way that she looked down my body.

It was Olivia, one of the instructors and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Just fine.” I didn’t bother to use her name and she flinched a bit at my tone. “You do know that this is a base where we work right? This is a place where we work for our country, not a fucking frat house.” I lowered my voice as her eyes widened, her skin paling. “I am not going to participate in these games and since you are one of the biggest gossipers in this building, I expect you to stop talking about the last incident here. I expect that to stop right now.”

Olivia stepped back and nodded mutely. I was done with this stupid, fucking scandal and I just wanted to focus on work. She disappeared back into her office and I continued down the hall to the room where I was meeting the others to discuss our plans.

Randy watched me walk in with a smirk on his face. “I guess you told her. Most men would consider that and have, you know.”

“I don’t shit where I eat. Isn’t that the saying?” I asked as he laughed. “I’ve worked for the air force for twenty years and never touched a woman here. I have everywhere but work, but never on the job. Look what happens.”

“Agreed. That was a train wreck and they both fucked up their futures. I hear that his wife is divorcing him and moving back to California with their daughter.” Randy shook his head. Neither of us were married but we would respect it if we were.

The others joined us, including Olivia. She wouldn’t even look at me and we all spent the next few hours planning the lessons that she and Brian would be giving the class. I loved participating in these. I looked back fondly at my own flight training and loved it while I lived that life, but I preferred what I did now at this age. Sure, I’d hop in a plane and mess with the class here and there, but I didn’t want to do it for a living.

I just liked fucking with the cocky guys that thought they were going to be a gift to the air force.

I drove back home that evening and made a steak on the grill for dinner. The cafe was dark as expected, and I wondered what she thought of the flowers as I looked at the stars in the sky.

I thought about Olivia and the look in her eyes. I could have shoved her back in that office, bent her over and fucked her right without delay. She would allow it without a thought to her career. In a bar or a different setting, I might have taken her up on it.

I ate outside at the small patio table and sipped a cold beer. I thought about Molly and the look of fear in her eyes when she asked me if I’d be leaving this place. Did she have some abandonment issues with another man, or perhaps her family? What was it about her that made me want her so badly?

I’d been jerking off in the shower every day since meeting her. I pictured her underneath me, or on her knees sucking my cock as I did and it drove me mad. There were plenty of women that I could have if I just said the words, both in town and at work but I didn’t want them. I wanted Molly even if it might break her.

I turned in early that night, planning to grab some coffee at the cafe before I went in the following day. I wanted to see her face and try to read if she knew about the flowers.

I rose for a run early, planning to arrive shortly after they opened. It seemed like the girls worked every day, never having any time off. That was a lot and I wondered why they didn’t hire some more people to help them out. I took the forest path again, enjoying the peace of it as I breathed in the cool morning air. This was much better than jogging in the city streets where I’d lived in the past. Some would say there were more risks here with the animals, but I felt safer here. I wasn’t afraid of the animals.

I hot the street once the path ended and made my way into town. There were a few people out and about, opening businesses or getting coffee like me and I greeted them with a smile.

Slow, sleepy town.

I walked up to the glass doors, opening them to see a group of women at the counter chatting with the girls. They were obviously regulars and I watched for a moment just to see Molly smile. She got them their coffees and pastries before looking over to see me, her smile fading for a moment.

I raised my head and walked forward, flashing her a grin. “Good morning, Molly.”

“Good morning. Out for a run today?” Her eyes dragged over my long running shorts and jacket slowly, making my cock harden underneath. I saw the heat in her gaze.

“Yes, and now I need some coffee and one of those muffins,” I told her as the redhead paused with a cart of pastries coming from the back of the store. She looked me over and then gazed at her friend as I gave her a warm smile.

“Sure,” Molly said as she rang me up, taking my money and watching me drop a bill into the tip jar. “Thank you. You don’t have to do that every time.”

She moved to get me the coffee and gave me a long look as she slid it across the counter to me. “Was that you yesterday morning? The flowers? I know that Nate didn’t bring them to Noel.” That was the other girl’s name.

“Did you like them?” I leaned closer as Noel got a fresh muffin and slipped it onto a plate, handing it to Molly with her eyes on me.

“They were gorgeous. I took them home yesterday to put them in my room. They smell so good.” A hint of pink flushed her cheeks and she smiled, looking surprised for a moment. She looked around to see if there were any customers. “Why did you do that?”

“To see that smile. I’m Robert Johnson,” I told her, offering her my hand. She shyly reached out to shake it and the sparks flew between us as I felt the heat of her skin.

I wanted her so bad.

“Molly Randall,” she offered as she looked down at our joined hands. “This is Noel Martin.” I reluctantly let go of Molly’s hand and shook Noel’s as she stepped forward. She was giving me that look that suggested she’d kill me if I hurt her friend when she told me that it was nice to meet me.

“You have a great place here,” I told them as they both smiled proudly. I heard the door chime and looked behind me to see an older couple walking up to the counter.

“I’ll get it,” Noel offered as Molly blushed and looked into my face.

“I’d like to take you out,” I told her as she looked at me with big eyes. “Dinner, maybe a movie. Anything that you want.” I saw the fear pass through her eyes again and reached out for her hand.

“Why me?” Molly asked in a voice that made my blood boil. Who did this to her?

“You’re beautiful, Molly. I want to get to know you.” I looked into her eyes as Noel’s laughter reached us. “You’ll be safe with me. I just want to spend some time with you.”

“Okay,” she said in s trembling voice as I stared at her. She said yes?

“Can we have dinner tonight? I’ll have you home early since I know that you get here early.” I offered as she searched my face for a long moment.

“Yes, that would be nice.” I asked for her phone and she grabbed it from the back counter as a crowd came in. I sent myself a text and told her that I would pick her up at six if she sent me her address. I turned to take my plate and cup to a table, feeling some eyes on me as I sat down by the fire with a cocky grin on my face.

Molly was going out with me.

I sat as long as I could before I had to get to the base, waving goodbye to the girls before I left. I normally didn’t worry about friends all that much, but Noel was more like a sister to Molly. I knew that I should treat them both with respect. I jogged home and showered before changing into my uniform. I was meeting the newest bunch of students today and overseeing the classes since the asshole that was getting a divorce had the job before I arrived. My reputation was impeccable and I was tough, so nothing would slip by me. I drove to the base and parked before heading into the teaching building, greeting Randy as he stood just outside of the classroom. “Are you ready for this?” He asked as I nodded and laughed. It almost seemed like yesterday that I was here, full of confidence that would slowly get knocked down as the class moved forward. I got it all back and had a great career, but there were some tough times.

The students walked in, followed by Olivia and Brian as she stared at the floor. I’d gotten the best of her but if she was as stupid about things as she seemed, she’d be getting it from one of these kids. A woman teaching the class was always something of an uproar, but she knew her stuff after all her years in studying the planes. She just needed to keep it professional and I took a seat with Randy in the back of the room. I thought forward to the date, considering taking her to the local Asian place in town if she liked that kind of food. There weren’t the fine steakhouses here that I’d had in other cities to woo women, but I didn’t mind. I was starting to like it here more.

The class went smoothly for the first day. There were the guys that thought they were going to be ahead of everyone else, but I knew what would happen as time passed. I was there once and damn lucky to have worked through it, making a fine career out of the opportunity.

I left at four, ready to go home and get ready for my date. Molly had sent me her address and I stopped by the florist for a smaller bouquet for her. I selected lilies this time, tucking them under my arm as I walked to my car.

I took another shower and dressed in black slacks and a button up shirt in a dark shade of blue. I slipped my feet into some black boots that I wore for errands that I’d been wearing for years. Once I liked something, I stuck with it. I was a simple man in some ways but to others I was so complex.

I worried that I’d be too much for Molly as I followed the directions to her house. It was a nice ranch house that was up on a hill overlooking the town and countryside, so I took a long look as I got out of my used Pathfinder. It was beautiful and I returned my gaze to the house with the warm light inside. I walked up and knocked on the door with flowers in hand, smiling as a woman opened the door with a curious gaze. She was close to my age and beautiful with dark skin and eyes. “Mr. Johnson,” she greeted me as I frowned and shook my head with a chuckle.

“It’s Robert. I’m not at work,” I assured her as she laughed and opened the door.

“Come in. Molly will be right down.” Her eyes landed on the flowers as she smiled wider. “I can put those in some water. They’re beautiful. She deserves them.”

“I agree.” I walked inside and she took the flowers through what looked like the living room as she told me to have a seat. Molly must live with them and I glanced around to see pictures of Noel and the woman with a man on the mantel. This must be her family home. It felt warm in here and full of love, so I was glad that she had a place like this. I heard laughter and then footsteps to my left and glanced over to see someone coming down the stairs, making eye contact with Molly as she smiled.

She was wearing a green dress with black tights and flats and held a purse and jacket in her arms. “You’re stunning,” I said as I stood up and took her in eagerly, making her blush. Her hair was down around her shoulders and she’d added a hint of makeup to make her eyes pop. I knew that she didn’t realize how gorgeous she was and wanted her to as I watched her walk towards me.

“Thank you. You look good, too.” Her eyes raked over me as she stopped and settled on my face. We heard someone coming in and both turned to see the older woman carrying a vase of flowers.

“I’ll watch these until your home, Molly. Maybe Keith will get some ideas.” She smiled as she put the lilies on a table and Molly looked at me.

“You brought those?” I nodded. “Robert, this is Marta Martin. Noel’s mother.” I shook her hand and saw a pride in her eyes for Molly that made me realize this was different from anything with any other woman in my life. I never met family nor did I care to, but I liked this woman and this house. I liked Molly.

We made some small talk before leaving and I helped Molly into her thick black coat. She smelled like cherries and I inhaled deeply as she turned to meet my eyes. We walked to the car as the sun was setting on the horizon, and I paused as Molly looked at it. Her face was beautiful in the hues of orange and pink and I memorized her as she smiled and reached for my hand. “Thank you for everything, Robert. The flowers are beautiful and this is just…nice. I don’t go out too much.”

“It’s not a problem. I like seeing that smile,” I assured her as our eyes locked and fingers intertwined. Yes, there was heat between us. Once she seemed to be finished watching the sunset, I took her to my car and opened the door before making sure that she was securely inside and safe. I walked around the back and slipped into the front seat before looking at her. “I was thinking of Asian for dinner. Do you like that?”

“I love it,” she replied as her red lips spread into a smile. I started the car and headed down the hill into town, smelling her in my car as the attraction between us increased with each passing moment. I looked at her at the stoplight to see her gazing at me, blushing when she was caught. Molly looked forward and pressed her lips together, forming a pout as I pulled forward at the green light.

We parked in front of the restaurant and I shrugged into my leather jacket before walking around to her side. I opened her door and watched her slide out of the truck as she giggled and reached out for me for balance. “It’s a little high. I added the tires when I knew I was moving here.” I told her as our eyes locked and held. She licked her lips and I caught it as a blurry movement, too wrapped up in the intensity of her gaze. I was holding her by her waist and if I leaned in just a little, I could kiss her. I sucked in some air and stared into her eyes with a question as she pressed her hands to my shoulders.

Her eyes screamed yes as she looked at me, raw emotion all over her face. I leaned down slowly, still searching her face before I pressed my mouth gently to hers. I brushed them softly against her lips and she let out a soft moan as the urge to push her against the car hit me. I wanted her right here, right now and I pulled away to breathe for a moment. I looked at her and saw the look in her eyes that mirrored my thoughts though I knew that she wasn’t ready yet. “Let’s go in.”

“Yes,” Molly said as she glanced at the window of the car to check her face. Whatever she had on her lips was good because it looked perfect. It hadn’t smeared at all and I wondered darkly what it would take for a second before I took her hand and led her inside of the restaurant.

Chapter 8

Molly

 

My thighs were shaking as I walked in, still stunned by that kiss. It was gentle and light but it made my whole body react and I blinked as the hostess greeted us in the restaurant. She led us to a table in the corner as I glanced around the pretty room. I’d never been here before and I thought that I should spend more time in town. I was just working so much or sleeping. Robert waited for me to sit in the booth before sliding in across from me and asking for some tea.

I read over the menu as I kept playing the kiss through my mind and I looked at Robert across from me, reading his own menu. He was so gorgeous and he wanted me.

Me.

I was smart enough to know that Lance was young and that this man sitting across from me wasn’t him, even with the memories of my pain. “See anything that looks good?”

“I am thinking about the lemon chicken. It sounds delicious,” I replied as I looked at him. “You?”

“General’s chicken. I get it every time I’m in a place like this.” I didn’t know what that was so I read the menu to see. It was spicy and I smiled. How spicy did he like things in life? Was Robert wasting his time with a girl like me?

The waitress came over and focused on him, barely giving me a glance as I ordered. I frowned, thinking back to the woman at the cafe that day. What did I expect? He was handsome and so confident, so why wouldn’t every woman want him? Robert was cordial, but he didn’t flirt back with her and I watched with fascination.

As soon as we were alone, Robert poured us each some tea and leaned forward. “Tell me about yourself, Molly.”

I moved up in my seat and thought about what to say. “Well, I have lived here for almost a year now. Noel’s folks let us stay there and helped us open the cafe. It was something she’d wanted to do for so long and I suppose that she roped me into it. I graduated with a degree in Literature and thought life would be different. It’s good, though. I added the shelves and all the books to the cafe.”

“I like that touch. I am sure that most of your customers do,” he said as I smiled.

“I think so. It’s Noel’s place since she does the baking and the business side of things. Her dad is smart about all of that and he helps her. I just help where I can.” I shrugged as he frowned.

“You do a lot more than that. Noel could never run that place on her own and in fact, I think that you two could use a little help. Do you get any days off?” Robert asked as I shook my head. “You have to get up early to be there?”

“Around 3:30,” I admitted as he gave me a horrified look. “I help her bake everything fresh. I live on caffeine during the day and naps after work. Life on the edge.” I smirked to let him know that I was making a joke as Robert’s eyes softened. “What about your job?”

“I am a major in the air force. I have been with them for twenty years now,” he boasted proudly as I nodded. “I moved here to do a little cleaning up at the base and now I am overseeing the classes for the new guys.”

“You like it here, you said?” I asked as he nodded easily.

“It’s a nice place to settle once I retire in a few years. I can go fishing and hunting. All of that manly stuff.” I laughed because Robert was the picture of masculinity to me. He was gorgeous but took excellent care of his body and had a bit of an edge to him. This place suited him.

“How old are you?” I finally asked, needing to know. I’d tried to do the math, but it was too hard because he looked so good.

“I am forty-two. How old are you?” Robert asked as I looked down at the table. That was a lot of years between us.

“I just turned twenty-three.” I admitted, searching his face. “Is that too young?”

“No, not at all. I think that you’re something of an old soul, Molly. I remember being your age and you’re above all of that.” He smiled and I wondered what he was like back then. Was he like Lance when he was my age? Was he like that now? There were a million warning signs going off in my head but my heart was beating fast in my chest. My body was craving him and I pressed my thighs together.

“My mom always told me that, too. She said I was born older.” I grinned. “They’re in Malad City. I was born here, but I jumped around to go to college and then moved here.”

“Any siblings?” He asked and I shook my head.

“I’m it. They had trouble having kids and once I was born, they stopped worrying about it. We were happy when I was growing up.” I looked into his eyes. “You?”

“I have a brother that’s thirty-eight. James. He’s a cop in Philadelphia where they all still live.” He smiled fondly as he spoke of them and I knew that he loved his family. “The military thing is a family deal. All the men were in the Air Force and James started there but ended up joining the police force. I have a hell of a lot of respect for him.”

“I can see that you’re close,” I responded before the waitress came with our food. She set mine down quickly and leaned over to place Robert’s plate in front of him, smiling as he smirked at her. “Does that happen everywhere you go?”

“Sometimes, but it doesn’t matter. I’m with you.” His words played through my mind as I took a drink of my tea. I’d heard them before.

We ate and talked about the towns that surrounded us and places we liked there. I had only been to the movies a few times and the diner since Noel and I weren’t into drinking too much with our hours. We’d done a little hiking as well, but I admitted to Robert that Noel was a lot more social than I was.

“We can get to know the town together,” Robert told me as I blushed. “I’m surprised that you don’t date more. You’re beautiful.”

I leaned back and pressed my lips together. Behind this red lip stain and dress, I was still the scared girl that didn’t want to trust anybody. “I haven’t done a lot of that.” I looked at him and thought that he must have women throwing themselves at him since he was in school. He dated. I could tell that he did and probably all the time. “I…I have something that I should tell you.” Was it too soon for him to know that I was a virgin?

Robert leaned closer to me and met my gaze. “What’s that?”

“I haven’t dated a lot and I also have never…slept with a man,” I took a good look around before speaking to assure myself that we were alone. I looked at him and watched his skin pale as he leaned heavily on his arms. “I know that you have probably been with a lot of women and I didn’t want you to waste your time with me.”

He stared at me as a dark look crossed his face, filled with doubt for a moment. “How am I wasting my time with you?”

“You could take me home if you want to. I know that I am probably not what you expected.” I heard the horrible words and self-doubt pouring out of my mouth but I couldn’t stop it. I lowered my face to stare at my lap as I tried to regain my composure.

“Molly,” he said as I felt someone sitting beside me. I hated Lance and what he did to me as Robert circled my shoulders with his arm. “I don’t care about that.” I lifted my face to look at him doubtfully. “Someone did. Someone hurt you.”

We left the restaurant shortly and he took my hand as we walked towards the car. I didn’t want to talk in that room where anyone could hear my embarrassment. “Do you want me to take you home?” His voice was low as I looked at him.

I didn’t, but I was too nervous to say that. “Not really.” He paused and moved closer to me, locking his eyes to mine.

“I didn’t bring you here to sleep with you, but I am attracted to you. Molly, I am so drawn to you but it isn’t all about sex.” He frowned and cupped my face with his hands as he looked at me.

“Is that a first for you?” I asked as he looked past me and licked his lips.

“God, I don’t know how to answer you. Yes, it is but I feel like you’re different,” Robert pressed his forehead to mine as I let out the breath that I was holding. I lifted my face to touch his mouth with mine, softly. I had not kissed anyone since Lance, and this was more than that had ever been. I felt foolish for wanting him at all now and I wrapped my arms around Robert’s waist, feeling his muscles tense. Robert tilted his head and kissed me harder as one hand slid into my hair to hold on.

God, I wanted this man. I opened my lips at the feeling of his tongue tracing the lower one and was rewarded with the feeling of him inside of my mouth. I felt him move me and then my back pressed against something as I just held on. He pressed against me gently and I felt my thighs heat up before they turned to jell along with my legs. I moaned as he kept kissing me, sucking all my willpower away as I held tightly to him.

Robert finally pulled away and I looked into his eyes to see how much darker they were. “I know that this is a small town and we don’t have a lot of options, Molly. Do you want me to take you home or is there another place that you want to go?”

Flames licked at my thighs as I ran a hand up his back, aroused by the muscles. “Can we go to your house?”

He looked pained as he stared at me and a shudder ran through him. “Are you sure?” I nodded and he sucked in a ragged breath.

“If you’re comfortable with that. Everything closes early around here and I don’t want to sit in a movie theater with you. I want to talk to you, get to know you. I want to kiss you like that a lot more.” I almost told him that I wanted him to touch me but I held it in.

“Okay but I’ll get you home early so you can get some sleep tonight,” he told in a husky tone as he stepped away and looked up at the clear sky. Robert took a few breaths and eased me away from his car to unlock the door. I slipped inside and leaned back as he closed the door, feeling the adrenaline rush through my bones.

Chapter 9

Robert

 

I drove her to my house and parked in the garage. I had a private lot and I looked over to see her looking around. I got out and went to open her door to the sound of the crickets and frogs, leading her to my door. “I like this house,” Molly told me as I glanced at her with a smile. “I think I can see why you don’t want to live on the base. It’s so private here.”

“I like that,” I told her as we approached the door that led into the house and I unlocked it. My house was always clean, having grown up with a family that had a slight case of OCD. My house was always tidy as a kid and the military had nailed that shut for me, so I wasn’t worried about how it would look inside.

Molly walked inside as I turned on the light in the kitchen, taking in the spotless counters. “Can I get you anything to drink?” I asked her as I watched her slide her jacket off, revealing her curves. Jesus, I wanted to touch her.

“Do you have hot chocolate? Mom used to make that for me on cold nights as a kid.” I nodded and moved over to the stove to heat up some milk as she placed her jacket over the end of a chair.

“I love hot chocolate at night too. Coffee is great to wake up but when it’s dark and cold, I like something sweeter.” I smiled as I confessed this, feeling like a kid or something. I stirred the milk as I reached for the box in the cupboard and set it beside me. Once it was at a slow boil, I turned it down and added three packets to the pot.

“Where are the mugs?” Molly asked as she walked behind me and I pointed across the small kitchen to another cupboard. She opened the heavy door and pulled out two mugs, reading them both. One was an Air Force mug that I received at some point in time and the other was a chipped green one that I’d brought from my parents that talked about living your dreams. It was my grandma’s and I held on to it these years after she died. She set them near me and leaned against the counter, staring at me as I mixed everything together. I used a large ladle to fill the cups and invited her to the living room to sit on the couch. We sat on the big couch in the living room as I turned on a light and smiled at her.

“The place came furnished with all of this. I try to make moving easy unless I think I’ll be staying somewhere for a while.” I indicated the worn furniture with my hand.

“It’s cozy in here, though. They did a great job with the cabin on the edge of the woods,” Molly told me as I handed her the bag of small marshmallows. She added a few to her cup and stirred it as I watched her. “Do you have a dream house in mind at all?”

“I have lived a lot of places all over the world, Molly. I have seen a lot of things that all suited me well at the time. Now though, I like this. I like the quiet and the peace that I am offered here.” I shrugged. “Maybe I’ll buy something like this when the time comes. Don’t most men think about all of that outdoors stuff when they stop working?”

“I don’t think Keith will ever retire and my dad runs a business from home. I only know some of the customers that come in and kill time. They seem happy with that. What do you like to do away from work?” Molly asked as I sat in silence. I didn’t want to tell her that I relaxed with women. I lost myself in them in ways she might not ever be able to handle.

“I hang out with some friends from work here and there. You saw me at the movie that night and we went for a drink afterward.” I looked at her as she smiled and nodded.

“I don’t drink too much. Noel, too,” I sensed a tone in her voice that much more than just disinterest in the subject. It was dislike.

“Why not?” I pressed as she took a long sip of her drink.

“I had some bad experiences with it in college.” Molly’s answer was vague and her tone casual, but her eyes showed all the emotion that she was trying to hide. I set my drink down and slid my hand over her shoulders, stroking her neck as she stared at me. “I haven’t wanted to be touched in so long.”

“You have been, then?” I queried as she blushed.

“A little bit, but mostly by myself.” The idea of her stroking her pussy made me instantly hard as I slid my hand into her hair.

“Do you do that a lot?” I asked, my voice slow and controlled.

“More now,” Her eyes were locked on mine as she answered and I cupped her head before I put my cup on the table. I leaned in to kiss her, unable to resist any longer. She felt so fucking good as her warm lips parted in response to my tongue, allowing me into her warmth. I tilted my head, tasting the sweetness of the chocolate and the marshmallows as I slid my tongue against hers. Molly moaned and I gripped her hair as my free hand slid over her hips. Molly’s innocence was so damn sexy even as I reminded myself that there was some darkness there as well. I couldn’t push her too far but the way she kissed be back without inhibition made me hold tighter onto her body.

We kissed for what could have been hours. Our teeth crashed together and tongues danced as I kept my hands in place, despite wanting to feel her full breasts in my hand; her hard nipple. I wanted to slide my hand under her skirt and tear through the tights to touch her.

What would she sound like when she came?

I grunted against her as my hand slid slowly up her body. I brushed her curves, sliding my fingers underneath the curve of her breast as Molly jumped. She pulled away from me, looking at me with wide eyes. “Are you okay?” I asked her in a breathless tone, searching her face.

“Surprised. Like I said, it’s been a while.” She took a few slow breaths, inhaling deeply as she closed her eyes.

I scooted closer to her, needing to feel the heat of her body. “It doesn’t have to go any further than you want it to. I didn’t bring you here to fuck you, Molly. You just taste so damn good.”

She looked at me with dark eyes and found my lips with hers again. I felt her slipping and eased her back against the cushion of the couch, securing her in my arms as she moaned.

I knew how to kiss a woman but there was something about Molly that was different. I loved the way her tongue moved with mine as I pressed against her gently, feeling her heart pounding in her chest and her nipples pressing through her bra.

I pictured her naked with my hand tugging on them, making her cry out with pain and pleasure. I pictured her bound to my bed as I kissed her hungrily, I kissed her with everything that I had until I was moving between her legs and spreading her legs apart.

Molly whimpered as she pressed her hands against my chest as if she wanted to push me away. Her lips were still crushed against mine and her tongue wrapped around mine as I moved closer. “Robert,” she murmured pulling away and looking at me.

“Too much?” I asked as she nodded quickly. I placed a soft kiss against her lips and moved beside her, keeping her close to me. Molly snuggled against me, curling her legs under her body as she regained her composure. “Did I scare you?” I asked her as she opened her mouth and closed it. “Did someone hurt you, Molly? Did someone try to force you?”

“No, nothing like that. I was with this guy in college and he was aggressive. He never forced me but he pushed and pushed me and I thought that I was in love with him. I tried to make him happy as best I could and keep my virtue but he just got cruel as time went on. I knew him a year and we were together for about six months before I found him in bed with two women at a party. It broke my heart even though I knew that he wasn’t good for me. I was trying until then, nearly convinced that I should sleep with him.” I stroked her hair as she shook her head. “I sound like such a weak, stupid girl and maybe I was. I don’t know.”

She was just a victim to an asshole. I was that guy when I was younger and slept with a few women that didn’t really want it. I pushed Brittany out of my mind and kissed her hair. “You’re not stupid. He took advantage of you, Molly. He pushed you and you didn’t give in. You were strong, not weak.”

“But I did things that he asked of me. I didn’t always say no.” She wrapped her arm around me and I felt anger fill me.

“You wanted it to be special, Molly. You’ll have that still when you make the decision.” I accepted that it might not be with me since I didn’t completely understand how all of this affected her. “Sex can be beautiful. It can be intimate and comfortable when it’s with the right person.”

“Can I kiss you again?” She asked as she moved to look at me. “I like that.”

“Of course,” I told her, feeling the need deep inside of my body. I was so wrong for her.

I took her home a couple of hours later after a lot of long, deep kisses. We didn’t move any further than a few touches but I could see the confusion on her face when I parked in the driveway. I looked at her and turned her face towards mine after a look at the house, seeing it dark. “Do you feel okay?” I asked her softly as she smiled softly.

“I like kissing you a lot. I didn’t feel like you pushed for anything, but I am all mixed up inside. I’ve never felt this way about a man, not even…him. I see that now.” She reached over to touch my leg, making my cock jerk. “Do you want to see me again or did I mess tonight up?”

I chuckled and brushed my lips against hers. “Yes, I do. Can I take you to the movies in a couple of nights?”

She agreed and we slowly said our goodbyes before I walked her to the door. I walked back to my car painfully aware that I should walk away from this. I wasn’t good for her but fuck if I wasn’t attracted to her.

Flashbacks of my past flooded my mind as I started the engine and pulled down the hill to return home. I walked in and stood in the living room, still smelling her perfume as well as her desire.

Fuck.

Chapter 10

Molly

 

I got up slowly the following morning, tracing a dying rose with my finger as I blinked sleepily. I didn’t get home too terribly late but was so used to staying home at night. Nothing I’d done for years had been as exciting, or as confusing as last night. I knew how badly Robert wanted me but he didn’t press me. I could feel the tension in his body as we kissed and the way his erection was pressed against my thigh, intimidating and large. God, how would that ever feel inside of me?

I blushed as I took a quick shower and dressed for work. I told him about Lance. That was embarrassing the more time passed and I looked back. I knew that it still hurt me at times but that didn’t make it all right to just talk about it on a first date.

I pulled my hair into a messy bun and glossed my lips with a deep pink color before heading downstairs. Noel was waiting for me with curiosity burning in her eyes as I groaned softly. “So, how was it?”

“Your mom told you, I see.” Noel wasn’t home and I hadn’t told her about the date after work.

“Yes, when I got home. How was it?” She demanded as we walked through the garage to the car.

“It was…intense. It was fun. He’s so charming, Noel but he’s forty-two!! That’s so much older.” I looked at her as she got into the driver’s seat.

“You know, it really isn’t. You’ve always been mature for your age, much more so than anyone that we knew in college,” she assured me as she started the car and raised the garage.

“Was I mature when I was catering to Lance’s demands?” I asked before dropping my head back against the seat.

“You fell for the wrong man, Molly. It happens to the best of us and I am so glad that you didn’t sleep with him. You knew it was wrong. It won’t always feel that way.” She drove into town and turned to head to the cafe as I let out a sigh.

“I told him about Lance. The gist, anyway.” I looked at her as she parked next to the police car. “Things got heated and I kind of freaked out. It just spilled out.”

Noel smiled at me and turned the car off. “Did he run screaming from you and bring you right home?” I shook my head. “He gets a point, then.” We got out and greeted the officer as he watched us go inside and lock the door behind us. I yawned and went to make coffee first thing while Noel went back into the kitchen to get things started in there. I got two steaming cups and brought them inside of the kitchen as I helped her mix some batters, pouring them into the baking pans carefully. Everything had to look good and I turned on all the ovens before sipping my drink. “It’s tough having a life with this schedule, isn’t it?”

“Worth it. I think that as time goes on, we can get some more people on here and maybe get a break. I don’t want to just work and have nothing else, and neither should you.” She smiled at me as I slid a pan into the oven.

“You’re right. I have been hiding out for too long.” We baked and talked about Robert as she swooned, telling me that she was going to trade Nate for him.

“Older men are so sexy. They know just what they’re doing and they do it so well. Right?” She asked as I raised an eyebrow.

“When did you go out with an older guy? And all I did was kiss him, but he was so good at that.” I thought back to it as I smiled dreamily and Noel squealed.

“I did in college but I never told you. I met him at a bar and we hooked up a few times. It was amazing but just a fling.” Noel shook her head sadly. “Now I can live vicariously through you.”

“We will see if he takes me out again. He might have come to his senses,” I joked as she shook her head at me.

I walked out to brew all the coffee and start the fire as I looked around. I did love this place and was proud of it and I checked around the dining room as I sang along to the song on the radio. Despite being tired I felt happy, even hopeful. Maybe this would work out well and we could become something.

My core ached as I thought about him and I hoped that I’d get to see him again. I finished and walked over to the front door to unlock it, grinning as Mike walked in. “Morning.”

“Good morning, beautiful,” he greeted me with a wink as I shook my head. I turned the sign on and walked with him to get his order as Noel brought out the second tray of baked goods and said hello. She gave him a fresh muffin and I got his coffee as he tipped us and walked away. I watched Mike, guessing that he was around sixty or seventy. He was retired I was guessing since he was here every day and told us that he used to work for the mechanic in town. He seemed happy here.

Could Robert be? I knew that he wasn’t retiring tomorrow but he could make a life here unless he decided to transfer. I knew how the military worked that way and he could move almost anywhere if he wanted to.

I pushed the thought away as the door opened and more people came in, forcing a bright smile on my face as I helped them. At the end of the day, this cafe was my constant in life. I shouldn’t think about anything more.

The morning still seemed to drag even with the steady flow of regulars coming in and I let Noel sit down for her break first to eat since Nate came in to see her. I watched them, thinking how cute they were together.

I grabbed some soup for my own break and took it to the same table that I sat at when Robert was here. I still felt the electricity in the air from that day and my phone chimed when I was mid-bite. I checked it to see a message from Robert asking if I was free tonight. My heart soared. He wanted to see me again. I replied that I was and he said that he would pick me up at six again if that was enough time after work for me.

I agreed and returned to my lunch with a smile on my face. Noel noticed and asked if lover boy contacted me for another romantic date as I blushed deeply. “Yes.”

“For tonight? He’s into you,” she smiled at me with bright eyes as I shrugged and took my place at the counter.

“Maybe,” I agreed as the lunch crowd started to leave and we cleaned up. I wiped down the tables and cleaned the glass as I hummed the song that was playing over the speakers. I was tired but the adrenaline running through me, along with the coffee, seemed to balance that out. I knew that I should sleep a little bit when I got home but I wanted time to get ready for Robert.

We walked in to smell a roast cooking slowly in the oven as my stomach growled. “How was it last night?” Marta called out as Noel and I glanced at each other curiously.

“Who do you mean?” Noel called back with a wink as her mother poked her head out of the kitchen.

“Both of you, sillies.” She laughed as we went into talk to her. Noel told her about the dinner she’d had with Nate and his roommates before she looked at me like the cat that swallowed the canary. “And your night?” Marta asked, trying to contain the laughter at the look on Noel’s face.

“It was nice. We went to that Asian place in town and had a nice dinner,” I replied as I felt them both staring at me. “He’s a good man.”

“I’m sure that he is. One thing I will say is that Robert is a gorgeous man!” Marta told me as I smiled at her. “He seemed pretty smitten with you.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I told her as Noel smirked at me.

“He asked her out tonight as well. Does that sound like something a confident, older man would do if he was smitten?” Noel challenged me as I rolled my eyes.

“Why, yes it does. Where are you going?” Marta asked as she leaned on the counter.

“He mentioned the movies last night, but I’m not sure.” I shrugged, feeling like a child. I had no idea what I was doing and last night still had me reeling.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for this, but I made a huge roast for dinner. He’s invited to stay and eat before the movies,” Marta offered as Noel clapped her hands.

“Oh, my goodness.” I imagined sitting at the table with the two of them watching us and Keith interrogating Robert. He looked at me as a daughter now and he’d protect me as fiercely as he would Noel. “No. We can’t do that.”

I got ready, dressing in some gray slacks that were perfect for dinner or the movies, paired with a lavender shirt that buttoned up over my curves. There was no time for a nap since the idea of him eating dinner here got me all worked up, so I freshened up my makeup and hoped for the best. I was just slipping my feet into some black flats when I heard the doorbell and groaned. There was no way that I would make it to the door before anyone else, so why bother trying?

Chapter 11

Robert

 

I smiled as the door to the house swung open, seeing Marta and Noel looking out at me. “Good evening,” I greeted them, wondering where Molly was.

“Hi, Robert,” Marta said brightly as she glanced at her daughter. “I made a huge roast for dinner tonight with some vegetables and I was wondering if you’d like to join us, assuming you didn’t have plans for it with Molly.”

This was a surprise and I fought the urge to laugh for a moment. The way the women were looking at me told me that they wanted to know more about me and technically, we didn’t have dinner plans. I was going to wing it tonight and I smelled the scent of the roast drifting outside. “I would like that very much. It smells amazing. I’ll have to check with Molly, of course.”

“You want to stay?” I heard her voice and the shock in it as she stared at me from behind Noel’s head.

“I don’t get a good, home cooked meal too often. It’s entirely up to you, though,” I offered generously as she licked her deep pink lips. Marta and Noel moved so I could walk in and Molly took my breath away as usual. She was dressed simply in pants and a soft shirt that clung to her curves, making me take a longer look as she blushed. Molly looked embarrassed and I imagined that she would be with the obviously excited women looking at us.

“No, that’s fine. We’ll stay.” She said after a moment and smiled. “Can I help with anything, Marta?”

I went into the living room with them and met Keith, Noel’s father. He was a pale man that was a few years older than I was, and we shook hands as Marta introduced us. He took me in carefully and I recognized the look as that of a worried father. He must consider Molly like a daughter, something that I appreciated. “Would you like something to drink?” Molly asked from behind me as I glanced at her. “We have everything.”

“Get us some beers. Molly,” Keith said easily as I nodded and looked at him. “Thank you.”

The women went into the kitchen and he invited me to sit down in the spacious room where a hockey game played. “What are your intentions with Molly? You’re considerably older than she is.”

I noted that his wife was a few years younger than he was, but nothing near the difference that I shared with Molly. “I met her at the cafe and she caught my eyes. It’s just the second time that I’ve been out with her, or in as it were but I have no plans on hurting her.” I looked at him, guessing that the look in his eyes meant for a moment. “I can sense that she’s been hurt and I would never want to make anything worse. She’s a sweet, beautiful woman.”

“She’s like a daughter to me and you’re right. She has been though I don’t know the details.” He glanced up as Noel walked back into the room with the bottles, looking curiously at me as she smiled.

“Here you go. Dinner will be ready in a jiffy.” She looked at her dad. “Don’t be too hard on him, Dad.”

Keith chuckled as she walked back into the kitchen and shook her head. “That one drives me crazy,” he said affectionately with a smile. “She brought Molly home for holidays a few times and it was obvious how close they were. When she mentioned bringing her home with her to open the cafe, we agreed immediately. There was just something about Molly that made me want to protect her.” I’d never tell him that I knew the details, nor how bad I wanted her. We were both men and I suspected that he understood that.

Marta called us to the table and I sat down beside Molly with Noel across from us and her parents on either side. Keith had already started to ask me about the military and I told him some stories of places I’d been and some of the action that I’d seen. He seemed to enjoy them and I understood that once I heard that he was the owner of a construction company. He’d lived here his entire life so the idea of travel and different surroundings must be exciting, even though I knew that he was happy here. The way he looked at his wife told me that as well as the gentle smiles that he gave Noel and Molly.

For the first time in my life, I felt a craving for that security in my life and I stared at Molly. She smiled at me as she took a bite of potato and blushed as I reached for the bottle of beer. I got to know the family, liking their kindness and the way they fit so well into this town. I went with Keith to watch the game while they cleaned up, full and happy as I settled on the couch. The girls were laughing in the kitchen over the sound of running water and I looked around. “How long have you been married?” I asked him as he smiled.

“Thirty years. I met her when I was just out of college and she was starting, so we got married when she was done.” I guessed him to be around fifty-two or so, though they were both healthy like I was. “We moved here and then Noel was here and everything seemed perfect. I started the business with Marta’s help and she started doing the bookkeeping for some locals. We’re not rich but I don’t think you have to be to be fulfilled.”

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.

“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.

“She’s an instructor at the base. I am overseeing the classes,” I explained as I moved closer to her.

“She wants you, doesn’t she?” Molly asked as I let out a slow breath.

“It doesn’t matter. I want you…I want to be with you,” I assured her as I stared into her eyes, moving in slowly for a kiss. She melted against me, returning it as I got caught up in Molly’s mouth all over again.

Chapter 12

Molly

 

I thought that I could stand there forever with him in that small parking lot. Every time he kissed me, my knees turned into jello. Lance didn’t even come close to this and I berated myself for getting involved with him at all.

I felt Robert push me against the car as his tongue slipped inside of my mouth eagerly, claiming me as his. What would it feel like to lay bare before him, feeling his tongue on my body? I shivered as I pulled him closer, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. We made out for a while before he pulled away, breathing raggedly. “Let’s get to the house,” he suggested as I nodded and pressed against him. “You make me crazy, Molly.”

“I feel the same way,” I admitted as I held onto him for a moment. I finally pulled away and he secured me in the car before going to his side. I thought about what he did to me for a moment, focusing on the way my stomach knotted up. I thought about the way my nipples were aching and how damp my thighs were. I knew that I wanted to sleep with Robert but I feared the attraction for a fleeting second. What if it was a mistake to take things that far?

I looked over as he got into the car and started the engine. "You look beautiful with kiss swollen lips, Molly.” I blushed. Robert pulled out onto the street and headed back to Mountain Home as I watched him drive. The way he held the steering wheel was sexy as sin, so confidently. He had no doubt about the safety of this trip; of me. He probably had little doubt about anything at all. He glanced at me and smiled for a second before looking at the curvy road ahead. “What are you thinking about?”

“I like watching you drive,” I told him as he frowned. “It’s so controlling and hot. Are you controlling, Robert?” Something told me that he was but I wasn’t scared.

“Not in a bad way, Molly. I do like to have the control in a situation though. I think it comes from the military,” he admitted as I turned to face him a bit. “How about you?”

“I don’t think I even know. I haven’t been offered it before and when I tried, it led to an argument.” I shuddered as I thought back to Lance, whom I now knew was faking his confidence.

“By him?” He asked coldly as I looked at him and nodded. “He scared you, didn’t he?”

“A little bit, yes.” I replied, reaching for his hand for comfort. “I didn’t want to be near anybody again until I met you.”

“I’ll never scare you. I’ll never intimidate you, or force you. We’ll never argue because you don’t want something.” He lifted my hand to kiss it gently as he kept driving. “I won’t lie, though. I do want you.”

“I know. I want you too, but…”

“No rush. We’ll take this slow.” Robert turned down the road to get to his house, pulling into the garage and turning off the engine. He took a deep breath and looked over at me, closing the garage as I leaned into him. His lips were warm, soft and full. I opened my mouth for him, craving his tongue against mine as he tugged me against him. We moaned together as the kiss grew heated and the interior of the car grew thick with desire.

Robert ended it, getting out and opening my door to kiss him again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back as he turned me towards the door and started to walk slowly into the house.

We kissed in between steps, clinging to one another. He opened the door and lifted me by my hips, making me wrap my legs around him. He was hard and thick against me and I buried my face into his neck as I sighed heavily. Robert pressed me down on the couch, pushing between my legs as he claimed my lips in a brutal kiss. I knew that he liked control but it excited me, not scared me.

I arched my back against him, wanting him to press in the right spot. He moved against me and I moaned as he brushed the bundle of nerves between my legs. “I can feel your heat,” Robert whispered before he kissed down my neck, then back up to my jaw like I’d done earlier. His hands moved up my sides, stroking just under my breasts as he drew my skin between his teeth gently. It was torture and bliss all at once as I dropped my head back, closing my eyes tightly. He slipped his hand up to cup me gently, making me want to jump out of my skin. My bra was thin lace and I felt the heat of him against me as he squeezed before kissing me again. “Robert,” I moaned against his lips as he kissed me again. He stroked me with his thumb, feeling my nipple through the material as I heard him growl softly.

“Can I take this off?” He asked as he tugged gently on my shirt. I nodded and he pulled back to unbutton it slowly, staring at me the entire time. He spread the material apart and looked at the pale pink lace of my bra, sheer enough to see my straining nipples in the light from the lamp. “You’re so beautiful.” Robert looked at me before leaning down to take one nipple into his mouth, through the lace as I slipped my hands into his short hair.

The pressure between my legs was stronger now as I closed my eyes and gasped. His leg was there now, supporting his body above me but his muscular thigh pressed into me as his lips sucked harder. “Robert,” I cried out as I realized that he was going to make me come like this. “Oh, God.”

His hand unclasped the bra from the front before he released me, kissing between my breast as he breathed hotly on me. “Are you close, Molly?” Robert asked as I sensed that he was teasing me. His hands stroked over my nipples just enough to keep my arousal strong as I bit my hip.

“Yes. Please.” I watched as he moved up to take my nipple back into his mouth, gently this time. It was so sexy to watch and I moved my body against his leg as he looked at me. He moved slowly; sensually. I knew that the need to release was still there, but I was mesmerized by what he was doing to me, feeling the need to stare.

It went on what seemed like forever, with Robert bringing me so close and then slowing down. I was practically weeping with need before he pressed his thigh firmly into me and sucked softly before dragging his teeth over my skin. I came apart fast, crying out his name as I clutched at any part of his body that I could. Robert slipped his hand between my legs and pressed against my clit, keeping the waves coming as I panted. “I have never seen anything so beautiful before,” he murmured as he moved up my body to kiss my lips.

Robert rested against me as I recovered, kissing me softly on my lips and neck. “You barely touched me. How did I…how did you?” I dropped back and closed my eyes as he pressed his lips to my skin again.

“You are sensitive. You can come just from my mouth on you,” he explained as I felt his hand stroking my breast. “All you need is my mouth, tongue or teeth and a little pressure, Molly.”

“Were you making it stop?” I asked breathlessly as he chuckled.

“I told you that I liked control. By doing that to you, it made your orgasm twice as hard.”

Was that how it worked? Jesus.

Robert eased onto his back on the wide couch and settled me against him. “What do you like?” I asked him as I propped my head on my hand to stare at him.

“I like it a little rough, Molly. I like it to be careless and messy sometimes more than I like it slow, but with you I think I’ll like it any way I can have it. We can build up to everything else.”

I thought about the fact that I’d come and Robert hadn’t. I was well-versed in doing things other than actual sex and I moved to the left, leaving his cock free. He jumped as I stroked him over his clothes, staring at me. “I want you to come, too.”

His eyes darkened as I stroked a few times before grasping him through the pants. “Fuck, Molly. Feels so good.” He closed his eyes and dropped his head back as I kept moving my hand, testing his reactions. Robert was expressive with his face and once I got an idea, I gripped him tightly and stroked up and down. I moved my hand and slid it down his pants, finding him bare under the material as he cursed. Robert was so thick and hard and I squeezed as I moved my hand over him. It wasn’t long before he was rocking into my hand, jerking with moans and grunts before he came into my hand and his pants. Warmth spilled over me as I watched him jerk under me before taking a breath. “Damn it. You’re so good at that.” Robert pulled me closer to him for a moment as he breathed in. “I’ll get something to wash you off.”

He went to the bathroom and came back with a washcloth. When he took the hand that I’d used on him, I was surprised that it was warm and damp. He cleaned me gently and tossed the cloth to the floor before sinking to the couch again. I noted that he’d changed into some jeans and moved over his lap as we kissed hungrily.