Cole

I take another long sip of my beer as I watch Molly out on the dance floor with Logan. She pulls her long hair back in one hand, fanning her face with the other while giggling at something he’s said. Her body never stops moving to the music and with each swag of her hips, my cock begs for attention. Since the minute she walked in tonight in the tiny, strapless, royal blue dress – I haven’t been able to take my eyes off her. Not even Jade, my kind and ever so patient date for the wedding this evening, can hold my attention. Which is really saying something, considering the two of us relieved some pent-up tension when I stopped by her house to pick her up.

“Here, you look like you need another.” As if on cue, Jade nudges me as she takes her seat beside me at the table, handing me a fresh beer. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t just ask her to be your date,”

“Last one,” I tell her before popping the top. I’ll be the one driving everyone else home tonight. “And, she’s off limits. I’ve told you that before.”

I met Jade not long after Zoey and Smitty worked out their shit and became exclusive. One of my last trips to a BDSM club. We left together that night and have been doing this little arrangement ever since. I’ve seen her through a handful of bad breakups, and she’s known about Molly for a while now too, which means she also knows exactly why I can’t cross that line with Molly.

Jade sighs. “Yeah, you have. And yet, here you are, watching her every move.”

I tear my gaze away from Molly and purposely turn myself, so Jade has my full attention. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I should be paying attention to you.”

“Oh, do not turn on the charm now,” she throws her head back and laughs.

“Charm? The same charm I used to wiggle you out of those barely-there panties earlier?” I wink.

“I should probably take offense to the fact that every time she makes you hard, you come to me.”

“Hey now, it’s not every time. And I do believe, you’ve done the same to me.” I know she has and it doesn’t bother me one bit. Probably because in the end, we’re both using each other.

“Oh, I certainly have. That’s why this all works so well.” Jade takes a sip of her mixed drink and continues, “Having someone you can trust, that can fulfill your needs without all that commitment? It’s pretty perfect.”

Lonely, need to get laid? Call on each other. Need a date for an event? Call on each other. Want someone to go to a movie or just the comfort of a warm body? You get the picture. There’s never been anything more than that, aside from a friendship. Jade’s right. It works out perfectly. All the fun without all the other work that goes into a relationship.

“Oooh, don’t look now, but she’s headed our way with her dance partner.”

I don’t even have a chance to look over my shoulder, I know the minute Molly sits down in her seat on the opposite side of me.

“I’m going to go get a water,” I stand abruptly, trying to avoid her for a little longer. “Can I get anyone anything?”

“I’ll go with you, I think I’m going to grab a beer,” Logan chimes in. “Molly, can I get you anything?”

“I’m good. Thanks, Logan.” Her sweet voice makes me wish it was my name on her lips.

Jade looks at me and snickers from behind her glass. “I’m good, too.”

At the bar, I look over at Logan while we wait for our drinks. “She’s off limits,” I warn with a growl.

“Relax. It was one dance. I’m not interested.” Logan doesn’t even flinch, I’ll give him that.

“Does she know that? Because she seemed to be really enjoying herself out there.”

“Listen, you did me a solid. I appreciate you hooking me up with Smitty and essentially helping me get a job on the police force down here. I’m also well aware of the unspoken bro-code rule. A word of advice though? I’m pretty sure, Molly would appreciate it if you stopped marking her like a dog whenever another guy so much as looks at her. Your date for the evening probably feels the same.”

Ah, and now I see exactly why this kid drives Smitty crazy sometimes. “Pretty ballsy remarks, Marine.”

“I’m nothing if not observant, Sir. As a fellow Marine, I respect you, you know that. But, I’m not one to beat around the bush.” He grabs his beer and tips the bartender, “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to enjoy my beer and have a good time. You should try to do the same, instead of brooding over Molly.”

~*~

Molly

I don’t know why I’m surprised that I’m ending the night at the table alone. Cody ran off with his date about an hour ago, and Cole disappeared a few minutes ago with Jade. I’m pretty sure those two are in the bathroom fucking if I had to guess. And while he agreed to be my ride home tonight, I’m not sure I want to be stuck in the car with the two of them after their fuck fest.

“You’re still hanging around?” Logan’s voice startles me.

I barely know the guy, but he seems pretty cool. Our paths have crossed a few times when all the guys have gotten together, and Kelsey or Zoey invite me as well. And he happened to be my saving grace tonight. Without his kindness, Rhys and Kelsey’s wedding could have been awkward and a little boring.

“Yep. You know, who can turn down wedding cake? Am I right?” I laugh and set my fork down. I’m almost embarrassed by the fact that I’m sitting here alone, stuffing my face.

“It was pretty good cake,” he smiles and takes a seat next to me. “I’m getting ready to head out but wanted to see if you needed a lift back to your place.”

Oh god, is he...he can’t possibly be asking what I think he is.

Shit. I’m so bad at this kind of thing.

“Logan, I appreciate your kindness tonight but, I’m not looking for a hook-up.”

He lets out a chuckle, “Molly, no offense, I’m not looking for a hook up either. I’m simply trying to be a gentleman and make sure that the pretty lady who kept me away from the thirsty single ladies all night, has a way home before I go. That’s all.”

Interesting. As ridiculous as it sounds, I’m a little mortified and suddenly feeling a bit unattractive as well. Stupid, considering I turned him down in the first place.

“Sorry. I’m really sorry for assuming.” I fumble over my words in embarrassment.

“No apologies needed. Now, is that a yes or a no?” He teases.

I consider telling him, no, but when Cole remerges with a disheveled Jade on his arms, I change my mind. “You know what, a ride back to my place would be great. Thank you for offering.”

Cole eyes both of us as we head for the exit, brushing past the two of them.

“Going somewhere?” He grumbles.

“Home. I’m feeling pretty tired and Logan offered, so I’m going to head out. Wouldn’t want to stop you from having fun and all that,” I say, a little too dramatically.

Logan coughs out a laugh beside me. “I promise to take care of her.”

“Watch yourself. Both of you,” Cole warns.

Ever the gentleman, Logan helps me into his truck once we reach the parking lot. I nearly jump out of my skin when he climbs inside and starts it up. The sounds of Luke Bryan blast through the speakers loud enough to nearly bust my eardrums and I can’t help the fit of giggles that ensues.

“Really? I hadn’t pictured you as a Luke Bryan fan.” I fight back another laugh.

He quickly turns the radio down, “Ha, ha. It’s the local country station. I prefer my music loud, but I certainly was not rocking out to Luke. Sorry to disappoint you.”

“So, my condo, is off Route 27, Waterbrook.”

“I know right where that’s at,” he makes a left out of the parking lot and heads toward the main road.

Silence fills the cab of the truck briefly before he pipes up again.

“So, does Cole know you’ve got feelings for him?”

“What? Are you serious right now?” I’m stunned and can’t help but wonder how this guy has figured it out so quickly when Cole seems nothing but oblivious.

“Don’t worry, Molly. I won’t tell anyone your secret.” He smirks.

The venue for Rhys and Kelsey’s wedding wasn’t far from my place so the drive is a short one. When Logan pulls into the parking lot, I’m not expecting him to actually park and shut off his truck – let alone walk me to my door.

“You don’t have to do this.” I try to stop him.

“Not a chance I’d let you, or any other lady, walk to her door alone.” He follows a few steps behind and keeps his distance as I unlock my door.

Once I’ve got my front door open, I turn around and face him. “Thank you for everything tonight. It was nice not feeling so alone.”

“You’re welcome,” he gives me a shy smile.

There’s a tiny pang in my chest because he has been so kind, and any woman would be lucky to have him. That woman isn’t me though.