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I wanted to touch her badly enough that I disregarded her personal space and safety to sate my own selfish desires. I stood abruptly and paced the room, gripping the back of my neck as I agonized over my actions. My back was turned away from her, so I didn’t notice when she came up behind me and touched my shoulder.
Turning around, the pain I saw in her eyes was heart-wrenching. “Courtland, it’s okay. It was just a knee-jerk reaction. It’s not your fault.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Molly. I am to blame for what Victor Donovan did to you. If I hadn’t pushed back when I did, none of this would have happened.”
Her eyes narrowed on mine, and her expression morphed into seriousness. “Courtland, if you hadn’t pushed back, imagine the damage he could have done to my reputation. You saved me, don’t you see that?” I blew out an exasperated breath.
Part of me knew she was right, but the other part, the ruthless, protective side, wouldn’t rest until he was out of our lives for good. I opened my mouth to protest again, but she stopped me with her hand. “We need to talk soon. I never gave you a chance to explain, and I’m not sure I’m fully ready now, but I feel I owe you that much. We aren’t together, but I’d like to try being friends.”
The tattered rope that bound our hearts together snapped in two at her words. How could I be friends with this perfect soul? Could I watch her move on without me? No, I would fight for what I wanted, and she was what I wanted.
She didn’t know it yet, but we were meant to be. I would move heaven and earth to get her to see that, too.
Before I could respond to her ridiculous statement, the door opened, and Julia strolled in, loaded down with bags of groceries. “King, I’m kicking you out. We girls have a date with a bottle of wine and a cheese tray.”
Looking at my watch, I noticed it was almost six, and I’d be seeing Jake in less than an hour. “Okay, okay, I can take a hint.” Bidding both girls goodbye, I made my way across town to my place. Operation win Molly back was in full motion, and the pendulum was swinging in my favor. Time to take it up a notch.
Chapter 23
Molly
It was good to get back to Stone Creek. That was a weekend I wouldn’t soon forget. I made an appointment with my therapist for the first time in three months. With the expectation of Victor Donovan, I had a nice time. I saw Courtland for the first time in six months, and although it was awkward at first. I think, in time, we can move past our issues and be friends. I know someday I will forgive him. I’m just not there yet. We didn’t get a chance to have that conversation about my past. I just wasn’t ready.
The bruising on my jaw turned a yellowish green, which meant it was healing and would fade soon. I deliberately avoided my parents when they called, asking if they could come over, telling them I had work. Hopefully, they wouldn’t make a surprise visit to the music store and find out I lied. I didn’t think I could face them without falling apart. They’d had so much heartache in their lives. I couldn’t add to their pain.
After a quick shower, I wandered down to the Bluebird for a cup of strong black coffee. Lucy called last night to check on me, and Tess brought chicken soup and wine. The King men were not known for their discretion, and I guess I was glad that was the case. I needed to be surrounded by friends who didn’t judge and were just as broken as me. Julia assured me she’d be here next weekend and that I better get my butt in gear and stage a performance.
When I reached the landing, I noticed Jackson and Knight sitting at a corner table with their heads together, deep in conversation. Just as I was about to pass by, Jackson caught my attention. “Hey, Molly. How’s it going?”
I flashed both an easy smile and walked over to where they sat. All the King brothers were handsome, with corded arms and bright eyes, but only one had completely captured my heart. “Hey, guys. I’m good.” They both cocked their heads at the exact time.
“So, when’s my best employee going to find it in her heart to return to the fold?” Knight’s blue eyes twinkled as he spoke. They weren’t as dark as Courtland’s, but they were hypnotizing just the same.
“Knight, I was going to talk to you about that, actually. I’d like to come back next week if that’s okay with you. I know Tess needs some time off, too.”
He grabbed my hand and kissed it in dramatic fashion. “Molly, my dear, you just made my day.”
I rolled my eyes. “You just want to spend more time with Tess away from the job.” I teased.
His eyebrows shot up in horror, feigning offense. “Ms. Steel, you know I don’t kiss and tell.”
We all laughed until Jackson cleared his throat, and the conversation turned serious. He motioned toward the chair, and I took the seat across from him. He blew out a breath before looking away. “I guess you know Ben told us about what happened in New York. I just wanted to see how you were doing.”
My breath hitched. Ben and Julia had a front-row seat to that nightmare, but my other friends were concerned and worried about me as well. I gathered what strength I could muster before reliving the events of Saturday night.
“It was scary, but I’ll be alright. It’s your brother you need to worry about. I don’t think he’s going to let this go so easily.”
The two men looked at each other and nodded. “That’s Courtland, always the protector, the fighter, the lover.” Knight chuckled, shaking his head.
It was Jackson who finished his thought. “Look, Molly, Courtland can handle himself. I wouldn’t worry too much about him.”
Just then, my phone buzzed with a familiar tune that was all Lucy. “Sorry guys, I need to take this. It’s Lucy.” At the mention of her name, Jackson fake gagged, and Knight slapped him on the back; immaturity at its finest. “See y’all tonight,” I called over my shoulder as I walked onto the sidewalk, nearly getting bowled over by the toddler racing by with his frantic mother on his tail.
“Hey, Luce, what’s up?” I hit speaker on the handset.
“Molly, thank God you answered.” Oh no, when Lucy used the Lord’s name, I knew something big was about to happen.
“What’s wrong this time?” I tried to inject some humor into my voice.
