She shook her head. “I’d rather not.”
“Okay, then let’s pivot. Have you given any further thought to a summer internship?”
When she didn’t reply, he kept going. “I’ve been reading your articles for the school paper, and your blog. You really have something special, Molly. I think any of the big stations would be lucky to have you. You should really think about putting yourself out there. I know the deadline for ESPN has passed, but—”
“I applied for ESPN.” She tugged at the hem of her shirt.
“You did?”
She nodded.
His face broke into a grin. “Good, Molly. Very good. I know you weren’t sure about it, but I think you’d be a good fit. There are a few others still looking for people too – if you don’t want to put all your eggs in the ESPN basket.”
“Sure, could you email them to me, please?”
His beaming face warmed something in her. Did he really believe she was capable of kicking ass at ESPN?
“Absolutely.”
“Thanks. Well, I better be going.” She took a step to the side to get past him but he touched her elbow, giving her pause.
“Molly?”
“Whoever he is that’s making you cry like this? He’s not worth it.”
If only he knew.
Chapter 13
Finnegan
Finn had been sound asleep when his phone had rung at midnight, waking him up. The bartender at Pucks had called him when he couldn’t reach Cleo.
“Just one more?” Molly’s voice in the background had sounded almost pathetic.
Finn had bounded out of bed, pulled on sweats and a shirt, and made his way to take her home. He was prepared to carry her if she objected. He pulled open the door and scanned the room. She sat at the bar, arms crossed, deep scowl on her beautiful face, and a glass of ice water sitting untouched on the bar in front of her.
“You’re who he called?”
Finn sighed. Would it kill her to be at least a little grateful? “He coulda called your brother.”
She snorted. “Fuck Will. And the high and mighty horse he rode in on.”
Despite Molly’s volume at the coffee shop, Finn hadn’t heard all the details of what she and Will had been talking about. Will hadn’t wanted to retell the story either. But Finn had seen her run down the street, tears streaming down her face. He’d chased after her before she’d collided with her professor. Whatever Will had said had clearly cut her to the quick.
“You ready to go home?”
“I don’t need a babysitter.” Her scowl deepened.
He grunted. Good cop wasn’t going to cut it. “Molly, I was asleep. I get that you’re going through something right now but I’m tired and I have practice in a few short, precious hours. I need my sleep, so if you don’t get your ass outside and into my car, I’m picking you up.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Challenge accepted. In truth she should have known better. Sober Molly would have. Drunk Molly was beyond the capacity for rational thinking. He stooped and threw her over his shoulder before she could utter another word. He swiped her coat from the stool she’d been sitting on and used it to cover her near bare ass as he carried her out the door.
“Put me down.” She hammered on his back with clenched fists. It actually felt kinda good.
“Not till I get you to the car. I don’t wanna play cat and mouse with you MoMo. I’m tired. I’m taking you home.”
