“What do you mean?”
“I mean Molly never made it back to the hotel last night.She and my uncle spent the evening in each other’s company—theentireevening.”
“Wow.”Jay took a step back.“Ouch.”
“I realize we’re all adults.”Claire began.“It’s just that the whole thing is so…”
“Unexpected?”Jay offered.
“Weird,” Claire said with a sigh.“Molly’s been my best friend since we were girls.Hamish is like her uncle, too.”
"Do you work together?At Avi?"he asked.
"No.She's a children's book editor."
"I see.”Jay nodded.“Sounds interesting."
"It sounds ludicrous.”Claire laughed.“Molly is the last person you'd expect to edit children's literature.Between the binge drinking, her unparalleled use of profanity, and her love of cigars, she's not exactly the model of innocence."
"But you love her anyway, right?"
"I can't help it.And neither can anyone else.Everyone loves Molly.She's smart as a whip and drop-dead gorgeous.Molly grew up… and Uncle Ham never stood a chance."
“Well, I hope it doesn’t lead to the end of your friendship.”
“Molly knows where all the bodies are buried and vice versa,” Claire said.I think we’re stuck with each other for life.”
Jay turned back to his award-winning cosmetics.He offered several minutes of product analysis, his eyes and expression filled with pride as he spoke.As she listened, a warmth filled her.Clearly Jay had found his passion, but he wasn’t cocky about it.Claire nodded, taking in each of his talking points with real interest.Suddenly Jay stopped mid-sentence.
“What?”she asked.
“You’re nodding.That means you’re either really intrigued or you’re bored to death and ready for me to wrap it up.”
“No, I find this fascinating,” she said.“I’ve been a consumer for years but never really thought about the science behind it all.”
“Well, maybe if you hadn’t failed Biology…” he teased.“Come on, let’s get something to drink.”
“Fine, but nothing alcoholic.”
“What’s your poison then?”
“Water.”
“Sparkling?Mineral?Tonic?”
“Let’s not get crazy.From the tap will be fine.”
They parted ways in the living room.Claire sank down on his sofa—a gorgeous Chesterfield in deep green velvet, as sexy as his hunky college professor vibe.
“I threw in a lemon wedge, just to be fancy,” he said upon his return.
“Thank you.”
“So, does this place scream bachelor pad or what?”He sat down next to her—close, but not too close.
“Actually, I award full James Bond points for this.”She ran her hand along the tufted back of the sofa.“This is sexy.”
“A science nerd with a sexy sofa.I must be doing something right.”
