Page 129 of Letters to Molly (Maysen Jar 2)

Tonight, I wanted to soak up her smile and savor her laughter.

Molly sat at the table first, tucking her purse underneath. She was wearing a pair of skinny jeans that showcased the gorgeous curve of her hips. Her hair was down, falling across her bare arms and the thin straps of the gray satin and lace tank top she’d chosen—thank you, Mother Nature, for the unseasonably warm Montana October.

Molly looked sexy as hell. It had been hard not to take her into my arms on her doorstep, but I’d resisted, biding my time for a good-night kiss later tonight when I dropped her at home.

“You know what I love most about this place?” Her eyes roamed over the high ceilings, the wooden tables—years of scratches on their surfaces—and the plethora of frames with photos of Bozeman memorabilia adorning the walls. “It never changes. It always smells the same and feels the same. Since college, it’s never changed.”

I stretched my hand across the table to cover hers. “Thank you for coming here tonight.”

“You’re welcome.” She flipped her hand over so we were palm to palm. The hair ties on her wrist tickled my skin. “Why did you ask me on a date?”

“You know the reason.”

“I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Why’d you pick Burger Bob’s?”

“To remember. And to start again.” I wrapped my fingers around her hand. “There are other things in this room that haven’t changed since college.”

“Like the grease coating the floor?”

“No.” I chuckled then locked my eyes with hers. “Like when you’re in the room, you’re all I see.”

Her cheeks flushed, her eyes darting to our hands. If she was going to say something, it got lost when two plastic menus were set down on the table.

“Welcome, guys. What can I get you to drink?” the waitress asked.

Molly and I each ordered a beer. As the waitress left to get them, I released Molly’s hand to scoop up both menus. “May I order for you?”

“Yes, but I reserve the right to interject if you get it wrong.”

“Wrong.” I scoffed. I’d memorized Molly’s cheeseburger order the night I’d met her. And I knew it hadn’t changed in fifteen years.

The waitress appeared with our beers. “What are we having?”

“Two burgers, medium well. Both with extra cheese and extra bacon. Fries with each. Side of ranch with hers. I’m good with ketchup.”

My eyes flicked to Molly. Her chin dropped as she tried to hide a smile. Nailed it.

“Okay.” The waitress collected the menus. “I’ll get this going.”

“Cheers.” Molly raised her beer glass.

I nodded, clinking the rim of mine to hers before taking a drink. “What are you doing next Saturday night?”

“Uh, nothing. Hanging out with the kids. Why?”

“I was wondering if I could take you to a movie.”

“Trying to lock in another date already?” she teased. “That’s risky. What if this one turns into a disaster?”

“As long as I get to spend time with you, it’ll never be a disaster.”

She blushed again and added an eye roll. “Laying it on awfully thick tonight.”

“Isn’t courting all about the man doling out these gushing compliments to woo his woman?”