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We approach the archway, and with one final look at each other, we step into the maze.
Three dead ends later, sweat drips off my forehead, burning one of my eyes. I hope the other compulsory activities aren’t this draining.
“In your fact sheet you said you like to read, but what genre?” I ask, trying to focus on anything except the heat.
“Oh, it’s called romantasy.” Molly peers up at me through her thick lashes. Her hand is still brushing up against mine.
“Is that the title of a book?”
She stifles a laugh and gives me a waggish look. “No, it’s a combination of romance and fantasy.”
I should’ve put that together. “Is that what you’re always reading during your lunch breaks?”On more than one occasion, I’ve startled her while she’s blushing behind the pages of some tome-sized hardback.
Molly bites her lip. A thrill gallops through me.
“Sometimes, if I’m at a really good part, it’s hard to wait until I get home to find out what happens.”
“I get it. Especially with fantasy. Hours slip by, and the next thing I know it’s two in the morning,” I chuckle. “I’ll have to add something with a little more romance to my own collection.”
“You should. It makes the stories more fun. The drama, the tension, the pining.” Her voice rises with glee. “I didn’t know you read fantasy books. I’ve always taken you for more of a biography kind of guy.”
“I’ve been enjoying all the assumptions you’ve had about me.” I give her a playful nudge. “But I like to mix it up. Fantasy, biographies, research papers.”
“What’s your favorite mythical creature?” she asks, watching me scrupulously.
“High elves,” I reply with a sly grin. “Their entire purpose is to gain knowledge. I bet they have access to the best libraries.”
“Interesting choice.” Her voice is low and seductive. Or maybe I’m imagining that it is. A gorgeous woman is speaking to me about elves—teen me is aching for a high five right now.
My heart thunders. “Perhaps we could find a book to enjoy together?”
Suddenly, Molly misses a step, falling against my side. I catch her and pull her close. Amber eyes find me, her gaze melting over my face like honey.
Time slows.
A memory resurfaces from when I first started at ORO. We were at an old bar on the Upper East Side. Molly seemed more carefree back then. She was taking salsa classes, and one drink too many turned into us dancing for hours. My hands ran over her hips as the lights strobed above us.
The night never went anywhere. Laura ruined that for me—after her, I swore I’d never mix business with pleasure again.
The next day at work, Molly never mentioned it, so we just moved on. Shortly after, she started to bring up Lance in conversations, and she was never quite as freehearted as that night. Even after three years, I haven’t forgotten the way her waist feels beneath my palms.
“Y-ye-huh, a book, together?”
I’m thirsty for a tall drink of water…or for Molly. Another kiss? Just one more, to savor her. Then I’ll put all these thoughts to rest once and for all.
My dick twitches against the fabric of my trousers.No.I clear my throat and steady us upright.
“Yes,” I confirm. “A book, together.”
“Sorry for losing my footing. These Loewe espadrilles are a nightmare.” I have no idea what that means, but nothing about her body next to mine felt like a bad dream. She speeds ahead, pulling me along by our wrists. “To answer your question, I, uh, I’d love to read a book together.”
“Great, we’ll have to find something,” I say. “What about you? What’s your favorite mythical creature?”
“I like griffins.” Molly flashes me a smile with her pink lips. “I’d love to ride one.”
“That makes sense; they embody strength. I’m sure any griffin would be honored to have you as a rider.” I halt. I did not seriously say that.A GRIFFIN WOULD BE HONORED TO HAVE YOU AS A RIDER.I’m losing my mind.
“I think they’d feel the same way about you,” she laughs.
