Breathless Secrets by Elizabeth Lennox

Chapter 1

Should he step in and save her? 

James Morgan watched the chaotic scene in front of him, listening to the frenzied screams and cringed when another small being galloped around the corner of the building.  Ouch!  One of them literally jumped on top of the dog pile happening on the ground!  That thud looked pretty painful but…what did he know? 

Regardless of the person’s pain threshold, the maneuver was definitely undignified, he thought, stepping to the side to see the scene from a different angle.  Yes, definitely painful.  And amusing!  Okay, hilarious, he mentally corrected as yet more unruly screams sounded.  There were a few noises that seemed to be somewhat maniacal in nature…and some other incongruous sounds that he couldn’t identify.

And yet, James continued to stand by the curb, watching the insanity play out with fascination. 

A hand reached from the pile of bodies.  Should he grab it?  Offer assistance?  That would be the gentlemanly thing to do. 

Probably not a good idea.  He didn’t want to enter the fray. 

He felt someone step up behind him.  “Sir, we have a very tight schedule and we don’t…,” his manager began in a hushed, urgent voice as he moved to stand beside James.  But even the never-frazzled Bryan McGregor came to an abrupt halt as he realized what was happening. 

Apparently, Bryan’s thoughts moved along the same route as James’.  “Should we…help maybe?” Bryan asked doubtfully. 

James shrugged, angling his head in an effort to make sense of the scene in front of him.  “I have no idea,” he replied, his tone voicing his confusion. 

The screams seemed to grow louder.  James peered at the pile of arms and legs from a different angle.  Unfortunately, that didn’t help and he simply shook his head, sighing with confusion.  “It looks a bit painful.”

Bryan nodded.  “I must agree.”

They stood on the sidewalk, watching with horrified fascination.

“That’s the woman?” James asked, chuckling when a box of…something…was lifted victoriously into the air by a pretty, feminine hand. 

Bryan groaned, nodding somberly.  “I think so.”

James chuckled.  “Probably a good thing that the press didn’t find out about our excursion today.”

Bryan nodded again, watching silently.  Both men hissed, visibly cringing, as they watched an elbow slam into an exposed expanse of pale skin.  James suspected that the skin was part of the woman’s stomach, but he wasn’t positive. 

“This isn’t exactly going as planned,” Bryan commented lightly, then pulled his eyes away from the mess of tangled hands and feet, checking his ever present tablet.  He touched the screen and James’ schedule came up.  “We have only ten more minutes here, then you are scheduled to speak at a luncheon for…”

“Bryan,” James muttered, stopping his manager’s recitation of the day’s schedule.

“Yes sir?” Bryan asked, his finger hovering over the tablet. 

The corner of James’ mouth curled up.  “Shut up and let me enjoy this,” James muttered. 

Bryan blinked, then looked back at the pile of tangled, laughing bodies.  With a sigh, Bryan put his tablet behind his back, resigned to James’ odd interest. 

“I really should help her, shouldn’t I?” James asked, his tone almost contemplative.

Bryan shrugged.  “I have no idea.  You’re the one with the manners.”  James glanced at his friend and manager, one eyebrow lifted in question.  Bryan shrugged, grinning as he continued, “I’m the guy with the ruthless personality.”

James threw back his head, laughing at Bryan’s assessment.  He was correct…sort of.  “Right,” he said, his laughter trailing off slightly.  “That’s why I won the three billion dollar settlement against that pharma company?”

Bryan grunted, shrugging slightly.  “You have your ruthless moments,” he acknowledged. 

Another man, about the same height as James and Bryan, stepped out of an expensive sedan.  The guy looked vaguely familiar, but there was a tension in the man’s shoulders that whispered of anger.  Or maybe fury?  Were the two emotions different?

James turned when the man stepped forward, glancing over at the dog pile of writhing limbs. 

“Can I help you?” the guy asked.

James extended his hand.  “James Morgan,” he greeted the other man.  “And you’re Oliver Fenton, correct?”

The other man nodded sharply, his eyes narrowing on James.  “You’re that hot shot attorney, right?”

“That’s me,” James chuckled, amused as he always was by the various adjectives that people used to describe him.  Hot shot?  He didn’t really consider himself to be that hot.  Angry when big companies abused consumers?  Yeah.  Ready to take on any injustice in the world?  Absolutely! He turned back to the scene on the rough green area that someone might describe as grass, but was really a mix of various weeds that had been mowed to grass height.  “I was just…”

The woman in peril suddenly stood up, laughing and pushing her long, blond hair out of her eyes.  “Okay!” she declared, laughing.  “You guys win!”  A moment later, the kids jumped up and down with victorious delight, and greedily held out their hands while the woman distributed…popsicles?  The chaotic dog pile was about popsicles?

“That’s Molly,” Oliver explained unnecessarily.  “She’s the director here at the Center.  Would you like an introduction?”

James watched, his lips twitching with amusement as the kids greedily ripped open the paper and joyously started consuming their icy treats.  Slowly, they moved away, forming small groups as they perched on the steps of the Center or just crossed their legs and sat down on the green, “grassy” area. 

“Yeah,” James replied, unable to rip his gaze away from the fascinating woman. She had grass stains on her ragged tee shirt and the soft material hugged her breasts like a loving glove, revealing that the woman had lush curves.  The loose jeans rode low on her hips and had definitely seen better days…as well as other owners.  They were long and loose around her beautiful hips that weren’t slim, but nor would he consider those feminine curves fat either.  Her hips were…perfect!  Absolutely, amazingly, mouth wateringly perfect! 

The man beside James chuckled, and clapped him on the back in a friendly manner.  “I know the feeling,” he said as he walked away.  James couldn’t tear his gaze from the laughing beauty.  James was content to simply stand here and watch her.  Her brown eyes seemed to shimmer with joy and her long hair shimmered around her lovely features which were alive and animated with some sort of inner glow.  She seemed so happy, surrounded as she was by the passel of rambunctious children. 

His body tightened urgently, wondering what she’d look like with her own children surrounding her. Their children.

That terrifying random thought seemed to shock him out of his lust-induced stupefaction.  His children?  What the hell was he thinking?  He didn’t have time to date, much less marry and have children!  No way!  Marriage and children definitely were not on his agenda, he reminded himself.  He had a plan for his life.  Marriage and children simply weren’t in his future. 

Bryan sighed and started forward.  Despite the uncharacteristic thoughts about marriage and children, James was utterly entranced by the woman.  So instead of allowing his manager to start the introductions, James put a hand on Bryan’s shoulder.  “I’ve got this,” James murmured.

“But…” Bryan hesitated, obviously sensing a deviation. James ignored his manager’s startled expression.  It wasn’t as if he planned to sleep with the woman!  He wanted Molly Bradshaw’s endorsement for his campaign.  A simple enough request, James told himself.  Especially considering his competition.  The other candidate for the US Senate seat was pathetically lacking in moral character. 

Molly closed the cardboard box over the last few popsicles, looking around to ensure that every child had a treat.  That’s when she spotted the two large men standing on the sidewalk, watching her.  Swallowing hard past the sudden tension, her gaze moved from the tall one with the hard jawline to the other man.  Then back to the first one. 

Both men seemed to have the same sort of demeanor, although the blond man was several inches shorter.  They were also roughly equal in brawn, except the muscles looked larger on the taller man.  With a mental sigh, Molly acknowledged that it was the first one, the guy with dark brown hair and his blue eyes that caught and held her gaze.  He looked as if he should be on the cover of a Hardy Boys book.  He was just so…all American.  Square jaw, blue eyes, dark hair, broad shoulders, and pristine appearance.  He definitely didn’t belong in this rough neighborhood.  His khaki slacks were freshly ironed and his crisp, white shirt wasn’t a dress shirt, but was made of that thick, no-iron cotton that could only be found at high-end stores.  The kind of store that Molly couldn’t afford to walk into, much less buy from.

And yet, for all of his good-boy looks and clothing, there was something…bad-boyish about him.  While the man next to him looked as if he might be funny in a ruthless sort of way, the tall, devastatingly handsome “good-boy”…definitely wasn’t a good boy.  Nope.  He was naughty.  The look in his eyes whispered that he had some very wicked tendencies. 

Fortunately, Molly didn’t have time for those games.  With extreme control, she ripped her gaze away from the man and looked around at her kids.  They weren’t exactly “her” children.  But she considered them to be under her protection.  They lived in this neighborhood and were here at the Community Center for the last few days of summer vacation before school started back up.  She loved these kids.  Ensuring that they were safe and well educated, even fed when needed, was her mission in life.  Her calling.  Her vocation, some might say. 

“Molly Bradshaw?” a deep voice called out.

Molly cringed. She wanted to ignore that sexy voice, but her kids looked up curiously when the tall stranger said her name.  Unfortunately, Molly wasn’t just their protector, she was also their mentor.  Molly knew that she had to model good behavior, even during those moments when she seriously wanted to run and hide. 

So, Molly turned and pasted a bright, friendly smile on her face.

Blinking and tilting her head way back, she braced herself for…whatever might come next.  And she was pretty sure that she wasn’t going to like whatever it was! 

“Yes?  How can I help you?” she asked as politely as possible.

“I’m James Morgan,” he said, extending his hand. 

That name rang a bell in her mind.  She extended her hand, trying to remember where she’d heard that name before.  But for the life of her, she couldn’t place him.  She’d definitely never met him before.  She would have remembered a guy that handsome and tall and…terrifying. 

Remembering her manners, and the curious eyes watching their interaction, she shook the man’s hand.  “It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Morgan,” she replied formally. 

“It’s great to meet you as well,” he replied. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Molly blinked, surprised.  “You have?”  Her eyebrows shot up.  “How?”

He laughed and she couldn’t stop the shiver of awareness that rolled over her.  His laugh was deep and incredibly sexy.

“You’re the director of this community center.”

“That’s right,” she confirmed, nodding slightly.

“You’ve done some amazing things in the neighborhood.”

Molly wasn’t comfortable claiming credit for the outstanding programs happening at the Center.  “Oh, the changes around here aren’t mine,” Molly asserted firmly.  “The entire community came together to right the wrongs of the past,” she corrected. 

His grin widened.  “You’re being modest, Ms. Bradshaw.”  He looked around, winking at a group of kids who were still enjoying their popsicles.  “From what I’ve read, you’ve initiated a great many programs for the community that have–”

“We should take this inside,” Molly interrupted stiffly.  “How about if we go into my office?”

He looked confused, but nodded. “That would be fine,” he said.  “Lead the way.”

Molly gritted her teeth, frustration almost overwhelming her.  Was it just frustration or crushing disappointment?  No!  That’s ridiculous!  She couldn’t be disappointed that the gorgeous man was here to sell her something.  Ugh! 

But Molly knew the type.  He wanted something, either from her or from the Center.  She didn’t know which yet, but he clearly wasn’t here for kicks and giggles.  Looking around, she spotted Mary, one of the youth volunteers. “Mary, can you get the kids ready for afternoon practice?”

Mary quickly agreed, then trotted over to the younger kids, three other teenagers trailing behind her.  “Sure, Molly.  I think its belly-ball today, right?”

Molly shot a glance at the man, praying he had no idea what “belly ball” was.  “I think so.  I’ll make sure to send someone out with the equipment.”  Turning back to Mr. All American, she nodded towards the Center’s entrance.  “This way, Mr. Morgan.”

James stepped back, allowing the petite beauty to lead the way.  He didn’t mind following her, since the back of her was just as enticing as the front.  Her ass was…magnificent!  Round and full and…damn!  James followed, pulling his eyes away from her backside.  Not a great way to make a good impression, he told himself.  He needed this woman.  It wasn’t just sexual either.  He needed…no craved…no…hell, he’d never experienced this kind of sensation.  He wasn’t sure what was going on. 

His eyes dropped to her ass again…really nice!

Pulling his eyes away from her amazing ass, he cleared his throat, which immediately had the lovely lady turning his way.  For the first time, he noticed how small she was.  The top of her head didn’t even come up to his shoulder!  What was she?  Five feet one or two?

“How tall are you?” he blurted out, and inwardly cringed when he realized how harsh his question sounded.  And how impolite! 

“I’m five feet three inches,” she told him, straightening her shoulders as if that might give her a few extra inches.  He wanted to laugh at her indignation, but reminded himself that he needed her endorsement.  She was cute, but this wasn’t a social visit.  James had serious business to discuss. 

“Yes, I can see that now,” he commented, then almost laughed because his assurance didn’t seem to appease her.  Those chocolate eyes of hers were still shooting daggers at him.  “Before we go into your office,” he countered, ignoring the tightening of her jaw at his words, “would you mind showing me around your facility?  I’d love to see, first-hand, everything you’ve accomplished.”

That seemed to distract her from her fury.  She relaxed, both literally and figuratively, and her eyes began to sparkle with pride.

He desperately wanted to throw his head back and laugh.  He didn’t usually have a negative effect on women.  Normally, they went out of their way to entice him.  She seemed to want to distance herself as much as possible from him…until he asked about her facility.  Obviously, she took a great deal of pride in this center. 

Unfortunately, she paused, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.  “Who are you?” Molly asked. “I mean, I know that your name is James Morgan, but who are you, really?  Why are you here?”

James was startled and he glanced back through the doors.  But he didn’t see his manager.  Obviously, the word about his campaign for the US Senate hadn’t spread, he thought.  Not good. 

“I’m campaigning for Senate.”  He moved closer, his hands fisted on his hips.  “I’m taking on Bernard Von Deuch and I’m going to win.” 

The petite woman frowned up at him.  Was that disappointment?  He certainly hoped not.  For some reason, disappointing this woman…he couldn’t do it!  There was something about the way she stared up at him, as if he’d just run over her puppy. He was ready to do anything within his power to make that disappointment go away. 

Unfortunately, before he could figure out how to do so, she pulled back, all emotion gone from her face.  It was only polite interest now. 

“What would you like to see?” Molly asked, quickly stepping back as several kids rushed through the doors, heading for the crafts room. 

The incredibly handsome man shrugged, that blue gaze heavy on her, making her feel…odd.  Had she hurt his feelings somehow?  Molly didn’t like that sensation.  This man was a stranger!  And he was probably here just for a photo opportunity.  He probably wanted a few photographs to post on his campaign website to show how he “cared” about the community.

Senator Von Deuch had come by a few weeks ago to do the same thing.  In fact, the bastard had the temerity to ask her to endorse his campaign!  Right!  As if she would!  That disgusting man was a bastard to the core.  Von Deuch didn’t know that Molly was a close friend of his daughter’s.  Lilly Von Deuch had married Drako Gataki last year, but the Von Deuch family had done everything within their power to get Lilly to marry someone else.  Lilly had ignored their efforts and was now happily married, with an adorable little boy named Marcus.   But the senator didn’t even know his grandchild’s name.  So no, she wasn’t going to endorse the bastard’s campaign!

“All of it,” James replied.  “I’ve heard so much about what this community center has been able to accomplish.  I’d like to see it in action.”  He stepped closer now that there weren’t any kids rushing around them.  “If you have the time, that is.  If you’re busy…?”

Molly laughed despite her nervousness.  “It’s always busy around here, Mr. Morgan.  But I can take a minute to show you around,” she replied. Molly wasn’t an idiot.  Last week, she hadn’t insulted Von Deuch by telling him to go away, because he might throw her a bit of funding. The center could always use more funds.  And this guy?  He looked rich! Rich people had money, which the community center always needed!  It was a constant battle to raise enough funding for all of the projects Molly wanted to do. 

So instead of telling this handsome, charming…um…opportunist…to leave, she smiled politely up at him, clasping her hands together. 

“Thank you,” he said, bending slightly, almost bowing.  “I appreciate your time.”

Startled, she pulled back.  His teasing tone indicated…was he flirting with her?  Molly knew what she looked like, knew what her clothes looked like!  She wasn’t in this guy’s league!  Good grief, Molly wasn’t even playing the game!  Why would he even bother flirting?

Molly sighed, determined to set the man straight.  “Mr. Morgan, I don’t know what your agenda is, but I’ll play along.  I’ll show you around the center and explain the programs.  But please… you don’t need to turn on the charm.” With that clearly stated, Molly turned and headed towards the kitchen.  “This way.” 

“I don’t really have an agenda,” he replied.  “And please, call me James.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder and…was he staring at her butt?  She had to restrain herself from covering her bottom with her hands.  When he realized that he’d been caught, instead of giving her an apologetic glance, those sexy lips curled up into a cheeky smile.  Did those sharp, blue eyes light up with…mischief? 

Pretending that she hadn’t seen the devilish glint in his eyes, she headed into the kitchen.  “We have several volunteers that work pretty much all year round.”  She gestured towards the teenagers wearing protective gloves.  “This is Leticia, Megan, and Julia,” she explained, smiling at the three girls who were making sandwiches. “They are the lunch team, making the sandwiches for tomorrow.”

“Wheat bread?” he asked, obviously surprised. 

Molly beamed with pride. “We also have two retired bakers, Louise and Nora, who refuse to make white bread because it isn’t healthy for the kids.  We get the whole wheat flour cheaper and they bake that into healthy bread.  So, the kids get a nutritious lunch without all of the chemicals that are in manufactured bread.”  Molly’s eyes twinkled as she added, “They make cookies for the afternoon snack too.”

He laughed.  “Sounds like an ideal situation.  Not many community centers have in-house bakers that are willing to do that much work for free.”

Molly shrugged.  “Everyone in the neighborhood helps out in some way.  It’s the only way that everything can work.  When we have the funding, then we will offer salaries.  But right now, we are barely scrimping by with the summer camp expenses.”

“So, if you had more donations, who would be paid first?” he asked as Molly led him out of the kitchen towards the various craft stations set up around the open area of the center. 

“I guess I’d start with more supplies,” she said, waving towards the tables and kids around each table.  “The kids love the crafts during the summer months.  The crafts give them a sense of freedom and creativity, lets them think about learning things outside of reading, math, and science.” She thought about the next step.  “And then I’d pay the teenagers. They need money pretty desperately.  Right now, they’re getting paid in school credit and volunteer hours.  Their jobs here are also something that they can put on their resumes. I am a great reference, but…” she turned and found him standing incredibly close.  Normally, this wouldn’t bother her, but with this guy, this James Morgan, he was…disturbing.  And his proximity sent off…well, not warning bells exactly.  But some kind of bell.  Her body was tingling.  As if his mere presence was a threat.

No, threat wasn’t the right word.  Living here in this neighborhood, she’d run into plenty of dangerous situations over the years.  What she felt now wasn’t the same.  It was…strangely different.  But definitely a threat. 

“So after the supplies and the teens?” he prompted.

Was he closer?  Molly opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come out.  He was closer.  And she could smell him.  Goodness, he smelled…clean.  With a slight tinge of citrus.  Oh my!  He’d shaved earlier today, obviously, but she could see the slight scruff off his beard coming through.  She wondered if he shaved again before going out at night.  Probably. 

What did that mean?  Probably nothing.

“Molly?”  He spoke her name as if it were a caress.  This man, this tall, powerfully built man was so completely out of her league!  What in the world was she doing?  Standing here, looking silly, she wondered if he wore blue contacts.  Surely, his eyes couldn’t really be that blue, could they?

“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”

Molly blinked.  “I’m sorry?” she asked.  Surely, he hadn’t just asked her out.  Had he?

“Dinner?” he repeated, stepping closer.  “I know a great restaurant in Alexandria. It’s right on the river.  It serves the best crab cakes I’ve ever tasted!”

She stared up into those impossibly blue eyes.  “Dinner?  With you?”

He laughed softly.  “Yes.  With me.”

She tilted her head, still trying to process his words.  “You want to have dinner with me?”

Another chuckle.  “Is this a foreign concept, Molly?” he asked. 

She licked her lips, her eyes moving from his gaze down to his mouth.  His lips weren’t full, but she suspected that he knew how to kiss!  “Um…dinner.  Uh…why?”

He shifted slightly, so his broad shoulders shielded her from the rest of the room.  He was so darn tall! 

“Because I think that you’re beautiful and I’d like to get to know you better.”

Molly’s heart thudded.  Disappointment tore through her.  Beautiful?  She almost made a rude sound.  “I’m not beautiful, Mr. Morgan.  So…”

The moment was shattered as two kids started yelling, facing off as if they were ready to do battle.

Molly stepped into view so she could confront the fractious pair, feeling better now that she was on safer, more familiar turf.  “Jeff!” she snapped.  “Marius!  What in the world is going on?”

Both boys turned around, immediately contrite.  “We were just…messing around,” Marius muttered, fully aware of the consequences of fighting on center property.  Fighting was a bannable offense.  None of the kids wanted that.  The Center was the heart of the neighborhood.  All of the summer activities happened here.  There was even a teen dance coming up on Friday night, everyone would dress up and come here with their dates for a fun evening. 

“That’s what I thought.  Don’t make me get Janet involved!” Molly warned the boys.

Both sets of eyes widened in horror at the idea of “Janet” being called into the argument. 

“We’re fine,” Jeff explained, even going so far as to throw his arm over Marius’ shoulders.  Marius nodded vigorously, not moving away from Jeff’s arm for fear of “Janet”. 

“Good.  Keep it that way,” Molly ordered, and turned back to James Morgan as the boys raced away.

“Who is Janet?” he asked curiously.

Molly’s lips quirked, still trying to hide her amusement.  “Janet is the social worker.  When the kids start arguing or fighting, Janet sits them down and asks about their feelings.  They hate discussing their feelings.”

James stared at this gorgeous woman, astonishment in his eyes.  A moment later, he threw back his head, laughing with delight.  “So, you threaten them with therapy if their communication breaks down.”  He shook his head.  “That’s perfect!”

Molly smiled uncertainly.

“So, back to dinner.  I promise that I’m excellent company.  And I’m an extremely interesting conversationalist.” He waited, his blue eyes twinkling with challenge.  “So, what about it? Will you allow me take you out to dinner? Or is that an odd concept?”

She looked around, noting that the kids were laughing and enjoying themselves as they worked at the various craft stations.  When she turned back to him, she nodded slowly.  “Yes.  That’s a completely foreign concept.”

A dark eyebrow lifted.  “No one ever asked you out to dinner before?”

She shrugged slightly, shifting on her feet ever so slightly.  “Well, no one like you.”

“Like me?” he prompted, his other eyebrow rising as well. 

She sighed impatiently, annoyed that she couldn’t stop the blush that crept up from her neck to her eyebrows.  “Yes.  You’re…different.”  She’d looked away as she’d said it.

His hands rested lightly on his hips.  “Well, do you ever go to dinner with your female friends?”

“Yes.”

“So, why not think of tonight like you would if you were going to dinner with a female friend?”

She laughed.  “You’re nothing like the women I would normally eat dinner with, Mr. Morgan.”

“Call me James,” he countered.  “And there isn’t much difference.  It’s just two people having a conversation over some food.”

Molly shook her head.  “No, I don’t think I’d feel comfortable in the places where you normally dine.”

He shifted slightly, and somehow, the small movement made this conversation oddly intimate.  How did he do that?

“Are you making assumptions about my dining preferences even before you get to know me?”

“Yes,” she replied, grinning without remorse. 

He grinned right back at her.  And had he moved closer? She couldn’t look away from those dazzling blue depths. 

“What kinds of restaurants do you think I prefer?” he asked, reaching out to capture a lock of her hair, twirling the curl around his finger. 

“Fancy,” she replied.  “Definitely not a place where jeans would be welcomed.”

“Does your entire wardrobe consist of jeans?”

Molly hesitated, mostly because she couldn’t immediately remember anything in her closet that wasn’t denim or a tee shirt.  “Well, I might have something along the lines of a dress in the back somewhere.  But I doubt it still fits.”

His eyes moved over her features resting on her lips.  “Well, how about this,” he offered.  “Why don’t you dig out that dress and I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight.  Six o’clock.  I’ll take you to my favorite restaurant.  And then tomorrow night, I’ll pick you up again, and we’ll both wear jeans, and you can take me to your favorite restaurant. Then we’ll compare them, rate their pros and cons, and decide which one is better.”

“That’s two dates,” she pointed out, her breath catching in her throat as his finger “accidentally” grazed her throat.  His touch was hot!  Scorching!  And she wanted him to do it again!

“You’re excellent at math.  See?” he teased.  “We’re getting to know one another already!”

She laughed and pulled back, surprised to find that they were so close.  “You’re incorrigible, Mr. Morgan.”

“You’re going to call me James, remember?” he reminded. 

“I doubt it,” she replied. “And what happens if we go out to dinner tonight and we can’t stand each other?  Or we argue all evening?  Then you’ve already committed yourself to another date tomorrow night.  That’s not a good strategy, Mr. Morgan.”

He leaned closer again and Molly forgot to pull away.  “How about a bet?”

Molly immediately shook her head.  “I don’t gamble.”

He grinned.  “If I can get you to say my name by the end of tonight’s dinner, then you go out with me tomorrow night and introduce me to your favorite restaurant?”

“No deal,” she laughed. 

He pulled back this time.  Then he shook his head, clicking his tongue.  “You’re afraid that you’ll fall in love with me tonight.  I get it.”  He smiled smugly. 

Molly choked on her outrage…and laughter.  “I will not!”

He glanced around at the bustling activity of the craft room, crossing his arms over his chest.  “Of course you would.  I understand.  You wouldn’t dare go out with me tonight, because you’ll be heartbroken by the end of the evening.”

Molly couldn’t believe how outrageous he was!  “I will not fall in love with you by the end of tonight.”

He straightened, his eyes alight with triumph.  “Good!  We’ll put it to the test.  I’ll pick you up at six.”

He walked away and Molly stood there, sputtering with…outrage?  Hilarity?  Stunned surprise that he really was as charming and arrogant as she’d anticipated?

Yep!  All of the above!

“You don’t even know where I live!” she called after him.

He waved her comment away.  “Six o’clock, Ms. Bradford!” he called back without turning around.

Molly laughed, shaking her head.  “He’s crazy!” she muttered, turning around and heading into her office.  “As if I’d fall in love with a guy I’d just met!  Love doesn’t work that way!”

For the next hour, Molly shuffled files around, but didn’t really get anything done.  She kept replaying the conversation over in her mind, wondering how she’d lost control.  She worked with belligerent teenagers every day and never lost control!  She finagled toddlers into getting their vaccination shots and eating broccoli– without losing control!  How could one man with glittering blue eyes and an arrogant smile turn her into mush?!

And yet, at four thirty that afternoon, she turned off her computer and locked up her office. 

“Leaving early?” Louise asked, patting one of the steaming loaves of fresh bread she’d just pulled out of the oven. 

“Yeah.  I’m going to…”  Molly trailed off, suddenly aware that she didn’t want it widely known that she was leaving early for a date. She’d have to dig her old sundresses out of…wherever the heck they were.

“You go on now,” Nora called to Molly, pulling out a tray of cookies.  “We’ve got things under control here.  No need for you to stay here until ten o’clock like you normally do, honey.” 

Louise was in her late seventies, as was Nora.  But those two kept busy cooking and doing whatever was needed around the center.  They loved hanging out in the nursery during the day time hours, snuggling with the babies and playing with the toddlers.  They insisted that the babies kept them young, but Molly suspected it was the conversations with the teenagers that kept Louise and Nora up to date on the latest trends.

Feeling silly for leaving so early, she looked around, assuring herself there wasn’t an emergency, or even an urgent crisis, that would keep her here.  “Maybe I should just…”

Nora shook her head, turning Molly by the shoulders and giving her a gentle shove toward the door.  “No, you shouldn’t, dear.  Just head on home and put on a bit of makeup for that man!” she ordered cheekily.

Makeup?  Molly stared at the kind, elderly woman as if she’d lost her mind.  Makeup?  Oh good grief.  “I’m not…!”

“Oh yes, you are!” Louise interrupted as she set the timer for the next few loaves of bread, then turned to frown at Molly.  “And it’s about time too!”

Molly looked at the two ladies, then shook her head.  “Is anything a secret around here?” she muttered, as she headed out the door. 

Molly was already in the hallway, but she thought she heard, “Nothing is a secret around here!” and a few chuckles. 

They were right.  This neighborhood might be right on the outer edge of Washington, D.C. and surrounded by urban areas.  But they were a “bubble” neighborhood.  Everyone within this eight block neighborhood knew each other.  They knew everyone’s business, and they kept an eye out for each other. 

Molly slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed home, bracing herself for the miserable walk home in the heat.  She had a car, but it was unreliable at best, and since she only lived two blocks away, at the Rose Gardens Apartments, she didn’t mind the walk most nights.

This just wasn’t one of those nights.

Molly hurried across the street, waving to the construction workers who were packing up for the night at the previously run-down apartment complex next door to her precious Rose Garden home.  Maggie, the property manager, was married to a property developer who had secretly bought almost all of the properties around this neighborhood.  Oliver had originally planned to tear down most of the buildings and put up multi-use sky rise edifices, charging millions of dollars for retail and commercial sites, as well as condominiums that no one in this neighborhood could have been able to afford.  The changes would have forced the property values higher, increasing the tax burden and pushing out most of the current residents. 

But Oliver was a good man.  Instead of pulling everything down and building new, he’d come up with a plan that would rejuvenate the area.  Now there were new retail and residential sites coming up all over the area, which included plants and trees, better irrigation systems, and more efficient traffic patterns.  The changes had drawn in a different set of customers, people with more cash and who were ready to explore the “trendy” new place that was slowly evolving.  The progress was gradual, but it was exciting to see so many changes emerging.  Plus, the changes gave a new sense of purpose to the residents.  It was really nice to see hope blooming within the community.

Molly hurried to her apartment, waving to Maggie, who was heading out for the night.  She and Oliver had moved into a larger apartment in the next building over, which had previously been an abandoned warehouse.  Oliver had renovated the building into a hip, stylish residence, complete with a rooftop garden.  He’d given up his massive, but cold and uninviting, penthouse, and created a warm, cozy living space for them.  Molly expected Maggie to get pregnant any time now, but in the meantime, those two were ridiculously happy together. 

Lilly was the third friend in their trio, and had married her former boss.  Well, her current boss.  Drako Gataki had been in love with Lilly, and she in love with him, since the moment that Lilly had interviewed for her job, more than six years ago.  It had taken them five years to realize that they were madly in love.  They’d married more than a year ago, and Lilly was still crazy in love.  They lived about two miles from here, which enabled Lilly to come back and visit often enough.

Thankfully, Maggie looked as if she were eager to be with her husband, and Lilly wouldn’t be here tonight either. Which meant that Molly could sneak into her apartment and get cleaned up without her friends being nosy. In fact, Molly wasn’t even sure why she was going out with this guy.  She didn’t understand why he’d even come by the Center earlier today.

A guy like James Morgan…he didn’t really fit with the crowds in this neighborhood.  He looked like the kind of guy who would hang out with the other powerful men at the country club golf course or feel completely at home in one of those ritzy, wood paneled bars downtown that charged fifty dollars for a glass of thousand year old scotch. 

So, if that were true, what in the world was she doing running home to get all gussied up for a guy that didn’t make sense?

Molly closed the door of her apartment and leaned back against it, closing her eyes.  “What are you doing?” she whispered to herself. 

The empty apartment didn’t respond. She should call him and tell him she couldn’t make it tonight.

So, why was she heading towards her shower instead?  And, while the water warmed up, why did she dig into the back of her closet and pull out a pretty, yellow sundress?  She shook it out, surveying it carefully.  “Definitely needs an iron,” she muttered, tossing it onto her bed as she headed into the shower. 

An hour later, Molly paced the confines of her apartment, wringing her hands.  “This is silly,” she told herself.  She’d put on makeup and dried her hair, trying to smooth out the blond ends into something softer and more flattering than her normally chaotic mane that hadn’t seen a pair of scissors in…well, a long time.  Unfortunately, this August humidity, which was reaching into the ninety percent range, meant the ends simply weren’t going to be smooth and sophisticated. 

“He doesn’t even know where I live!” she yelped, throwing her hands up with exasperation.  “Good grief, I got all dressed up and he doesn’t know where I live, doesn’t know my phone number, and…”

Her mutterings were halted when the doorbell rang.  Molly spun around, eyeing the door as if it were the only barrier between herself and disaster.  And in an odd way, that wasn’t far from the truth!