Page 51 of Not Dating Material

“But, hey. If I’m texting back, go wild. As many as you want.”

“Really?”

“Well, with me, at least. You can usually pick up on tone when people are trying to blow you off.”

“Yeah, I’m not the best at that.”

“Then ask. Communication is important in any relationship, and it’s better that you know that stuff up front and avoid an easy problem later.”

“And … with you? I can text you if you’re not working?”

“Well, I can’t write back when I’m working, but as long as you’re okay with waiting for a reply, I’m happy to read them all when I’m done. Just don’t be texting me things like hey, where are you or why aren’t you texting me back because that’ll get old fast.”

He laughs softly and holds out his hand, pinky extended. “Promise.”

“There’s no horse-drawn way I’m pinky swearing with you.”

“Aww, come on?”

And because I’m worried that Molly has the kind of power to make me do just about anything, I cross my arms. Be strong, Seven. “Hard line for me.”

Molly huffs. “Fine. But tomorrow, I’m going to send you a hundred texts to go through once you’ve finished work.”

“Oooh, that’ll show me.” I don’t tell him that I’d like it.

It takes me a moment to realize we’re both standing there, smiling at each other.

I clear my throat and step away. “Don’t forget it’s your turn to set up the next date.”

“Already working on it.”

“Oh, and the reason I came up here before you started drooling over me and distracting me—this Saturday. Bertha thing. You’re in, right?”

“When you say thing, do you mean like Monopoly Monday or an orgy? Because while the second isn’t a deal breaker, I’d probably need some time to think it over.”

“Huh. Never thought you’d be interested in sleeping with Madden.”

Molly shrugs. “It’s been a while for me. But okay, no. Not him.” His eyes flick to me and away again.

I grin and step forward. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re angling for another look at my cock.”

“Good thing you know better, then.”

“Pity for you. It’s a great cock.”

Molly smirks. “I know. I’ve seen it.”

I search his eyes for a second, wondering how far to push this thing. We’re date training and becoming friends, and I’m apparently not his type. But lawd Molly’s pretty. He makes me want to break the rules. I’ve never been so tempted by one person before.

“Saturday’s dinner,” I tell him. “And then Elle’s booked out the VIP section in one of the clubs downtown.”

“Fancy.”

“Friends in high places. Never thought I’d have one of those.”

Somehow, we’ve gotten really close, and when Molly’s face lights up with mischief, it’s only too easy for him to press onto his toes and rub the tip of his nose against mine.

“What—”

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