Page 73 of Not Dating Material

Chapter 19

SEVEN

There are a few things that the Bertha Boys have always done that mean a lot to me. Our Monopoly Mondays. The monthly taco hunt. And how, in summer, we take a trip to Ocean Shores and spend the day getting fried by the sun and cooling off in the ocean. Only this year, Elle has invited herself along and booked us a beachfront cabin for the weekend.

I’m not about to complain about that kind of luxury.

I stretch out on one of the sun loungers on the deck, marveling at the view of the wide, blue ocean. Rush is inside, on the phone, and Xander, Madden, Gabe, and Elle all headed down for a swim an hour ago. Between that and relaxing by myself with a cocktail full of fruit that Molly made me, it was an easy choice.

Only he disappeared right after that, and I haven’t seen him since.

Considering I’d planned to relax, that shouldn’t be something I’m even thinking about, but not knowing where he is doesn’t sit right with me. I’m not someone who gets attached easily, but Molly and me, we have that something. That something that makes our conversations flow and the comfort I feel around him deep. I miss Gabe not living with us, I miss Christian now he’s been away for most of the year, but while I consider them my brothers, just like I do Rush and Madden, the connection I have with them is nothing like the fast one I’ve built with Molly.

I turn in the chair and strain my eyes to see inside, but the only person I can make out is the back of Rush’s head from where he’s sitting on the couch. Molly isn’t in there. And I’m pretty sure he didn’t go to the beach with the others. I’m hit with the unsettling thought that he’s sitting in his room by himself. That won’t do at all.

I jump up and head inside, then veer off down the hall. The house is enormous, but Molly’s room is two down from mine, and when I knock on the door, he immediately calls out for me to come in.

I push open the door and stare at where he’s sitting on his bed, knees hugged to his chest.

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting.”

“Yeah, I see that. Why are you sitting alone inside?”

He hesitates for a second before shrugging. “I didn’t want to go to the beach.”

“And you’re too cool for my company?”

He laughs. “Actually, I didn’t want you to think I was smothering you.”

And even though he says it lightly, it strangles my heart. “You think I wouldn’t tell you if that was the case?” I mean for it to come out supportive, but this off feeling tells me I’ve missed the mark. I’m not sure what else to say to that though. Giving people comfort isn’t something I’m great at, but even though he relaxes, I want my words to do more than that.

“True. I can always count on you for honesty.”

I frown and cross to where his swim trunks are on the floor, then pick them up and toss them at him. “Get changed and come sit with me.”

“Okay, but do you want me to sit with you because you miss my company or you feel sorry for me?”

“Miss your company? I saw you an hour ago.” The way his face falls makes me cringe, and I hurry to fix it. “I don’t have to miss you to want to spend time together.”

And apparently, I’ve finally hit the mark because Molly gosh darn beams. His smile is so bright it lights me up inside.

“Yeah, yeah,” I say, brushing his reaction off. “Just get changed and get your butt out here.”

Before I can walk away, he strips off his shirt, then jumps up from the bed, turns his back, and drops his shorts.

My gut flips over itself at the sight of all of Molly’s bare skin. I forget the fact I should probably look away. I forget the fact I told myself one and done. I forget the fact I’m not supposed to be thinking of him in all the ways he’s currently filling my head.

Molly glances back over his shoulder as he leans forward and pulls on his swim shorts. “I knew you’d be checking me out.”

I quickly look away. “Sorry.”

“I wouldn’t have taken my clothes off in front of you if I didn’t want you to enjoy the view.”

“You’re going to get me into trouble.”

Molly sighs, long and wistful. “If only.”

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