Page 8 of Rekindled

Molly’s face flamed pink from the praise while her body felt a jolt of electricity from where his hand touched hers. She had no idea it would feel so good to have Spencer touch her.

Her eyes flickered up to meet his as she whispered, “You’re welcome.”

“Do you want to go for a drive after this?” he asked, as he leaned closer across the table.

Molly licked her lips as she contemplated her answer. Part of her wanted to go with him, but the other part was afraid of where they might end up, and what they would do once they got there. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to let Spencer Conrad in.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I have to get up early for choir practice tomorrow.”

“That sounds like an excuse,” he said, as he reached out and rubbed his thumb along the edge of her cheek. “But not a very good one. I can get you back before your curfew.”

She wasn’t sure what came over her, but as she looked deep into his mesmerizing blue eyes, she heard herself saying, “Sure, I guess it couldn’t hurt to go for a little while.”

As they gathered their belongings up and headed towards Spencer’s Chevy Camaro, she could feel the anticipation building inside her. Once they were alone, would he try to kiss her? If he did, would she let him? And if they did kiss, would it be everything she secretly imagined since the first time she sat across from him in the library?

Was tonight the night she was finally going to let herself admit she wanted to be with Spencer Conrad?

Loud clapping forced Molly to return to the present. Spencer was closing up the second book as he said, “Thanks for having me. I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait to come back and do it again sometime soon.”

He flashed his smile to the crowd as he stood up to leave. She could tell from the reaction of the women present, it still had the same affect it did ten years ago.

Molly was going to have to watch herself around him. If she had listened to her instincts back when she was young instead of giving into his charming smile and perfect dimples, she wouldn’t have gotten hurt. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.

* * *

Just as Spencerwas about to exit the reading area of the library, he stopped moving and froze in place. His pulse quickened as he locked eyes with Molly Price.

How long had she been there? He had been so focused on making sure the children had an enjoyable time, he hadn’t focused on any of the adults present.

Spencer walked towards her, hoping she wouldn’t disappear like a mirage. He had imagined this moment for years, praying he would get the opportunity to tell her how sorry he was for what happened between them a decade ago.

“Hi there, Molly,” he said as he came to a halt in front of her. Looking around, he asked with curiosity, “What are you doing here?”

“I had to do some research for a story I’m working on.”

“Well, it’s good to see you,” he said, trying to muster his most charming smile.

She stood up and crossed her arms. “Is it? I’m not sure I would say the same.”

“You have every right to feel that way,” Spencer conceded. “I’m sure I would if the roles were reversed.”

“But they aren’t. They never were, and you knew it. You used my naiveté to your advantage, but let me warn you, I’m not that same silly girl who was blinded by your good looks and charms. I know who you are—who you really are—Spencer Conrad.”

He nodded his head. “I can understand why you would think that, but honestly, Molly, I really did care for you. I was just too stupid and scared back then to put you first.”

“You were never stupid, Spencer, and I doubt you were ever scared.” She gestured towards his suit and tie, “And if what you are saying is true, I can see you managed to overcome both of your ‘shortcomings’.”

“That’s in large part due to you. If you hadn’t helped me get my grades up, I never would have gotten into college. I owe you so much.”

“Well, I’m glad it worked out for you,” she said, starting to turn away from him. Then she stopped and swiveled back around. “Actually, that’s not true. I’m not glad. What you did to me, what you let happen to me, was despicable. I deserved better, and it should have been you that was publically shamed for how you behaved. Instead, I ended up having to leave town disgraced while you got to stay the golden boy.”

“You’re right. What happened to you was horrible; I was horrible. I couldn’t see past my own selfishness to keep you from getting hurt.” He fought the urge to reach out and touch her as he added, “I’m truly sorry for everything I did back then.”

Molly pressed her lips together as she looked him. “I appreciate your apology, but it doesn’t change what happened.”

“It doesn’t. I can’t erase or undo the damage I caused, but I want you to know, I’m a different person now. I’ve changed, and a huge part of that was reconciling the poor choices I made back in high school.”

“Well, you’re not the only one who has changed. I’m not the same fragile girl you broke back in high school. I’ve healed, moved on, and managed to make something of myself.”

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