When You Dare - Lori Foster [118]
“Good.” Jett cupped her neck and drew her face to his. “Because you can take my word for it—you’re beautiful.”
Molly watched them share a kiss, and she smiled at Dare. He could almost read her thoughts and see the wistfulness in her expression. She was happy for her sister, but did she want the same for herself?
When he didn’t return her smile, she sighed and shook her head at him, as if he were a lost cause.
Was that how she saw him?
Rubbing the back of his neck didn’t really ease his sudden tension. “What about your stepmother? You said she takes off in the morning, too? To do what?”
Molly picked a piece of pepperoni off her pizza. “Kathi stays involved in a lot of stuff. Tennis, swimming, aerobics and a whole slew of fundraisers and public projects. She stays busy, but she always sets things up around Dad’s schedule.”
Nodding, Natalie added, “Because God knows he doesn’t try to accommodate her.”
“Most times,” Molly said, “he barely acknowledges her. I don’t know why she puts up with him, if you want the truth.”
“I wouldn’t,” Natalie said. “But for Kathi, I guess it’s a trade-off. She likes the prestige of Dad’s wealth. The fancy parties with the upper crust of society. The respect and…” She searched for the right word.
“Power,” Molly supplied. “Dad has a certain level of authority, and they both know it.”
Dare twisted to look at the clock on the kitchen wall. “How early are you talking?”
Following his gaze, Natalie, too, checked the clock. “You’ve probably got three and a half hours. They’re always up by six and out of the house by seven-thirty. You can call on them anytime in between that and catch them at home. After that it’s a guessing game. They both stay überbusy with stuff.”
“Thanks.” That would give him some time. He watched Molly take her pizza apart, eating the pepperoni ahead of the rest. She had feminine hands, despite the short nails. She licked pizza sauce off the tip of one finger, and everything in him clenched in need.
He wanted her again, bad. Soon as he got her sister and Jett out the door, he’d work that out.
With that end goal in mind, he sent a pointed look at Jett. “If you’re done eating…”
“Dare.” Sounding stern, Molly admonished him. “Don’t be so rude.”
“Not a problem.” Jett stood, bringing Natalie to her feet with him. “We should get going anyway. And I’m sure you two have plans to make.”
Natalie wavered. “I don’t understand why you want to visit Dad and Kathi.”
“You said it yourself.” Jett put an arm around her. “Your dad has influence, so he probably has connections that’ll assist their inquiries.” Over Natalie’s head, he gave one small negative shake at Dare.
Both Dare and Molly understood: Natalie didn’t need to know that her father might be complicit in Molly’s kidnapping. She was in love, looking toward a bright future. No reason to drop a black reality on her right now.
“I guess.” The strain of exhaustion and worry showed on Natalie’s face. “But I really hate to let you out of my sight. I’m so afraid you’ll disappear on me again.”
“I promise that I won’t.” Molly hugged her sister tight. “Go home and try to get some sleep now. I’m safe, and I’m going to stay safe.”
As if she sensed how things would soon be changing, Natalie lingered in the hug. “We have so much to talk about.”
“I know.” Showing that inner strength that Dare admired so much, Molly smiled when Natalie finally released her. “I’ll call you later, when I can.” In a stage whisper meant to tease, she added, “I’m dying to hear all the details about your and Jett’s whirlwind romance.”
“Ditto,” Natalie told her. She gave a pointed look at Dare. “I think your story is going to be far more riveting.”
“Makes sense,” Jett said. “She is a writer, after all.”
Jett had the nonchalant air of a man who knew his ability, so wasn’t threatened by much. Dare only hoped the attitude was warranted. “All joking aside, you two need to be careful. I don’t think there’s any direct threat to Natalie, but we know that the apartment was being watched, so someone could