When You Dare - Lori Foster [73]
She’d accepted that as a natural way for men.
Did Dare hold back because he wanted to be rid of her, even though they didn’t yet know the one responsible for her abduction? Maybe, to his mind, sex would complicate things and in some way obligate him.
Too many unanswered questions made Molly’s head ache.
When she heard Chris in the kitchen, she saved her file and went downstairs, hoping for some insight into Dare’s personality.
Chris stood at the sink, staring out the kitchen window. Dressed in worn jeans and a faded sweatshirt with running shoes, he looked comfortable and handsome. She imagined he got plenty of attention wherever he went.
AS SHE CAME THROUGH the doorway, Chris glanced over his shoulder at her, and his expression warmed. “Hey.”
“Good morning.”
“Thanks for making the coffee.” He looked her over, but then turned to stare out the window again.
What was that about? Molly looked down at herself but saw nothing amiss. “I almost drank it all, too, so maybe you shouldn’t thank me.”
Holding up a mug, he showed her that he’d already gotten his, and he had another pot brewing for Dare. “Dare likes it stronger.” Leaning against the counter, he nodded toward the window and said, “Did you see this?”
“What?”
“The sun rising over the lake.” He beckoned her forward. “Come here. I think you’ll like this.” And then, more to himself than her, “Somehow coffee tastes better with such an amazing background.”
Intrigued, Molly walked over to the window, too. She bumped shoulders with Chris as she peered out, and her creative soul soaked in the sight.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” From this distance, higher up the sloping landscape, she could see through the trees to the dock and boathouse, and beyond. Wisps of fog, mysterious and magical, floated up from the glassy surface of the calm lake. In select, glistening places, the sunshine cut through and reflected back on itself. “It’s almost breathtaking.”
Chris looked down at her. “Inspiring, huh?”
“I’ll say.”
“Looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous day.” He headed to the bar with a bowl of cold cereal. “Soon as I’m done with my breakfast, I’ll be driving into town to pick up your new clothes.”
Reluctantly, Molly turned away from the scenery. “They’re in?”
“Got an email confirming delivery.” His gaze never wavered from her, and when he realized he was staring, he asked abruptly, “Cereal?”
“Oh, sure.” Not understanding him, Molly went for a bowl and spoon.
“Dare will cook something hardier when he’s done downstairs, but don’t hold your breath. He’s beating the heavy bag pretty hard today.” Expression enigmatic, Chris said, “Can’t imagine what has him so worked up.”
“Cereal is fine.” Molly frowned as she joined him at the bar. Trying to sound cavalier, she said, “You say Dare’s worked up?”
Chris blinked at her. “You couldn’t tell?”
“I barely saw him this morning. Within minutes of being awake, he was dressed and off jogging.”
“Mmm.” Chris coughed. “Well, all I can say is that Dare often takes out his frustrations in the basement. It’s always best to leave him to it.”
Was Dare annoyed with her and exerting energy because of it? Trying to sidle in on that possibility, Molly said, “I think we might be going back to my place today.”
“Yeah, he told me.” Chris shoveled in a heaping spoonful of cereal.
Molly went blank. “He told you?”
Chris nodded.
Affronted, Molly sat back in her chair. So, Dare had shared his intentions with Chris, but not with her? “When?”
“Last night, before he joined you down on the dock.” Catching on to her mood, he explained, “He told me so that I could pack for him and get the travel plans all set up.”
She felt cantankerous enough to say, “You shoot up I-75—not much to plan, is there?”
“Unless you’re Dare. Remember what I told you? He likes to arrange for every