Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 11

Eleven

EVAN

I glance at my watch for the hundredth time, my leg bouncing nervously as I sit on the edge of my bed. 5:45 PM. In just fifteen minutes, I'll be picking up Molly for our first real date, and I'm equal parts excited and terrified. I’m also grateful Paul and Seth agreed to manage the farm tonight. I’ll remember their kindness when it’s time for a Christmas bonus.

Standing up, I check my reflection in the mirror one last time, running my fingers over stubble free face. I've traded in my usual flannel and work boots for a nice blue button-down and a pair of dark jeans. I even broke out the good leather boots, the ones I usually save for special occasions. And let's be real, a date with Molly? Definitely qualifies as special.

Grabbing my coat and keys, I head out to my truck with a spring in my step. The air is brisk, with a woodsy scent drifting on the breeze. As I drive through the quiet streets of Benton Falls, I can’t stop myself from thinking about how much has changed in the past couple of weeks.

Not too long ago, I was just going through the motions, working on the farm and dreaming of a life somewhere else. But then Molly and Chad came along, and suddenly, everything was different. Suddenly, I had a reason to stick around, to put down roots and build something real.

I pull up outside Molly's house, taking a deep breath before I climb out of the truck. I walk up to the front door, my heart pounding in my chest as I knock. I hear footsteps, and then the door swings open, revealing Molly.

And dang, she looks incredible.

Her chestnut hair is falling in soft waves around her face, and she's wearing this camel colored sweater dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. She's got on a pair of black leggings and knee-high boots, and I swear, her legs go on for miles.

"Wow," I breathe, trying to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. "You look amazing."

Molly blushes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself." Her fingers brush along my smooth jawline as her smile widens. “I like it.”

“Good,” I grin, offering her my arm. "Shall we?"

She nods, grabbing her coat and purse. "Let's go. I just dropped Chad off at Mrs. Henderson's. He's been begging to play with her cat all week."

I chuckle as I help her into the truck. "That kid sure loves animals."

"He really does," Molly agrees, buckling her seatbelt. "I think it's sweet. He's got such a big heart."

I nod, pulling out onto the road. "Just like his mom."

Molly ducks her head, but I can see the smile on her face. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you, Evan Lawson?"

"Only with you," I reply, giving her a wink. "I guess you just bring out the best in me."

She laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. "Well, I could say the same about you. I haven't felt this happy, this excited about the future, in a long time."

I reach over, taking her hand in mine. "Me neither, Molly. You and Chad... you've given me something to look forward to. It means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me."

Molly bites her lip and I’m worried I’ve said too much, but when I look into her eyes, all I see is joy shining back at me.

We chat easily as I drive, talking about our days and swapping stories. It's comfortable, natural, like we've been doing this for years instead of just a few short weeks.

When we pull up to the rear entrance of Casa Ramirez, the parking lot is packed. I guess everyone in town had the same idea for date night. We make our way inside; the hostess leading us to a cozy table in the corner.

As we sit down, I take a moment to just look at Molly, to drink in the sight of her in the soft glow of the pendant lights. She's radiant, her skin smooth and golden, her eyes bright and warm. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world, getting to be here with her.

"I'm really glad we're doing this," I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I've been looking forward to tonight ever since last night.”

Molly smiles, her fingers lacing with mine. "Me too. I kept catching myself daydreaming at work, counting down the hours until I could see you again."

I grin, feeling a rush of warmth in my chest. "Well, now you've got me for the whole night. Think you can handle it?"

She laughs, giving my hand a squeeze. "Oh, I think I'm up for the challenge. Bring it on, Lawson."

We order a bunch of food—sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, tangy salsa—and dig in, talking and laughing between bites. Molly tells me about the crazy customers she had at the diner today, and I share some stories about the families who came to the farm looking for the perfect Christmas tree.

"I love watching you with the kids," Molly says, her eyes soft. "You're so good with them, so patient and kind. It's one of the things I admire most about you."

I feel my cheeks heat at the compliment. "Thanks, Molly. That means a lot coming from you. Seeing the way you are with Chad, the love and devotion you have for him... it's incredible. He's lucky to have you."

"We're lucky to have each other," she says, her voice catching a little. "And now, we're pretty lucky to have you, too."

I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Trust me, Molly, I'm the lucky one.”

Molly's eyes shine with emotion, and she leans across the table, her face inches from mine. "Evan, I... I know we haven't known each other long, but this feels right…right?”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah, it feels right.”

And then I'm leaning in, my hand coming up to cup her cheek, my thumb brushing over the soft skin. Molly's eyes flutter closed, and I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to hers in a gentle kiss.

It's perfect. Molly's lips are soft and sweet, and she sighs into the kiss as I savor the feel of her mouth on mine. My heart thumps in my chest, reaffirming how amazing this moment is.

When we break apart, we're both breathless and grinning like idiots. "Wow," I murmur, resting my forehead against hers. "That was..."

"Amazing," Molly finishes, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Definitely worth repeating."

I laugh, stealing another quick kiss. "Definitely. But maybe we should wait until we're not in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Don't want to give the other diners a show."

Molly giggles, sitting back in her chair. "Good point. We should probably head out, anyway. I told Mrs. Henderson I'd pick up Chad by ten."

I nod, signaling for the check. As we walk out to the truck, I can't keep the stupid grin off my face. I just kissed Molly Bennett. I just had the best first date of my life. And from the way she's smiling at me, I think she feels the same way.

Driving home, the conversation flows easily between us. When I pull up outside her house, I hop out to open her door, walking her up to the front porch.

"I had an incredible time tonight," Molly says, her eyes locked on mine. "Thank you for making it so special."

I shake my head, taking her hands in mine. "I'm the one who should be thanking you, Molly. For giving me another chance, for being so amazing... for everything.”

She smiles, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my lips. "You’re pretty amazing yourself,” she whispers, her breath warm against my lips.

And then we're kissing again, our bodies melting together as if they were made for each other. Molly's arms wind around my neck, her fingers threading through my hair as she pulls me closer. I wrap my arms around her waist, savoring the feel of her curves pressed against me.

The kiss is deep and passionate, filled with all the pent-up desire and affection we've been holding back all night. Molly's lips are soft and pliant beneath mine, her tongue tangling with my own in a dance that sets my blood on fire.

I lose track of time, lost in the taste and feel of her, in the little sighs and moans that escape her throat. It's only when my lungs burn that we finally pull back, both of us flushed and panting.

"Not that’s how you say goodbye," Molly says breathlessly, her eyes dark and heavy-lidded.

I nod, reluctantly loosening my hold on her. “Not goodbye, just goodnight.”

Suddenly, I’m very aware of how much this woman means to me.

Molly laughs, pressing one last soft kiss to my lips before stepping back. "Just goodnight then. I'll see you soon?"

"Count on it," I reply, my heart soaring at the promise in her words. "Sweet dreams, Molly."

She smiles, and then she's gone, fading into the warmth and light of her home. I stand there for a moment, grinning like a fool, before heading back to my truck.

As I drive away, my mind replays every moment of the night, from the laughter and conversation to the toe-curling kisses on Molly's front porch. And I know, with a certainty that thrills me to my core, that this is just the beginning of something truly special.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.