Unexpectedly, Mutually Yours

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Jackson Burke stepped off the plane. He'd been to spring training and had a few weeks to recoup before more training sessions began. There was only one thing on his mind... one person.

Mollie Carrington. The same Mollie Carrington he'd known since she was fifteen... but she was no mere girl anymore. She'd just turned eighteen. Sure, she'd just finished high school, but she was eighteen. He'd asked if she could postpone her graduation party until he got back, and she'd gladly accepted.

He'd sent her a birthday present of a dozen roses, and a white and blue sundress she'd seen when his parents came and brought her out to see him just after her graduation from high school. They'd all gone shopping together like a family.

And he'd seen Mollie's eyes catch, landing on the sundress. When she was distracted with getting ice cream, he'd run in, found her size, and purchased the dress. On her birthday, she told him she'd gotten the package but was waiting for him to watch her open it. They Skyped, and he got to watch her squeal in delight as she opened it.

The day had come, and he was pleased to find her in that sundress, hair a little shorter than he remembered, and a little blonder too. Some of it could have been from the sun... but he suspected that she'd dyed it. It suited her.

When she saw him, her blue eyes sparkled and she ran to him, letting him pick her up and twirl her around.

"Jackson! You're here."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Mollie!"

He held her close, big hands cradling her head, and finally kissing her soft, pink lips.

She kissed him back, small hand on his back, the other small hand on his other shoulder.

He was still cautious with her, not only because this was their first kiss... and the first time he'd dared be so bold in front of other people. No one really noticed though... no one except Madison.

She looked stunned, and then a little angry. When Mollie had to greet a late-comer, Madison pulled him aside.

"Jackson? What the hell are you doing here? How do you know little Mollie?"

He groaned. "We're friends. We've been friends for years. I just got back from Spring Training and I knew her grad party was today... I told her I was coming, so I did."

"Why were you kissing her? Mollie of all people?!"Madison practically spat.

"Because she's very special to me. And because I've waited a long time for her. She was worth it." Seeing the harsh, and cruel flashing in Madison's eyes; he led her to a quiet part of the house.

"Madison, I don't envy you having to drop everything and take care of your little sister when your folks checked out... but for the love of God- the resentment on your face is clear... the subtle jabs and the manipulation... guilt-tripping... I'm aware of it. And so is Mollie... Your sister is an honest, warm, intelligent young woman with a quick wit and a good heart. Yet you wonder why I'd want to kiss her?"

He walked away; Madison stunned- trying to regain her composure. By the time she probably had, he was already sitting next to Mollie on the patio with some lemonade. "Where'd you go?" she asked.

"Oh, your sister was being a pain... I had to gently, but firmly talk to her."

Mollie laughed a little. "Let me guess, she saw the kiss and she's baffled that a hot, rich, older man likes me."

"Yes."

"Because no one could ever like nerdy, clueless Mollie..." she said mirthlessly, head bowing in momentary misery.

And it was then that Jackson realized that it was good thing Mollie was going to be living on campus for college and that Madison was planning on having whichever boyfriend- the flavor of the week move in. Because it would get Mollie the hell away from her sister... and give Madison something to do.

He also realized that Mollie was tired. While she was able to carry on conversations with people, she wasn't an extremely social person.

He understood that innately because he was the same way. He looked at his phone at the time.

"Only two more hours, babe. And it will be over."

She smiled. "You know me so well."

They chatted, and he mingled with the guests- most of which knew who he was, if not why he was there.

He told a few people the bare-bones story of him and Mollie... because he didn't know them... but he suspected that they knew there was nothing obscene going on. That there was no illegal act... nothing creepy... just friendship and eventually, a chaste love...

After the party, Madison grouchily told Mollie to get the mess cleaned up.

"I have a date. Make sure you write Thank You cards to your guests..."

"Fine," Mollie said in a tone which was trying to be mature, but still came out annoyed and tired.

Probably because she was both of those things.

When Madison was gone, Jackson sighed, exasperated. Mollie gave him a look which said, this is what I deal with every freaking day!

And when she started to pick up some paper plates to throw them in a black trash bag, Jackson put a hand on her arm. "No."

Before she could protest, he took out his phone and called a cleaning service.

"Jackson, really! I could have done the cleaning... I mean, it was my party."

"I know, and that's sort of my point. You could do it, but it was your party. You should just enjoy it. And you look exhausted. Pretty, as always... but exhausted just the same."

Mollie smiled, gratefully.

He kissed the top of her head.

"Good lord, Mollie... your hair smells amazing..."

"Rose- it's the main scent in my shampoo and conditioner."

Yet another thing to love about her.

He smiled and pulled her closer. "Mollie, I know this thing with us has been a long time coming, but I want you to know that as much as I love and want you... that I'm not going to do anything you don't want... and I'm ok with taking it slow. I know our schedules are crazy and you're just starting school again... but rest assured that I'm not letting you go."

She smiled and took his hand, bringing it to her lips and kissing it. "Thank you. I'm not letting you go either."

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