Popcorn fell from her shirt, and several kernels landed in his lap, drawing her attention to his . . . situation.

She snorted out a laugh.

“Hey, now. You started this,” he said, scooping up the popcorn and dumping it into the bowl.

“I did. Unfortunately, we can’t finish it. Not here, anyway.”

“Yeah. That part sucks.”

With a reluctant sigh, she stood.

They picked up all the popcorn, including the pieces inside their shirts, which made each of them laugh. She took the bowl into the kitchen and dumped the contents into the trash and washed her hands.

“I think it’s time I left,” Carter said, placing his hands on either side of her hips where she rested against the kitchen counter. “Before we get in trouble again.”

She sighed. “It’s like being a teenager again. Living with my parents. Having to be quiet at night after they go to bed.”

“Not being able to have sex whenever you want to?” Carter added.

“Yes. Exactly that. Only I’m not seventeen anymore. And I’ve been independent for years, so this living at home thing is hard for me.”

He smoothed his hand over her hair. “I can’t even imagine what it must be like for you. I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “I’m here for my mom, and it’s temporary. It’s not like I’m suffering or anything.”

“Well, I’m suffering right now because of you.”

He looked down, and so did she. She laughed. “I think you’ll survive.”

“I don’t know. I might die from this.”

“Hardly.” She pressed on his chest. “Time for you to go.”

He cocked a grin, then pushed off the counter. She walked him to the front door, then stepped outside, lightly shutting the door behind her.

“Thanks for stopping by tonight, and helping me with the pumpkins.”

“Thanks for the popcorn.”

“Yes. I need to take a shower now and wash all the buttered popcorn and kernels off my body.”

He grabbed her shirt and pulled her closer. “Think how much more fun that would be if I were in the shower with you?”

“You are not helping my dilemma.”

“Hey, if I have to suffer, so do you.” He tipped her chin, then brushed his lips across hers.

She sighed into his salty, buttery-tasting kiss, then sagged against him, not wanting him to go, but having no other choice.

When he pulled away, his eyes were filled with the same regret.

“I’m going to think about you tonight when I’m taking my shower.”

Her body trembled. “You do that. And I’ll do the same.”

His lips quirked into a half smile. “Good night, Molly.”

“See you later, Carter.”

She headed into the house and turned off all the lights, then went into the bathroom. She pulled off her shirt, and there, nestled between her breasts, was a piece of popcorn.

She couldn’t help but laugh.

Chapter 19

“I’M SO GLAD we have some time together,” Emma said as they strolled through the mall.

“Me, too.” Molly had invited Emma to go shopping with her tonight so they could have some sister time. She’d been so wrapped up with Mom and Carter, and with Emma being off on her honeymoon that she hadn’t spent enough time with her sister. The only way to do that was to force the time together.

There was a football game on, so Luke brought the dogs over, and he and Molly’s dad were spending the evening together watching football—one of Mom’s favorite sports—and having pizza, keeping their mother company.

Mom said she was sad not to be able to go shopping with her and Emma, since shopping was another of Mom’s favorite sports.

“Maybe we should pick up something for Mom while we’re out,” Emma said. “Maybe a new pair of pajamas?”

“I like that idea.” She linked her arm with Emma’s and they headed to one of the stores, bickering with each other over which pair of pajamas their mother would like best. They finally settled on a cute lime green set they both agreed Mom would love. Emma bought a pair of cognac-colored boots, and when they passed the lingerie store, Molly paused at the window as something caught her eye.

“Really?” Emma asked, cocking a brow. “That’s uh . . . wow, Molls.”

“I know, ridiculous, right? I shouldn’t.” She started to walk away, but Emma grabbed her arm.

“Oh, I think you should, as long as you tell me all about you and Carter.”

“How do you know I want that outfit for a guy? And why would you think it was Carter?”

Emma laughed. “Honey, no woman buys a getup like that just for herself. That’s an outfit a man takes off of you. And as far as it being Carter? Please. I’m not blind.”

Leave it to her sister to read signals like they were a flashing beacon. “Okay, you’re right.”

Emma stood there, arms crossed. “So? Are we getting the outfit?”

“We are not getting the outfit. I’m pondering the ridiculousness of why I’m even considering it.”

“Why is it ridiculous? It’s sexy. He’ll go crazy seeing you in it.”

“We’re not even dating.”

“Dating is an antiquated word, at least according to Chelsea. And besides, you stopped at the window, and you thought about Carter when you saw the outfit, didn’t you?”