8. Molly

CHAPTER 8

MOLLY

The atmosphere in the Park Avenue Bar feels stifling, the air thick with judgment and whispers. I can feel the weight of every stare and every snide glance aimed my way. Hunt and I are at our usual table, but the easy comfort I usually feel is miles away. The chatter of conversations swirls around me like a storm, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

After the waitress collects the menus with an aggressive swipe and turns on her heel, leaving a trail of disapproval in her wake, I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, blurring my vision.

I can't cry here. Not in front of him, not in front of one of the jealous women making my life a living hell. I slide out of the booth, ignoring everyone around us. Before Hunt can react, I mumble an excuse and walk quickly toward the bathroom while my vision swims with tears.

Once inside, I lock the door behind me and lean against the cool tile wall before exhaling shakily. Hot, unrestrained tears spill over, painting tracks down my cheeks. I don't sob, but silently cry the tears of the frustration and hurt I've been bottling up.

I know I shouldn't care that everyone hates me because of my relationship with him, but I can't take the angry stares anymore. The big jerks don't see the intense connection we share.

The minutes tick by, and once the tears subside, I splash cool water on my face before glancing at the mirror to see the damage. The reflection staring back at me looks tired but more composed. I take a deep breath and harden my resolve. It's time for me to pull up my big girl panties and fight for my man. I won't let their jealousy and greed dictate my happiness.

As I push open the bathroom door, I walk straight into Hunt, nearly toppling over from the force. His hands steady me, his touch grounding yet filled with concern.

"Are you okay?" As his eyes search mine, I notice the worry etched into every line of his face.

I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. "I'm sorry I ran out on you. It's just… I can't handle the way people look at us, the way they treat me. The waitress's rudeness was the last straw, and I didn't want to embarrass myself by crying in front of her and the other jerks."

His expression softens as he pulls me into his arms and holds me close. "You have nothing to fucking apologize for." Hunt shocks the heck out of me when he takes my hand and pulls me out into the main bar area.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the waitress watching with hate shining from her eyes. My heart pounds away in my chest as I resist the urge to listen to my fight-or-flight response telling me to get the heck out of this uncomfortable situation.

Before I'm able to get my feet to move, Hunt loudly proclaims, "I love you, little goddess. You're the most important thing in the world to me. Ever since the first time a big paycheck hit my account, I've had to deal with leeches wanting me for my money, but I can't get you to take a penny from me."

His declaration echoes around in my mind on a constant loop as happiness pierces my soul, and I forget about all the other people in the room watching this play out. "I love you, too. I don't want your money. I want you."

"I know." He pushes a strand of hair back behind my ear. "I can't even get you to let me pay you back for the groceries you buy for both of us." He smirks, bringing up the last little tiff we had over me paying for our groceries.

"It isn't going to break me to buy groceries." I laugh through the tears fighting to fall from my eyes.

"But it would kill me to lose you. You're the most important thing in the world to me. You want the real me while everyone else wants what they think I can give them. Those women don't see me, not the way you do. You see the real me, and that's all that matters." In front of everyone, he drops to his knees. "Please say you'll marry me and protect me from all the money-hungry gold diggers out there. I promise to make sure no one is ever mean to you again. If any of these motherfuckers even try, I'll make them pay for their mistake."

The sincerity in his voice cracks the last of my defenses, and I finally let out the breath I've been holding. Who cares if I'm not going to be the most popular woman in Silver Spoon Falls as long as I have Hunt's love? "Of course, I'll marry you." As he stands up and pulls me close to his hard body, all the patrons in the Park Avenue Bar clap loudly in appreciation for our display. My face turns bright red while the blood heats in my veins and I melt against him, hiding my face in his neck.

"Thank God," he growls before leaning down to whisper in my ear. "Why don't we head back to our place and celebrate?"

"I love the way you think." I smile up at him, making sure he can see all my love for him shining from my eyes.