A/N: Sorry for the late update, but I've been working hard for the money. LOL. Anywho, things are starting to slow down around here. Thank you all for being so great!

Chapter 09
Interesting Night

Today was dragging by so slowly. The last couple of days had gone by fairly quickly but not today, oh no. Why? Because tonight Jacob and I were going on our first official date.

To say I was a little excited was definitely the understatement of the year. My anxiety had kicked in about an hour and a half ago, and it was slowly ticking down to my time to leave.

The last few nights we've hung out at the lake, just getting to know each other. Slow was definitely working for us. Just hanging out and having a good time. You can't go wrong with that, can you? Nope, I don't think so.

Our first kiss was a bit sudden, but I really can't blame myself. Jacob is hot as al get out and I don't just say that because he's my boyfriend.

I think my insides just melted.

That's right, my boyfriend. I really like the sound of that. Jacob is my boyfriend. I think I could repeat that a million times over and it wouldn't get old.

I was literally on cloud nine when I was knocked back down to Earth. The last person I had expected to see here, today, just walked through the door. Groaning internally I fond myself trying to look busy and with my back to the door I prayed that he would ignore the fact that I existed, just like he had for the last couple of years.

"Molly," He had a smile in his voice.

Was he mental? Did he honestly think he could waltz back in to my life and expect everything to fall in to place? No way.

I dared to look in his general direction, over my shoulder. I'll give him credit where credit is due. He looked good, real good, but that still didn't change my mind about where we stood.

"What do you want, Donovan?" I questioned trying to sound overly annoyed; I really hoped that it was working.

"I was going to grab a bite to eat after work, and maybe go see a flick. I was wondering if maybe you'd wanna go with me?"

He looked adorable right now, half-asking—half-begging me to go with him. I never thought that I'd see the day where Donovan was asking me out—again. Maybe a week ago I might have been swayed by his charming good looks and his suave intellect, but not today. Nope. Not going to happen, buddy.

"Sorry Donovan, I've already got a date tonight." I replied.

He looked at me a bit stunned, and then his look turned to a more confused expression, "Oh yeah, with who?"

"My boyfriend,"

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen him look dumber. He is just staring at me like I'm speaking in tongue. Did I really date this piece of work? I plead the fifth.

"Boyfriend?" He finally questioned shaking his head.

I confirmed his inquiry and he just started at me. Was it so hard to believe that I could have a boyfriend? That I could move on from him? It's been long enough, that's for sure.

"Who are you dating?"

That question surprised me. I stared at him hard and shook my head glancing at the time, "I don't see how that's any of your business." I untied my apron, I was so glad that it was time to get off, but Jacob would be here any minute to pick me up.

I slid out from behind the bar, waving my hand to Mr. Green who was manning The Bean for the remainder of the night. He smiled in return and I headed for the door—ignoring Donovan.

"Molly," He grabbed my forearm and stopped me in my tracks.

I was about to say something, but the sound of a low growl stopped me. I turned to see my boyfriend looming in the doorway, all 6'7 of him. I hadn't even noticed Jacob come through the front doors.

"Is there a problem?" He asked curtly, his voice deep and husky.

"I was just about to meet you," I replied glancing at Donovan, hoping that he wouldn't say anything he'd regret.

Donovan scoffed letting go of my arm. He stared at Jacob for a few hard seconds before he spoke, "Don't tell me you're actually dating this guy," His lips pursed together.

"And if I am?" I pressed stepping closer to Jacob.

"You're making a big mistake, Mols"

I snickered, "I made the mistake saying 'Yes' to you the first time around," I pointed out letting my hand slip in to Jacob's much larger one. He seemed to visibly relax at the contact and I smiled.

I wasn't going to make that mistake again either.

Jacob pulled me closer to his body as we exited The Bean; I glanced up at him trying to read his expression. I had been trying to learn Jacob's facial expressions because he was so good at reading mine. He still looked pretty ticked off, but was slightly content at the same time.

"I'm sorry about him," I apologized.

"Don't be," He grinned down at me.

"He can really be a jerk,"

"I can see that," H laughed a bit taking out the keys to my car. "Ready for tonight?"

"I need to shower and change and…"

He cut me off, "I get it…" He shook his head. "I'll take you home so you can be all girly and get ready…"

"I wouldn't call it girly," I protested.

"Oh really," He lifted an eyebrow at me. "What would you call it?"

He opened the door for me as I tired to rack my brain for a good term to use. But I couldn't find a word to describe what I would call it. He was right. I was going home to get all gussied up and that was such a girly thing to do.

"I guess you're right," I muttered as he slipped in next to me.

"See," He winked at me as he cranked up my car. "I was right."

"Alright, I'll let you have that one…" I offered with a smirk.

"What time do you want to leave?"

"Seven?"

"Sure, I'll be here at six fifty nine,"

"Sounds perfect,"

Jacob dropped me off at my house and I ran in to get ready. I had been lending him my car because he didn't have a ride of his own, at least in Colorado. I was confused as to how he got here in the first place, but I didn't want to ask too many questions. Besides, I offered him the car, I liked being able to see him every day.

It almost felt needed. Like I couldn't go a day without seeing him. As if it might damage me in someway if he didn't show that handsome face of his around my house or work. It was a bizarre thought, but it felt real.

I walked up to my room and turned on my cell phone. I had two missed calls and three text messages; one call from Rory and two texts, one call from my mother, and a text from my dad. I felt loved.

I called Rory back and clued her in on life in Colorado since she had been gone. I let it slip about Jacob and Donovan and our date. I don't think that I've ever heard my best friend squeal, but she did. Right in my ear.

"I bet Donovan went home and cried," I laughed at her, "Seriously Mols, and you sound pretty in to this Jacob character…"

I felt my cheeks burn, "You could say that, I guess…" I couldn't fight off the smile in my voice. "I should get ready. He's very punctual for a boy. I'll text you later, ok?"

After hanging up with Rory, I called my mother. I knew I'd be on the phone with her for awhile, so I had to let the cat out of the bag early or I wouldn't be bale to leave the house for my date. She would talk me ear off for the rest of the night.

"Oh my goodness! My Molly on a date?" She gushed. "That's such great news baby! What's his name? What's he like? How old is he? Does he go to school? Where does he live?"

I knew exactly what I was getting myself in to. Twenty questions and counting. I answered as many questions as I could before she drove me nuts. She gave her opinion on Jacob being younger than me. She liked our idea of taking things slow.

I pried myself away from the phone, slipped it on to its charger and ran to the shower. At this rate, Jacob was going to be here before I was dressed.

I think I showered in record time. Now I was stuck on what to wear. We were grabbing some food and going to a movie, keeping it low key for a first date. I settled on a pair of faded blue jeans and a simple tank top and flip flops. If I knew Jacob like I know I do he'd be dressed casually too.

I was touching up my make-up when there was a knock at the door. I quickly gave myself a once over before letting Jacob in. Opening the large door I found a cleaned up version of my boyfriend on the other side.

His dark brown, almost black hair, was pulled back at the nape of his neck. A pair of brand new khaki pants adorned his incredibly long legs. A white button up shirt set off his amazing complexion. I think he looks better than I do.

I felt slightly under-dressed and voiced my worry to my very dapper looking boyfriend. He grinned and shook his head.

"You look great, don't change," Was his response.

He leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss.

He looked around, "Your dad not home?"

"No, he's working the graveyard shift this week…"

"Oh," He looked down at me. "Are you hiding him?"

"From what?"

"Me,"

I laughed. I never thought I'd meet someone so eager to meet my father. It was a bit surprising, actually.

"No, he just works late. Don't worry you'll meet him."

"I'm holding you to that." He pointed at me with a grin on his face. "Ready to go?"

I nodded my head, excited about our first date. I grabbed his hand and locked up the house. This was bound to be an interesting night.

R E V I E W -- Because I miss you guys!