Still hopeful she might be able to get a little bit of sleep that morning, Molly plastered on the fakest of fake smiles. “Thanks for letting us know. It was very…helpful of you.” He didn’t move, and it got harder for her to hold her attempt at a polite expression. “We don’t want to keep you from your very early morning activities, so thanks again.” Still, he didn’t shift toward the door, and she seriously debated giving him a firm shove. The only reason she resisted was because she doubted it would have any effect. It was almost impossible to force a mountain into motion if he didn’t want to go anywhere.

The silence dragged out, and even her sisters—who usually wouldn’t stop talking long enough for her to hear herself think—didn’t say a word. The awkward tension reached a painful intensity, but Molly refused to say one more thing. This was all on John now.

Finally—finally—he spoke. “Save my number.”

“Sure.” Her quick agreement must’ve made him suspicious about her sincerity, because he tipped his head down and to the side slightly, as if to study her in the haughtiest way possible. John was such a weird mix of irreverent and arrogant. His mercurial personality kept her constantly off guard, as she never knew what his reaction would be. Her usual ability to come up with four different contingency plans on the spot often failed when she was dealing with John—although her trick with Warrant had worked rather splendidly. Leaning to the side to peer around his bulk, she looked at Cara, who still stood between John and the door. Catching her sister’s attention, Molly widened her eyes in a wordless plea.

Although she smirked slightly, Cara stepped up to help as she always did. “We appreciate you letting us know about Mom. Did you want some water or anything before you leave?”

No! Molly narrowed her eyes, shooting mental lasers and an abort mission! psychic warning that Cara either completely misinterpreted or ignored. By the tiny smile on her sister’s face, Molly was pretty sure it was the latter. Most of the time, Cara was as sweet as a soon-to-be kindergarten teacher should be, but her devilish streak popped out occasionally—usually at the worst possible times.

As he looked back and forth between Molly and Cara, John’s mouth flattened from irritation—or an attempt to hold back a smile. It irked Molly that she couldn’t read him like she could most people. “No, but thanks for offering.” His words felt pointed as he directed his gaze toward Molly, but she just shrugged. If he wanted her to give him refreshments, then he should show up at a decent hour—with a less cranky attitude.

“I’ll get the door for you, then.” Cara moved through the living room toward the front entry. After a final piercing look from John, which Molly met with a blandly polite smile of her own, he followed Cara to the door.

They stood quietly as the door closed behind him and Cara engaged the lock. Only after the low rumble of his car engine faded did someone speak.