Free Letters From Al by Kathleen Pieper Page B

arms encircled her. Holding her so easily, he hadn't realized how he'd ached to have her in his arms. The clock turned back and they were both fifteen again and in the throes of first love. He rested his head on her soft, hair that smelled of strawberries, remembering his fifteen year-old heartache when she left.
    By the time Maddy realized what was happening it was too late. She couldn't remember the last time Larry, or anyone had held her so tenderly, so protectively. It made her uneasy to rely on someone she’d just met, but she had to admit it felt good.
    She burrowed against his shoulder not wanting him to see her so vulnerable. This was now, not then, not junior high again. Did he just kiss her hair, or had she imagined that? It felt so good to relax, the last tear trickled down her cheek and she leaned into the khaki uniform with an ease that surprised her.
    Putting her hands against his broad chest, she shook her head, an apology on her lips.
    "I want you to know I don't usually fall apart like this. I don't know what got into me. I'm sorry."
    "Don't be. We all have feelings. It's best not to ignore them." Alec murmured right back at her. "We have to handle them the best way we can." His voice was deep with emotion, a sensual hunger in his indigo blue eyes that had Maddy's heart stirring along with his. Bending his head slowly to kiss her, he caught himself and merely rested his stubbly cheek on hers.
    Expelling a big sigh, Alec was content to just hold Maddy and comfort her. Oh, how he wanted to kiss her. He could see she needed time to forgive herself for whatever wrongs she felt she had committed. In his estimation, the guilt of not being here for her aunt was serious for her, but hardly fair. His gentle nudge brought her attention back to the present, back to him.
    "Yes, but before you do, Alec, thank you." She smiled through tear-stained lashes.
    "I had to do that." He whispered, his eyes smoldering.
    "Now come on, before we get in over our heads around here. And right in front of your aunt, too."
    "Hey, would you like to get a cold drink or something? It's mighty hot out here." Fanning himself with his hat he took her elbow and guided her through the soft, lumpy grass around the headstones.
    She got into her car and he shut the door, resting his arms on the open window close to her face. "How about we get some lunch over at the Trucker's Heaven?"
    "I've got a better idea. Why don't we go back to my aunt's? I mean the house, my house, and I'll make us something to eat. I don't feel like being out among people right now."
    Eyes bright, he nodded in agreement.
    "Sounds good, have you got stuff for sandwiches?"
    "Gosh, I forgot, there's not much to fix at my place, haven't been to the grocery store yet. I've got Aunt Polly's coffeecake," she offered. "That's dessert anyway."
    "No problem. Tell you what, I'll run through the fast food drive in and meet you there. Burgers and fries?"
    "And a malt, I love my malts."
    "Chocolate, if I recall. Some things never change." Alec smiled, leaning his forearms on the open window of her car.
    She liked it that he remembered that about her. Gently Maddy put her hand on his forearm, tingling at the feel of his skin. The golden brown hair on his arms was curly and soft and she remembered how soft his hair was along the nape of his neck. The intimate thoughts were coming rapid fire and were intrusive. She had to snap out of it.
    "You're being very kind, Deputy McKay."
    "It's all in the line of duty, ma'am." The cocky grin surfaced again, "But I got to tell you, Miss Morris, I've never enjoyed my job so much as since you came to town."
    This time Maddy didn't blush, instead her heart gave a funny flutter and she found herself wishing he'd kiss her again. He must have read her mind because he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. It was the first time the realization hit her, she was glad she came to this little town.
    By the time Alec returned with food from the local drive in, Maddy