Free Texas Stranger by Janet Muncy Page A

something funny Carl had said.
    Wanting to be included in the fun, she decided that sitting on the sofa would be just as comfortable. When she reached the door, Carl opened it running into her nearly knocking her over. Reaching out to catch her he wrapped his arms around her waist pressing her to him. The moment seemed to stretch itself out until January wasn’t sure how long they stood there looking at each other. His arms felt somehow safe and warm, his chest felt hard against her soft breast. The seductive way their hips melted together as if they were made for each other. She wanted to kiss him. She longed for it as he gently pulled her even closer touching her lips softly.
    “Hum...,” he groaned. “You smell nice,” he whispered, still holding her close. He lowered his head again, putting his cheek against hers. Kissing her ear lobe, she took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of him, his hot breath on her neck causedher breathing to take on a different tempo. She couldn’t bring herself to pull away. She wanted him to kiss her to hold her... to even make love to her.
    “Carl, ask January if she...Oh!”
    Carl jerked away letting his hand drop to his side, still not turning around. January still breathing unevenly, starred at Mary, embarrassed at having been caught in such an intimate embrace.
    “Excuse me,” she said, turning quickly and returning to the kitchen.
    Carl stood looking at January, his eyes staring into hers, still unable to move.
    “I’m sorry January, I guess I got carried away again.” Carl apologized.
    “Please,” she whispered, putting her hand on his chest. “Don’t, it was just as much my fault as yours, lets join our friends.”
    Carl followed January into the dinning room the food smelled good and she decided she was really hungry after all. BJ and Mary were standing in the kitchen both preparing the meal, pretending as though nothing had happened. January was glad, for it was embarrassing enough. Her knees were still shaky as she slowly made her way to sit down at the dinning room table.
    “Shall I make a fire?” Carl offered, smiling at her.
    “Oh, yes, I would like that,” January answered, afraid to look into his eyes. For she was sure he was aware of the fire already burning within her.
    The four of them had light conversation, and enjoyed the meal when Mary went into the kitchen to get coffee for everyone, while they moved into the living room. Carl and BJ talked about the new thoroughbred horses they were getting at the end of the week while she and Mary sat and relaxed just enjoying the company.
    “Well, It’s getting late and I really need to be getting home.” Mary said.
    “I guess we just lost track of time, can you believe it’s twelve thirty already?” BJ asked.
    “My how time fly’s when you are having fun.” Carl remarked as he reached for his jacket.
    Mary left the room getting her jacket and BJ followed her. January hated for the evening to end, for she had enjoyed having them spend the time with her even if it had started out to be a disaster.
    “Are you sure you don’t want someone to stay with you tonight?” Carl asked.
    “I’ll be fine,” January assured him.
    They were still looking into each others eyes when BJ and Mary strolled back into the living room.
    “Please try to rest, if you want, I’ll be more than happy to run the club for you on Monday,” Mary offered, taking January’s hand.
    “I’ll be fine, really,” January said, wrapping her arms around Mary’s neck.
    “Hugh...we’ll meet you at the car,” BJ said to Carl as he and Mary waved bye before heading out the door.
    Carl took January’s hand and she could feel the warmth flow through them as he stood looking into her silver blue eyes. “I’ve had a really nice evening.”
    “Thank you for what you did this evening,” she said shyly.
    “It was my pleasure,” he said, kissing her knuckles, tenderly. “I don’t advise you to ever do that again, and I think you