Free Impulse by Lass Small Page B

can do to interlopers. ”
    Although he watched her with sparkling green eyes, he appeared not to notice her pale face, and he made no comment about her being discomforted by personal questions.
    When they had safely reached the quadrangle, Amy shook her head and heaved a big, calming sigh. “Our family hasn’t any relatives, and I’ve always been sorry— before— but now I’m not so sure.”
    “They’re all just great,” he promised. “Wait and see. In times of stress, they gather around and scold and argue. They demand special attentions, and they fix things. They’re wonderful.”
    He seemed sure.
    She was doubtful. She commented in censure. “The Cougars are so noisy! That’s probably why the hotel put them on the sixth floor. Sound rises.” Then she conceded, “They do appear to enjoy themselves.” That was true, and Chas nodded. Laughter was the primary Cougar sound.
    If they wouldn’t question her, Amy would have liked to just stand around and listen among the guests for the wedding. Their conversations were startling, funny and filled with spicy or shocking remembrances. Nothing and no one was sacred.
    The family really ought to tape their chatter. People and memories didn’t last forever. Rather reluctantly she asked Chas, “Shouldn’t you stay there? Be with them? We shouldn’t just go off and leave everyone.”
    Chas shook his head as he smiled at Amy. “I see them several times a year. I know most of the stories. Tonight before dinner, we’ll be with them at the cocktail gathering in the fountain area. Bart will probably fall in. He nips a bit.”
    “A bit?”
    Chas laughed. “Quite a bit. He’s a drunk. But he is the most loyal man you could ever find. When it comes right down to brass tacks, he’s there...and sober.”
    “We’ve always just depended on ourselves.”
    “We do, too.” Chas watched Amy. “But family support is a great thing.”
    “How about be tween emergencies?”
    He grinned and ruffled her hair. “You are a treat. I agree with Bart. We should keep you.”
    She was a stickler. “Only through this weekend.”
    He took her hand. “We’ll see.”
    She allowed him to hold her hand, but she began to think she might have to leave secretly. In order to do that, she should be reasonably packed, monitor how much she had in the suite, and be ready to take off on a minute’s notice.
    She’d have to leave a note. What would she say? “Nice knowing you”? That wouldn’t ever convey the magic Chas had allowed her to know. What note could? What words?
    His voice husky, he asked, “Whatever are you thinking that could be so serious on this glorious day?”
    “About last night— with you.”
    “Oh, Amy.” He stopped to put his arms around her and hold her tightly to him. “If you don’t want to be put down right here on the drive, you’ll have to be very careful. You drive me wild!”
    She tilted up her face and teased, “I was thinking how much room you take up. I had to sleep on the very very edge! I’ve never realized what women put up with, sleeping with a man!”
    “But you were warm,” he told the sassy woman. “I woke up with you burrowing against me, and you said, ‘Um, you’re so warm!’” He tried to make his voice sound like hers and failed dismally.
    He looked off into the distance and then around the area as men do. He told her, “If we want to go anywhere, we have to quit talking like this. You bother me. You have to...take it easy with me.”
    He had stressed the words, which were the title of the film on TV the night before, which they hadn’t watched.
    “Do you suppose that movie will be on again tonight?” she asked. “I’d like the chance to see it.”
    “I’ll buy the tape. Eventually we might be able to get past the opening scene and watch it all.”
    “The movie set you off?” she asked with a frown.
    “Something sure as hell did!” He changed the word, “Does. Let’s go back to our place.”
    When she obediently turned