by Lauren Dane
“So, Alex, how do you like working at the library?”
“Oh, well I don’t think I ever imagined being a librarian when I was a kid. But I do love it. The job here was a stroke of luck really, I’d been trying to decide whether or not to go to grad school and I got the offer.” He shrugged. “But I found out that I love it. I may still go back at some point but for now, I’m really happy where I am.” Alex took her hand in his. “It’s really great to turn young people on to books, knowing I’m opening up new worlds for them. I bet it’s like that for you as a teacher.”
Maggie’s eyes lit up. Teaching was her great passion. “It is. I’m so lucky to have two tracks. The advanced placement history class is filled with kids who are very disciplined, high achievers. They want to be there. God, the work they produce is amazing! They’re a joy to teach. My other class is just your everyday sophomore history class. There are so many kinds of kids in it. Some are just biding time until they drop out, some just barely scraping by. But my favorites are the ones who start out bored and then I introduce something that totally excites them and they become history buffs.” She felt shy suddenly as she’d revealed something so important to her. “I know it’s goofy but I love it. Last year, I took my AP class on a trip to Washington, DC, and I think that they were more excited than I was to see the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.”
“Are you cold?” he asked Maggie when she’d shivered a bit.
Maggie stood up. “A bit. It started out so warm. I just need to run back to the car to grab my jacket and an extra blanket to wrap us up in.”
“I’ll come with you,” Alex said, standing with her.
“Okay. Thanks.” She gave him a smile and caught the keys Liv threw her way. Maggie liked the way he held a gentle arm around her waist as they walked. Not too much, just enough to let her know he wanted to touch her.
After grabbing her jacket and the extra blankets, Maggie locked up. Turning back around, she ended up nose to nose with Alex.
“You smell really good.” Alex’s warm, cider-scented breath caressed her face. He tucked a wayward curl back behind her ear.
“Thanks. That’s why I wear it back.”
Alex took her chin gently between his fingers and tipped it up. Slowly, he brought his lips to hers. He was warm and gentle and the kiss only lasted a few short seconds. Maggie blinked up into his face and smiled. He hugged her quickly before walking back to their blanket.
Back on the hill, Alex sat behind her, pulling her into the warm shelter of his body. Wrapping the fleece blanket around them both, he left his arms encircled about her as well. Warm and content, Maggie leaned back against him and they watched the sky for the fireworks.
Afterward, it was with regret that Alex helped pack up the blanket and their possessions. He didn’t want the date to be over. He didn’t like the idea of having to say good-night to Maggie. He’d liked seeing that she was cold and then taking care of her. She needed someone to take care of her. He could see that. He also knew she was a lady and he wanted to take it slow to show her that he appreciated that.
Back at the car, Liv and Shaun kissed quite deeply at the driver side door and Alex burned with embarrassment and anger on Maggie’s behalf. Maggie shouldn’t have to be exposed to that sort of thing. But clearly Olivia was her friend and had way too much influence on Maggie’s life. After they’d dated awhile, Alex would know how to best deal with Olivia’s bad influence and help Maggie make better choices with her friends.
With an internal sigh, he smiled at her instead and held her door open. “Can I call you, Maggie? I’d like to take you out again.”
“I’d like that.” She dug out a pen and some paper from her bag and wrote out her phone number and handed it to him with a smile. “I had a really nice time tonight, Alex, thank you.”
He leaned over and kissed her again, still gentle and brief. He wanted to show her what a total gentleman he was. She gave him a small wave and got into the car and finally that slut Olivia stopped kissing and joined her.
“That went well, didn’t it!” Liv said as they drove away. “First of all, Shaun is a great kisser! Second of all, did you see the double take that Sam gave when he saw you with Alex? Man that was perfect. Lastly, did you notice Shane Chase staring at you all night like he was a hungry wolf and you were a T-bone steak?”
“Yes, I saw Sam and yes, it was quite satisfying. Alex is a nice kisser—no fireworks—but I did feel like he was taking things slow. He asked if he could call me again and I said yes. Lastly, no, I did not notice Sheriff Dumbass looking at me. Boy, is that man sour!” And incredibly handsome and he smelled as good as all those Chase boys seemed to. Including Kyle. A man with a goatee was so sexy. One with a uniform, the other with a goatee! Whooee.
* * *
The next few days were hectic as the school year wore on toward midterm exams and the homecoming game approached. Still, not so busy that when Alex called Maggie couldn’t find time to have dinner with him Wednesday night at El Cid.
The dinner with Alex was nice. He was attentive and smart and he loved many of the same things she did. Their conversation was lively as they discussed books and travel and history. Still, Maggie couldn’t quite shake the odd feeling at the base of her spine at times during the evening. It wasn’t that he ever did or said anything wrong though and Maggie was sure she was just trying to talk herself out of a nice guy as self-sabotage.
At her front door she turned to him with a smile. “Um, would you like to come inside for some tea?”
Grabbing her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. Moments later he pulled her close, holding her against his body. “If I come in, I’ll want to never leave and I think that’s moving a bit fast for you.”
“It’s not that I don’t like you. I do. But yes, it would be a bit too fast for me.” Still, she didn’t make any move to stop him as he lowered his lips to hers for a kiss. This one more passionate than sweet and he held her tight for a few long moments afterward.
“Good night, Alex. I had a lovely time.” Placing a hand in the middle of his chest, she moved him back from her gently.
“Would you like to go to the homecoming game with me on Friday night? Then maybe go out for a drink and a bite afterward?” He admired how much of a lady she was. He liked that she was saving herself just for him. His sweet Maggie.
“Yes, I’d like that. Dee, Liv and I all meet on Fridays at The Pumphouse. It’s an after-Homecoming tradition for us, too. Arthur will be there and I’m guessing Liv will have a date but I don’t know who. Shall we meet them there afterward?”
“I like Arthur. He’s a good guy and I think Shaun is planning to ask Olivia.” He mentally ground his teeth at the thought of Olivia but smiled instead. “Shall I pick you up at six then? I’ll bring the seat cushions and the blanket?”
She smiled and he was glad he’d let her know how much he liked taking care of her.
“Okay, I’ll be here.” With a last look, she went into her house and he walked to his car and went home.
* * *
Alex led Maggie up the steps toward an empty spot on the bench seats, at the stadium. She looked so pretty in jeans and boots with a deep green turtleneck sweater. Instead of the bun, her hair was loose in back, held by a headband. Having it down in back left the pretty color around her face, making her eyes seem larger. He liked that she’d kept the glasses. Liked that she was lovely and modest, too.
Wanting to be sure she was comfortable and warm, he placed the two seat cushions on the cold aluminum bench and sat down next to her. He grabbed her hand and held it in between his own.
After a while, Maggie stood up. “I’m going to go to the ladies’ room. Shall I bring us back some stuff to snack on?”
Alex smiled at her thoughtfulness. “Sure. Some hot chocolate and some licorice.”
“I’ll be back in a few minutes then.”<
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When Maggie exited the restrooms she saw Shane Chase waiting there and eyed him warily.
He held up his hands in the universal sign of surrender. “I mean no harm, I promise. I wanted to apologize to you for how I acted. At The Pumphouse last Friday and then Sunday at the picnic, as well.”
Narrowing her eyes for a moment, Maggie let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Apology accepted. I’m sorry if I jumped to conclusions at the picnic. I’m usually not that big of a bitch.”
“I do seem to bring out the best in you.” He chuckled. “For such a little woman, you sure pack a mean punch.” His smile melted her insides. The man was just flat-out handsome. Perfect, white teeth. Chocolate-brown hair that was just a bit too long in the back and looked really soft. But his eyes were startlingly blue. Like the blue of a cloudless summer day. Her stomach fluttered just looking at him.
“I did not punch you! But you would have deserved it if I had.” She raised an eyebrow. “But according to Cecelia Wright, that’s not what ladies do. We bake and butter wouldn’t melt in our mouths. Oh, and know how to embroider. Too bad I can’t embroider or know how to keep my mouth shut. I can bake though.” She snorted. I just snorted! Horror roiled through her.
Instead of being disgusted, he threw back his head and laughed, a deep rich rumbling sound. “Embroidering is overrated anyway, Margaret. That is your name, right? I’m Shane Chase by the way. Otherwise known as dumbass.” He held out his hand for her to shake and she pinked a bit. His grip was gentle but sure.
“I was getting rather fond of thinking of you as Sheriff Dumbass. You were being one, you know,” she mumbled and he laughed a bit more.
“So my mother, brothers, father and half of the town have said.”
She laughed at that. “Yes, I’m Margaret but most other people call me Maggie.” She looked around him toward the stands. “Thank you for the apology, Shane. I need to grab some snacks and drinks before heading back. The game’ll be starting soon.”
“Oh, of course. It was nice to meet you, Maggie. Glad we cleared the air. See ya around.” With a wink and a grin, he put his hands in his pockets and strolled away whistling.
Was that disappointment she saw in his eyes or wishful thinking on her part? Probably just gas, she snorted to herself.
He certainly was something else. In truth, she’d never met someone with that kind of sheer masculinity and sex appeal before. It left her a bit breathless. Still, she couldn’t help but watch his ass in those snug jeans as he retreated back toward the stands. And she didn’t feel one bit guilty about it either.
When she got back she handed out the armful of goodies she’d purchased. “Were the lines long?” Alex put the blanket back over her lap once she’d sat back down.
“Oh, no, not really. I just saw someone I knew and started talking.” She blew on her hot chocolate.
Alex frowned. “Oh. Well, I was worried, Maggie.”
The sharpness of his tone brought her head around to look at him with surprise. Her mouth opened to issue an automatic apology but she clicked her teeth together to stop it. The more she was around him, the more proprietary and paternalistic he became. It troubled her and she doubted she’d be seeing him again after the night ended.
As they filed out after the game, Shane caught her eye and she waved, smiling as he waved back. Alex noticed and shot an angry glare at Shane.
In the car, on the way over to The Pumphouse, Alex started in on Maggie about it. “I saw you flirting with the sheriff.”
She winced at his tone. Definitely wouldn’t be seeing him again after the date ended. Red flags flew all over the place at his behavior.
“I wasn’t flirting. I waved at him. I ran into him briefly tonight and he apologized for something he did last week. I saw him as we were leaving the stadium and I waved. If you notice, I waved at his mother and father, too.”
“You’re with me. You don’t need to talk to other men.” Angrily, he parked the car and got out, leaving Maggie to process her shock and discomfort over how he’d just acted.
They walked into the bar and went to their table. But before they sat down, Maggie swallowed her insulted fury and stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I want you to know it makes me uncomfortable that you talked to me that way, Alex. I haven’t done anything wrong.”
The rigidity in his posture loosened as he shot her a sheepish smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Maggie. It’s just that you’re so beautiful and I really enjoy being with you. I got jealous. I apologize.”
Relieved that he wasn’t going to flip out, Maggie smiled back wanly, still uncomfortable with his behavior. “Apology accepted. Oh look, it’s everyone else.” Just wanting to get the rest of the evening finished, she waved at her friends.
The place was packed, more so than usual and Maggie didn’t fail to notice when the Chase brothers and their dates came in about half an hour later. Still, she wasn’t going to let Alex control her so when Shane nodded his head to her in greeting she smiled back and sent him a brief wave. She felt Alex tense up but he didn’t say anything.
But later when Shane got up to go to the men’s room, Alex excused himself and walked back there.
“Hey, Chase, you need to leave Maggie the hell alone.” His voice was an angry hiss and it echoed from the bathroom walls. Maggie was his damn it. His and no one else’s.
Shane turned around to stare at him, eyebrow raised. “Oh, is that so?”
“Yeah, that’s so. She’s mine, Shane. Back off.”
“Huh, well here’s the thing, Alex, I waved hello at her, twice. I didn’t kiss her or anything. Now, just between you and me, I like her. I think she’s a nice woman with a lot of spark. I’m thinking of asking her to dinner sometime but I certainly wouldn’t do it when she was on a date with another man.”
“She’s too good for you. Maggie Wright is a lady and she needs a man to take care of her. You’re a dog. You’re slime and you don’t deserve a special woman like her. I’m telling you, she’s mine, Chase, and you’re upsetting her with your unwanted attentions.”
“Um, I don’t think so. From what I understand, you’ve gone out with her a few times. Sorry but that does not a girlfriend make. I had a girlfriend who cheated, I certainly know the difference. In any case, if that’s how Maggie feels, I’ll certainly respect that. If I hear it from her. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a nice cold beer to get back to. Have a nice night.” Shane walked past Alex and out the door.
Alex stormed back to the table and put his arm around Maggie. “Alex, I need my arm to eat.” She shrugged him off. He glowered at her for a moment and he saw the fear in her eyes—just a flash—before she went back to eating her cheeseburger.
He knew he’d moved too fast as he took her home. She sat against the door and wouldn’t look at him, avoiding small talk. He had to win her back. Had to show her how well he’d take care of her.
“You don’t need to walk me to the door,” she said as she got out the moment he stopped the car. “The porch light is on, I’ll be fine.”
He got out quickly and went to her side. “Don’t be silly. It’s late and dark. And I like being with you, Maggie.”
At her door she unlocked it but stood directly in front of it, blocking his way. “Well, good night, Alex.”
Moving in for a kiss, he felt her stiffen and tried to show her how much he liked her but she pulled back and put a hand between them to push him back.
She was right of course. He shouldn’t maul her on her front porch. What if her neighbors saw? He needed to protect her reputation. She was important in the community and people looked up to her. As her husband, he’d need to always keep such things in mind. “I’m sorry, let’s take this inside, shall we?”
“I’m really tired, Alex. I think I’ll pass on any company. Thanks for the game and dinner.” She took a step back, fumbling with the
doorknob directly behind her.
He exhaled sharply. She held herself away from him and that was not all right. But he had to let her know he was there for good. She was just worried he’d love her and leave her. “Fine. I’ll call you later. You know what, Maggie? You’re my girlfriend, right?”
Her eyes darted around until finally coming back to look at his face. “Um, well, no. We’ve dated, yes, but to my mind, that takes a lot longer than a few dates.”
“Good night, Maggie.” He turned and walked away from her without another word before she could say anything else.
Moving into the house quickly, Maggie locked the door behind herself. She also threw the dead bolt. Her hands shook. He sat in her driveway for several minutes more and finally pulled away. With a sigh of relief, she sat in a heap on her couch.
After the nausea passed, she went through the house and checked to make sure her doors and windows were locked as she replayed the evening in her mind. The way he spoke to her, held on to her all the time—it was really frightening and totally inappropriate. It’d started out sort of nice but went right to patronizing, clingy and then outright scary in really short order.
No more dates with him, that was for sure. No, when she got up the next day she’d talk to Liv and work out a way to break things off that made it clear she wasn’t interested but also didn’t make things worse.
Chapter Three
The day started out pretty darned good when she was downtown picking up ingredients for the banana bread.
Distracted as she shopped for baking supplies, Maggie was walking down Main Street when she literally bumped into Shane.
“Sheriff Chase, you seem to make a habit of knocking into me.” Her flirtatious laugh died in her throat as she looked up his body and into his face. Try as she might, she couldn’t ignore the tightening in her stomach at the sight of his khaki-colored uniform stretched tight across his muscles.
“You’re a menace, Miz Wright.” He laughed back. “Tell you what? To make up for crashing into me, yet again, why don’t you buy me a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll?”