The next time he shot her a look, she was sleeping.
He drove slowly, taking in the scenery, enjoying that she was here with him. As they approached Ryker, his cell phone buzzed. Answering, he listened.
“Okay, I’ll drop by.”
She hadn’t woken as he talked, so he pulled up outside Tea Total and gave in to the need inside him to kiss her. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over her cheek.
“Wake up, Maggie.”
Her eyes opened. Still heavy with sleep, she looked at him above her.
“Hungry?”
“I think so.” Her words were raspy.
“Think so?” He kissed her soft lips, taking her mouth on a slow, sweet journey.
“Fin—”
“I like kissing you, and considering I’ve thought about doing just that and the other things we did many times today, I’m not sure I’ll be wanting to stop anytime soon.”
She was still slumped against the door, but her eyes were coming back to life.
“It makes things complicated.”
“Life is not meant to be easy, Maggie.”
“You got that right,” she whispered. Her hand touched his cheek. “You’re a good man, Findlay Hudson, if a little controlling.”
“It’s not controlling; it’s assertive. Please note the difference.”
She snuffled. “I should have told the people I care about; I see that now. So, thanks.”
“Welcome.” He leaned in and kissed her again. He kept it soft, but felt it to his toes. “So, food,” he managed to get out when he sat upright again.
“I could eat now all that acid is not twisting in my stomach.”
“Let’s go then.”
She sat upright, looking around her. “Oh my God! You kissed me on the main street of Ryker Falls!”
“No one saw.”
“Someone always sees!” She got out of his cruiser so quickly, she stumbled and only just managed to right herself.
“Settle down.” He joined her. “No one saw.” He pulled his hat back down on her head, as it had risen up during her sleep.
“Don’t touch me,” she hissed, her eyes going left and right.
“Awww, come on, you know you want me.” He laughed as she gasped in horror, eyes shooting left and right again.
“Stop it!”
“All right, I’ll behave, but it’s fun riling you up.”
“Like I haven’t been through enough already today.” Her words had a snap to them.
“I know what you’ve been through, sweetheart, and I promise I was only teasing you. Come on, I need food.”
