“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 towards 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.

“Goodnight, 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 afterwards?” 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 afterwards?”

“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, 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.”

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.”