Bisbee.
I sat in front of Chezz Cafe this morning with my coffee and smiled when I saw Alex riding over. “Well this is something I could get very used to,” I stood.
“Howdy, Trin. Good to see you,” he dismounted his horse and came over, hugging me tightly.
“Need some coffee?” I smiled as I stepped back.
“Coffee would be wonderful.”
I led the way to the cafe and poured him a coffee and then myself a refill. I walked around and sat beside him and asked, “You didn’t sleep under the stars again last night, did you?”
He wrapped his hands around the cup and said, “Thank you. I needed that. Well, yeah, maybe.”
I smiled and let my hand rest over his and looked in his eyes, “Darling, you’re freezing.”
“A bit,” he smiled.
“You better be careful or I’m gonna make you stay at my place just to avoid the cold.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Maybe a promise,” I chuckled.
He sipped his coffee and smiled, “Mmmmm that tastes good.”
“I do love this cafe,” I sipped my coffee and nodded.
“I enjoyed your singing yesterday. You have a lovely voice.”
“Well thank you, hon. I was glad to see you there for a bit of it.”
“Sorry I couldn’t have stayed longer. But I’ll come again sometime.”
“I hope so,” I smiled at him, knowing my fondness for him was growing rapidly.
“Let me know when the next one is.”
“Usually it starts a bit earlier... I got caught up with some um... family business... and couldn’t start until half an hour later than normal,” I looked down at my cup.
“Business comes first, I suppose.”
“The ranch is sold,” I looked down and spoke softly.
He put a hand on my shoulder and nodded, “Must be sort of empty feeling without it. Even though you’re far away.”
“It was home...” I started to cry more.
He handed me a handkerchief and gave me a hug. “Don’t worry, my hankie’s clean.” He held me tight as I leaned into him. “Careful. I could get used to this.”
I nuzzled against him and smiled sadly. “Is that a threat?” I asked somewhat playfully.
“Or maybe a promise,” he winked.
“Hmm...” I leaned my head on his chest, sliding my hand in his jacket as he stroked my hair.
“I think Tombstone might just be the place I was meant to find,” he smiled.
“Just when I needed someone like you the most...”
“You know, I really like you a lot, Trin,” he took my hand and gave it a tight squeeze.
“That feeling is becoming intensely mutual,” I interlaced my fingers with his. “It’s rare to find a man that I feel this ... safe with... this comfortable...”
“I could say the same for women.”
“So what now?” I looked in his eyes.
“Would you like to dance with me? Or is that too forward to ask the deputy on duty?”
“I would love to dance with you. The door is open so I’ll hear if anything’s going on in town.”
We danced a while and it felt so good to be in his arms, spinning around the floor and laughing as we remembered dance moves for the faster songs. When the music became slower, he held me close and we swayed to the music.
“That’s better...” I said softly.
“You feel so warm in my arms,” he grinned.
“You’re starting to warm up too,” I winked.
“Don’t worry, that’s just my gun.”
“Good to know you could help protect me if needed,” I laughed.
“I would protect you,” he laughed and then looked deep into my eyes.
“What’s on your mind, Alex?” I looked back at him.
“I was just thinking it’s been a long time.”
“A long time since...?”
“Since I held a woman in my arms.”
“They’re good arms to be in. I just hope...” I started but then stopped myself.
“Hope what?” he raised an eyebrow.
I shook my head and leaned against him as I said, “I just hope that this time is different... That you won’t disappear like the others...”
“I don’t plan on disappearing.” He touched my cheek, then asked, “Trin?”
“Yes...?”
“Can I kiss you?” he asked with a blush.
I nodded and he leaned down, kissing my lips softly. I leaned into the kiss and then leaned my forehead against his, catching my breath. “Hi...” I whispered.
“Hi,” he smiled widely.
“Could get used to that too,” I winked.
“I think I could too. Pretty easily,” he chuckled and we continued to dance and enjoy the moment together.
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