Meaghan stiffened for a moment, then relaxed and sighed as she nestled against Rickie's chest. She felt one hand slowly stroke the back of her head; he smelled of spicy aftershave and healthy male.
After a moment, she pushed at his chest and took a step backwards as his arms loosened. She looked up at him.
"What are you doing here?"
Rickie gave a sheepish grin, which faded as he tucked a sable tendril behind her ear.
"I just wanted to see you today. Can I come in, maybe for a cup of coffee?"
Meaghan caught herself glancing at the other houses, whose dark windows belied anyone watching them.
Rickie raised an eyebrow at her actions. "Are you afraid that your nosy neighbor will see us?"
"Shel? No, She's been out of town for a couple of days, and I don't know when she'll be back. But I think I'd better go back inside." Meaghan had turned from Rickie and towards her house, when she felt him grab her wrist and gently pull her back around.
"Are you sure I can't stay?" Rickie pouted a bit. Meaghan smiled and placed a hand to his cheek.
"Maybe next time. I really do need to sleep."
Rickie quickly turned his head and kissed her palm, still warm from contact with his skin. She immediately pulled her arm away, her eyes wide.
"Next time, Meggie," he spoke in a low tone, then grabbed her shoulders, tenderly turned her back to her door and gave her a little push. He stood there and watched as she opened, then closed, her front door without looking back. He took a deep breath, willed his unruly body to relax, and headed back to his truck.
Meaghan leaned against her door, trying to slow her breathing. Shaking it off, she quickly went to her bedroom, climbed under the covers, and attempted to fall asleep. After what seemed like hours, she rolled over onto her back and threw an arm over her eyes. Sleep was long in coming.