Letters From Al by Pieper, Kathleen (ebook audio reader TXT) 📕

She nodded but was thinking about that first kiss

they shared as if it was yesterday. Alec had always been a big guy, he had to bend over just to kiss her. But he had grown into a handsome man, still in good shape. His uniform proved that as it fit tautly over his well-toned body.

She cleared her throat and nodded. "Okay, thanks. I'll call." She walked stiffly forward. How could she get so completely enamored by the mere sight of this guy?

It was a matter of trust, or lack of it. Larry Preston assumed he had control of her life, even throwing a ring her way thinking she'd jump at the chance. And now here came Deputy Sheriff Alec McKay who hadn't done anything to gain her trust, but then, he hadn't done anything to make her distrust him either. Except smile that earth-shattering smile, and look at her with those sexy dark blue eyes.

She paused and caught the deputy writing down her car plates in a small notebook.

"Very observant, deputy. I can see the streets of Nielsen will be safe tonight. But then, you always were quick to pick up the obvious." She teased and wagged a finger at him.

He walked slowly towards her with a sheepish grin.

"I'm sorry but I just had to see if your hair is as soft as I remembered." His finger touched the red-gold tresses, "and you used to wear it longer, down to here." He touched her chin and followed the line of her jaw until she slowly pulled away from his warm touch. "You said you hated that color because it always made you stand out in a crowd."

Amazingly he had done exactly what she had dreamed of him doing. "I said that?" Her soft breath teased his skin as if she'd kissed him. "If I did, I've changed my mind. I love the color. Do you?" Her hand rested on his chest and she could feel the muscles tighten at being so close. She hadn't meant to challenge him so soon. The feeling of being this close was her test and she was afraid she was about to fail.

"I've always loved this color. So, let's get together and talk about it. Please, tell me this is only 'see you later' and not good by," he said with a voice that was low and seductive. He held her, as if refusing to release her until she agreed to meet later.

"Why, Sheriff, am I irritating you?" she began, teasing him by using the wrong title again. His thumb rubbed her forearm gently and she couldn't hide the smile this time.

"My title is deputy, Maddy, and you know it. It's spelled d-e-p-u-t-y. D also stands for dope. I sure was one when I let you slip through my fingers. You'll call me, right? I need a chance to redeem my self for my lackluster writing skills. I will make it up to you if you'll let me."

"I'll call you, but I can't make any promises on how long I may be here until after I meet with Mr. Lancaster."

His hands loosened their grip in reply and gently moved up and down her arms as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"I'll call later, deputy. After that we'll just have to see." Maddy wished she had her cell phone now. But, making him wait might be good. She smiled as he slowly drove by her on the street in his patrol car. Silently he kept up with her for a while before giving her a wave and speeding off. She just kept walking. A warm feeling surrounded her and her smile refused to fade. This was going to be an interesting trip after all.

The Lancaster Realty sign was partially hidden by landscaping and Maddy almost walked by it. Reaching for the door handle, she nearly collided with a large man in a stylish, grey pinstripe suit.

"I beg your pardon, Miss. May I help you?" The portly man with piercing dark eyes loomed over her. He wiped his brow with a large handkerchief, an expensive briefcase in the other hand. His black hair was tinged with gray and a neat mustache decorated his upper lip. He was quite a distinguished contrast to Deputy McKay.

What made her think such a thing? She needed to get her mind back to business at hand.

"If you're Leland Lancaster, you can. I'm Madeline Morris. I'm here about my great aunt's estate."

Mr. Lancaster's face registered surprise and he glanced at his watch. "It's nearly five Miss Morris, I wish you'd called."

"I did, Mr. Lancaster, a young lady said she'd tell you I'd be here this afternoon I am a bit late, however." Thanks to Deputy McKay, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

"She did? I didn't get any message. Oh, she did give me a note while I was on a conference call." He closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry. Of course, you are Madeline O'Keefe's niece."

Maddy licked her lips and continued. "A Mr. Jack Drake wrote me and gave me your name." Fumbling in her purse she pulled out the formal looking letter. She couldn't help but feel she detected a brief shadow of uncertainty cross Mr. Lancaster's face when he heard her name.

The businessman rocked back on his heels, shaking his head. He grinned in embarrassment, or so Maddy thought. But then, her imagination seemed to be running overtime since her arrival in town.

"You were expecting me?"

"Oh, yes, I'm just surprised, is all. You got here so quickly. Yes, indeed. I am Leland Lancaster. Please, come in. It's just that I only notified Mr. Drake a few days ago. I found your name and address among some of your aunt's papers." Stepping back inside the office, Leland Lancaster flipped the lights on. The air conditioner rattled, but Maddy was grateful for the cool respite.

"My secretary is already gone for the day, but we can go in and discuss