“About the alley?” she says.
“Yes. About the alley.” I clear my throat. “I like you, Alex—a lot. And I …” I drag my hand down my face. My heart feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest.
I open my mouth to try again. But before I’m able to get another word out, Alex is in my arms, kissing me. It takes me a moment to realize what’s going on. She threads her fingers into my hair and pulls me closer, her lips warm and sure against mine. I inhale her—cinnamon, winter air, something entirely her—and kiss her like I’ve been holding my breath since the night we met, running my hand down her hair, tugging her closer, peppering kisses on her lips and then lingering as our mouths convey everything words could not. She’s soft and warm and she tastes like tiramisu and pure bliss.
She leans back just the slightest. I can barely see anything, but her eyes shine through the darkness, crinkling at the edges with a smile that matches mine. Puffs of our breath intertwine into the chill air. I reach out, cupping Alex’s face. Her skin is soft and warm. I run my thumb over her cheek, memorizing everything about this moment.
My voice is raspy with emotion. “You know you’re in violation of 2921.31 right now?”
She laughs. “Obstructing official police business?” Her laughter sends a ripple of heat through me.
“Yes. Namely, distracting an officer while he’s on duty.” I lean in and kiss her again—slower this time, with more confidence. We both want this. She’s right here with me, returning every movement, cupping her hand behind my head, running her fingers through my hair.
When I pull back Alex answers me. Her voice is raspy, but full of flirtation. “Are you going to arrest me, Officer Heinz?”
“I think I’ll let this one pass,” I say. “With community service.”
“Oh, what did you have in mind?” Her voice is playful.
“Why don’t I tell you over dinner?” I ask the question that's been burning inside me for weeks.
“We just had dinner,” she reminds me.
“I know. I was hoping to actually take you out. On a date.”
“I’d like that very much,” she says. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“I was waiting for my moment. Probably since that first night. You made quite the impression on me.”
“And you’ve made quite the impression on me, Jesse.” Her voice is liquid warmth, soothing and inviting.
I cover my face, remembering the impression I made.
“Not that first night. Not the misguided arrest,” she says, reaching over and slowly prying my hands away from myeyes. She stares at me, our fingers entwined. “You make an impression every day—your kindness and compassion, the way you handle conflict, your sense of humor, and your devotion to this town. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”
“Thank you.” I’m not used to being complimented. I don’t know what else to say. Then I add, “You do realize you’re going to have to admit you’re dating me—people will talk.”
Her smile beams through the murky dimness of my car and she gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Well then,” she says. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”
And she does—leaning in and kissing me again. I lose myself in her kiss—in her, letting all my unspoken feelings spill into the way I hold her, the way our mouths dance in the darkness.
She pulls back, resting her forehead against mine.
Her breath is warm. Her voice is a whisper against my lips. “I choose you, Jesse.”
Something inside me breaks open in the gentlest way. I don’t have grand words. I don’t need them. Holding Alex heals something deep down in a lonely, shuttered, neglected part of my heart.
She chooses me.
I whisper softly, in a voice for her alone. “I choose you too.”
Epilogue
Alex (a few weeks later)
We’re partners. We are partners.
