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“Raw cookie dough? You know that’s bad for you, right?”
“So is that.” He tapped her carton.
Heather did her best to hide her smile. “Moderation.”
He raised an eyebrow. Were those dimples in his cheeks? For a moment, she desired to touch his stubble face. Blinking to come back to her senses, Heather cleared her throat. “Are you new here to Maple Meadow?”
“I’ve been here for almost a month.”
“I think I saw you not too long ago. You know the Gomez family?”
He bobbed his head. “You’re close with them?”
“Everyone is close here. I live across the street.”
He smiled. “I knew you looked familiar. So you know little Gabriela?”
“I do. She’s a sweet baby.”
“I agree.”
“Then welcome to our town. If Gabriela approves of you, then you must be a decent guy.”
“I like to think so. You’ve always lived here?”
Heather said, “We moved here when I was fifteen. You?”
“My parents moved here five years ago. Now, I’m back permanently.”
“Glad to have you here.”
Allen’s eyes drifted away for a moment.
Heather cleared her throat. Was the conversation over? Should she walk away and go home? “Well... I’ll see you around then.”
He ran a hand down the back of his neck. “Sure. I’ll see you around.”
She gave a slight wave and strolled to the checkout area. She didn't dare look back but pushed the stray hairs away from her face. Heather's mouth went dry. Maple Meadow wasn't short of its handsome men or eligible bachelors. Allen was no different.
***
Allen watched after Heather Shaw as she walked to the checkout area. He heard the items being scanned. As he passed the entrees being cooked for sampling, he recalled how his body went still when he held her. Should he have been paying more attention? Did his mind wander where he didn’t hear her behind him? Whatever the reason, his heart perked when he caught the beauty in his arms.
Clasping his pint-sized chocolate cookie dough, he strolled to the checkout line. There she was. Only a few feet away, her hair shining in the fluorescent light. Was that wine or burgundy in her hair? A smirk crossed Allen’s face. Whatever it was, her bright smile was breathtaking.
Chiding him for cookie dough ice cream? It made him laugh. Standing in line, he glimpsed Heather in the line next to him. It was a small town, so he would run into her.
Judging by her toned legs, she had to be in shape. Her honey skin glowed on her face as she turned her face back and forth between the contents in her basket and the cashier. Then they locked eyes. Heather’s lips parted and she licked her medium lips.
“Are you ready to check out sir?” the cashier asked.
“I’m sorry, yes,” he said placing his pint on the conveyor belt. The beeps of the scanner filled his ears, while music played through the speakers. Lifting his chin once more, he caught sight of Heather sauntering out the door.
“Sir? Your receipt?” the cashier said.
Allen blinked and accepted the small piece of paper. “Thank you.” He grabbed his small grocery bag, only to see Heather gone. Biting his lower lip, he walked to his black and yellow Chevrolet Colorado.
His phone vibrated. “What’s up, Des?” Allen settled into the driver’s seat, connecting his Bluetooth to his truck.
