Tempted In Texas

Alec smiled in a worldly amused way and wrapped his hand in the tape.

It was so not fair. He looked fabulous and she could only aspire to cute with slightly risqué bubbles. And then only if she slouched.

While Alec removed all traces of Armageddon, Gwen went back to the bedroom, packed the tiny purse and found her trench coat. It was khaki and didn’t go with her outfit. Why was she only thinking of that now? On the other hand, was it really cold enough for a jacket? What had she worn last year? Probably the trench coat.

Her car had a heater. She’d just ditch the coat.

Then she remembered that she needed an overnight bag which would really spoil her look, but she no longer cared. If she took too much more time, then Alec would come looking for her and the thought of Alec in her bedroom… She refused to entertain thoughts of Alec in her bedroom.

Alec was still in her kitchen disposing of the makeshift lint brush in the trash can under the sink. “So how do I look? Any more cat hair?” He held out his arms and turned around.

Gwen stuck her nose in the air. “Absolutely fab, dahling. Seriously, you look great—like you’re wearing Armani.”

A beat went by. Something about the expression on his face… Gwen cringed inwardly. “You are wearing Armani, aren’t you?”

“I got a great deal.” Alec took her overnight satchel from her. “I paid fifteen bucks for it yesterday afternoon. Got it from a guy who found it hanging in the back of his closet.” He held open the door for her.

“What luck.” Without meeting his eyes, Gwen waited until he was outside, locked the door and handed him the keys.

Alec stood staring at them as they lay in his palm reflecting the multicolored blinking from her neighbor’s Christmas lights.

Maybe she should have taken the Scooby-Doo in a Santa hat off the key ring. Gwen wondered if Stephanie liked Scooby-Doo. “Sorry, my Rolls is in the shop. It needed an oil change.”

He didn’t even crack a smile. “I appreciate this, Gwen.” Gesturing for her to precede him down the stairs, he muttered something that sounded like, “I hope Stephanie does,” but Gwen couldn’t be sure.

Alec was in a strange mood. As he drove her to her parents’ house, he smiled and joked back at her, but there wasn’t any zing to it.