Clyde Logan, owner of the local bar called Duck Tape walks into the local Save Mart and meets Laurel Williams, a Park Ranger who's just moved into town. This is the story about them falling in love and where that love takes them.
This is a romanc...
Clyde wondered why Laurel got so quiet as soon as he pulled out onto the highway as they headed home. He glanced down at her. She had fallen asleep on Clyde's shoulder. He suddenly felt a deep responsibility for her. He wanted to take care of her. He wanted to keep her safe and not let anything hurt her.
When he pulled into the drive of his house and turned off the truck, he sat a minute, listening to Laurel's soft, even breathing. He was trying to figure out how he could carry her into the house without waking her up when she opened her eyes.
"Where are we?" She looked around. "We're home already? I fell asleep."
Clyde smiled. She was already thinking about his house as 'home.'
"You did fall asleep, angel. But we're home now, safe and sound. Want me to carry you in?"
She reached up and kissed him. "I'm ok," she said sleepily. "I can walk in."
Once inside, Laurel turned to Clyde. "Can you hold me for a minute?"
He gathered her in his arms, holding her close to him. He could feel her relax as she laid her head on his chest.
"You feel good, Clyde. Thank you for today."
"You're welcome, Laurel Anne. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. You ready for bed?"
"In a minute. I want to show you what your aunt gave me." She reluctantly left Clyde's arms and reached for her purse on the dining room table. She pulled out the three pictures.
"Look at these." She laid two of them on the table but kept the one of Clyde as a child in her hand.
Clyde picked up the picture of him as a teenager. He shook his head. "I was a moody brat in those days. Everyone made me mad. Damn, look at that hair." He smiled and then picked up the picture of him in camos. "I was home on leave. I'd already been on my first tour of Iraq and was getting ready to go back. How about that hair, Laurel? Should I shave my head again?"
"Absolutely not, Clyde Logan. I think you're handsome as hell in that picture but your hair is perfect as it is. Now look at this. This one is my favorite." She handed him the picture that she held.
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"Good lord, how old was I in this?"
"Your aunt said nine years old. You were adorable. That smile." She leaned close to look at the picture with him.
"Those ears," Clyde said.
"Those ears are adorable. I love this picture. I love those ears."
He laughed. "What else do you love, angel?"
"Your lips, your legs, your hair, those eyes of yours, your arms, your lovely nose, the way you taste, the way you smell, the way you look at me, and so much more."
"That's a hell of a list, Laurel Anne. Want to know what I love you about you?"
"Yes."
"Absolutely everything." He picked her up in his arms and kissed her deeply. When he was done, he stared down at her, his eyes soft.
