Now he had been here and seen it for himself he felt like he had a personal stake in the small town.
A loud thump sounded on the front door.
"Shit," she cursed from the kitchen. "Morgan can you see who that is and if they're drunk don't let them in."
"Sure." He put his beer on the table and walked out toward the front door. Looking through the milky white glass was a guy in a white coat, his dark hair blowing in the afternoon breeze. He grinned and waved when he saw Morgan.
"Is Stacey here? I'm Doc, from over at the hospital."
"Hey Doc, how are you? She said not to let anyone in if they were drunk."
"Fair enough. Not by a long shot actually. What I wanted was a bottle of wine for dinner. Stacey lets me come in when she is closed."
"She's in the kitchen cooking dinner." Morgan ushered the doctor forward before shutting the door behind them.
"Hey Doc, how are you going, big day?" Stacey washed her hands and smiled at him.
"Just a bit. Had some medicals to do for the mine guys and that always takes time. I'm looking forward to a nice dinner and a soft bed for an early night."
"So the mine actually give you a bit of work then. Surely that's a bonus for the town." Morgan folded his arms and tried not to look too interested in the doctors business.
"It is and we appreciate it. But we all wish the other services were used just as much as the hospitals. Not to worry, I'm sure it will all work out in the end." He winked at Stacey and Morgan sucked in a breath at the intimate action. "Have you got a bottle of my favorite red my dear lady?"
"For you Doc, anything. Hang on a tick, I'll grab one out of storage." She hurried from the kitchen leaving the two men together.
"Are you a friend of Stacey's then? I haven't heard her talk of you before."
Morgan leaned on the kitchen bench before answering. "No. We just met the other day but we seem to hit it off pretty good."
Doc raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips. "Hmm, I see. Just make sure you don't hurt the poor girls heart. She was pretty cut up when she moved up here and it took a while for her to get over that diabolical mess. I wouldn't like to see her in that sort of state again."
"Interested yourself Doc?"
He laughed out loud and slapped his leg. "No, not at all. I'm happily married to the woman of my dreams. No, I just look out for Stacey. I've known her since she was a wee thing and we played together on holidays when she was visiting her Grandfather. I'm the big brother she never had."
"There is nothing between us just so you are clear on that. I'm here for the weekend and she was kind enough to take me out and show off the sights, nothing more."
"If you say so." He looked toward the door. "Ah wonderful, you found one. Well, I'll leave you two to enjoy your dinner and head off for home to enjoy mine. Thanks Stacey. Bye Morgan, nice to meet you."
He watched as Stacey followed the doctor out locking the door behind him. I shouldn't feel so protective or jealous but damn it, I do.
"Okay, almost ready here." Stacey walked back into the kitchen and grabbed a fry pan. "Grilled chicken steaks and salad."
"Sounds wonderful. I'll set the table then. Wine or beer for you?"
"Why not open a bottle of wine if that's what you want. Red on the shelf or white in the fridge, I don't care either way."
Morgan chose a bottle of chardonnay and poured them each a glass, placing them on the table and sat waiting for Stacey.
She walked in carrying the two plates, putting them down before taking a seat.
Morgan lifted his glass and held it up. "Cheers, thanks for showing me genuine country hospitality and the fabulous sights."
A sad look swept across her eyes before she smiled. Picking up her glass she clinked with him. "Cheers and it was my pleasure."
* * *
It was a pleasure to take you too Morgan. To bed, to the dam, sex under the waterfall, in my room, anywhere you want but don't go, please.
"Maybe you will come back this way one day. I would hope the town is still here and prospering if you do." She knew the smile on her face was false and tight but she couldn't help it. Saying goodbye was going to be hard.
"Oh I have every intention of coming this way again. I just can't say for certain when but I hope to catch up with you when I do, if that's okay?"
Hope flared in her chest and a wave of panic shot through her. When, how long...
"I'm not making any promises but I would like to come and see you again. There are things I'm not quite at liberty to talk about just yet unfortunately and they have an impact on my movements for the next few months. But I will return."
She held her hand over her mouth to still the small whimpers that were rising in her throat.
His hand covered hers and squeezed. "I know we have a connection and you feel the same way I hope. Just let me sort out things business wise and I will give you a call, okay?"
Stacey sniffed and her eyes welled with tears. "O-okay, s-sure. I would like that. Very much."
"Me too, now let's eat this before it gets cold and I can help you clean up." His eyes promised more than a hand
