As it turned out, the closest movie theater was in Fayetteville. Justin said there used to be one in Huntsville called the Madison, but it was a coffee house now.
"Madison," She said. "Was it named after a movie star?"
He grinned. "No. Huntsville is in Madison County."
"Oh, how long has it been a coffee shop?"
He thought about it a moment. "I don't really know. I think it was a movie theater in the 60's and 70's. Why do you ask?"
She shrugged. "Just curious." So Clara had directed her to Huntsville to see a movie, but Clara must have known that there was no movie theater there. Her face felt warm. Fortunately, Clara never asked her what movie she watched. She wouldn't have made anything up, though. She would have simply said that she didn't go to the movies after all. Still, she'd have to be careful about things like that or she'd get caught.
They ate at a little Italian restaurant in Fayetteville and watched a movie at one of several theaters in one building. Neither was spectacular, but it didn't matter. The company she was in more than made up for any loss in either of the others.
Time flew by, and all too soon they were in her drive, preparing to part. He guided her to the porch with a hand on her elbow. "You need a porch light."
She laughed. "Oh well, it'll do for a few weeks. Then someone else can fumble on the steps."
His fingers tightened on her arm as he swung her around to face him. One hand slid down her arm to her hand and the other claimed her waist, drawing her close. He held her for a moment, as if in a motionless dance. The moonlight outlined his head, but reading any facial expression was impossible in the dim light.
She waited, her pulse quickening. Finally he lowered his head and his lips brushed her neck in a soft caress. With a sigh she tipped her head back and allowed his lips to burn a trail down her throat all the way to the beginning swell of her breasts. As he worked his way back up her neck, her heart pounded wildly. His lips found hers, warm and questioning. Her arms slid around his neck of their own volition and she eagerly returned his kiss.
When excitement threatened to rob her of reason, she slid her hands to his chest and gently pushed him away. The warmth of his muscular chest under the soft knit of his shirt, and the strength in the arms that gently coaxed her close again, tempted her to acquiesce. She was tempted to invite him in, and immediately knew that would be a dangerous move. She took a deep breath to clear her head and pushed him away again.