"No Longer Neighbors"

Chapter 1

A sequel to "New Neighbors"

I had not intention to continue this story, but Ojjacobs inspired me.

Now the plot bunnies have taken a hold of my brain.

Thank you JE for lending me your characters to play with.

Thank you Rainbow for all your help as my Beta!

AN: Character's thoughts are in Italic.

Previously from "New Neighbors"...

Woody watched her as she searched the crowded baggage claim area for him. The moment Ashley saw him, her face lit up.

She found her smile again.

Like sunshine.

He thought.

...

It had been a long day already, and it was just lunch time. After saying goodbye to her family over breakfast, Ashley took a cab to the airport. What was supposed to be a short flight from Houston to Dallas, became over an hour longer from delays. She didn't regret her decision to visit Woody before flying back to Atlanta, she was just getting cranky from the holiday travel. She followed the signs through the huge and busy airport to the baggage claim area. Her feet were tired by the time she got there. She regretted the decision to wear her boots.

How on earth am I going to find him in all of his?

She wondered while searching the crowd with her eyes.

The moment she spotted him, her face lit up with a smile.

The whole crazy morning and any crankiness she had was washed away.

There's my Woody!

She was always filled with happiness when he was around. He had spotted her already and was smiling back. She watched as he made his way to her. She felt more than happy. She was giddy with excitement to see him. The closer he got to her the more she felt something else too. Something more. It was a warm feeling. Something she couldn't explain.

That's weird.

It hasn't been that long since he visited me.

I was happy when he did, but it wasn't like this.

She looked down at her legs bouncing in anticipation and raised her eyebrows at her actions. The airport was crowded, and it was taking longer than Ashely planned to wait for him to reach her. She started towards him, then picked up the pace, and tried to jog through the crowd.

Woody couldn't help but laugh.

She always seems so excited to see me.

It made him feel special, wanted, loved. When he finally made it to her, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"A...A...Ashley, it's too t... tight." He gasped while trying to loosen her arms so he could breathe.

"Sorry!" She pulled back and looked at him. "I've missed you!"

"I can tell." He teased and kissed her cheek.

"Ouch." She rubbed her cheek. "You shocked me."

"Sorry." Woody laughed. "I got your bag already." He grabbed the bright purple bag by the handle, then took her hand in his.

"Ouch. You did it again." She looked down at his hand.

"Um... maybe it's static electricity from your sweater or something. Are you hungry? Do you want to eat before we get back to my place?"

"I'm starving. They only give you those tiny bags of peanuts and there are like 5 of them in there."

He chuckled. "OK, I guess I can feed you. Anything in particular you are hungry for?"

She shrugged her shoulders in a gesture of indifference and smiled. She didn't care what they did. She was enjoying the feeling of being with her best friend again. When he had visited her during the past year, she was so weighed down in depression, she did little more then nod and weakly smile. Now, she felt light and free. She felt like herself again. She reached down and took his hand, but dropped it when she felt that electric pulse again.

"I shocked you again?"

She nodded. "Maybe it's your jacket?"

Woody stopped and looked at her. His brows furrowed in thought.

I wonder...

"Does it hurt?" He questioned.

"What?"

"Does it hurt when I shock you?"

"Oh. Um... No, not really."

"How does it feel?"

"Ah...Well, I don't know." She confessed.

"Ashley, may I kiss your hand?"

"Of course, Woody. Don't be silly. You don't have to ask."

Woody took her hand and notice her give a slight jump at his touch. He brought it close to his lips and hesitated just for a moment before placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

She jumped. "You did it again! Are you pranking me?"

He shook his head. "May I kiss your cheek?"

She gave an exasperated sigh. "Of course."

Why is he being ridiculous?

He leaned in and kissed her cheek gently.

She let out a whisper of a moan.

Oh.

She sighed.

He's kissed me on the cheek a million times, but it never felt like that.

Hmm...maybe he should try again.

"Did you feel it?" He asked softly.

She nodded.

"May I kiss you, Ashley?"

She couldn't speak.

Kiss me?

She bit her bottom lip and nodded slowly.

He leaned in and kissed her lips tenderly.

Her moan was a little louder that time. She opened her eyes wide in shock when she heard herself. She covered her mouth with her hand when Woody stepped back.

Did I make that noise?

Woody just kissed me!

He watched her as the emotions flew across her face.

Was that too bold?

What if I scared her away?

After all this time, she feels the same tingle as I did from that first handshake.

Did she like the kiss?

Maybe I should apologize.

"Ashley, I'm sorry. I..." Woody began.

"You kissed me." She interrupted.

He nodded. He looked to the ground, unable to look her in the eye. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." She whispered back as she stared at his lips. Her cheeks began to turn a shade of pink as she blushed. Then, she reached down and took his hand in hers.

Woody was surprised. He looked down to where she had interlaced her fingers in his, and smiled.

He was brought out of the moment by a traveler who bumped him on the shoulder trying to get by.

"Maybe we should get out of here before we are run over by crazy people looking for their luggage."

She nodded and followed him through the people. She held on tightly to his hand.

"Oh! When we get to your truck and out of this craziness, remind me to tell you about the mashed potato war that broke out at my parents house." She giggled.

...

"This," she said pointing to her food "made the whole trip worth all that crazy holiday travel."

"Oh thanks." He feinted hurt.

She swatted him on the arm, then took another bite of her brisket. He smiled as he watched her close her eyes and savor the taste.

"So much better than the pork and the vinegar stuff they pass off as sauce back east."

"I'm glad you like it. I've been wanting to take you here since I found this place. You should try the chicken next time. It's really..."

She reached over, forked a piece of his chicken into her mouth, and smiled. He just shook his head and transferred most of his chicken to her plate. She gave a little clap in excitement.

After a leisurely lunch, he drove her to the Dallas Rangeman office where he had an apartment on the top floor. When Woody accepted the position almost a year ago, his first task was to have an office built. He lucked out and found a building that would work with some remodeling. It wasn't as big as the other Rangeman offices, but it fit the branch's needs. Ranger was pleased at the money it saved him and with the hard work Woody had put into the business. Woody had thrown himself into his work and the branch was already making a profit.

When they arrived, he gave her a short tour, and introduced her to some of the employees. On the first floor was a reception area and a few sales offices. The second floor was all about the employees. The right wing had a stocked kitchen, dining area, and an employee lounge with a big screen TV. When Ashley questioned the television, Woody responded, "To watch the Cowboys of course." She just rolled her eyes, and he lead her to the left wing that was set up as a gym. She nodded and smiled, but Woody could tell she was tired.

"The third floor is the monitor floor and my office."

"Is that where we are going next?" She said trying to hide a yawn.

"Nope." He pushed the fourth floor button. "I think you would rather lie down for a little bit. "

"I'm not tired." She said around a yawn.

"I can see that." He chuckled and led them to his apartment. "OK. Here's the living room and kitchen. Through there is a small office." He took her hand and lead her to his bedroom. "This is obviously the bedroom and the bathroom is through that door. So..." He pointed to the bed. "Get in."

She gave a small laugh. "Really Woody, I didn't come all this way to visit you just to sleep through it. I'm not tired."

"Yep. I hear you. Now, get it bed." He gave her a gentle nudge. "Take a little siesta, so you will have the energy to try and keep up with me tonight out on the town."

She knew there was no use arguing, and she was tired. "Fine, but I'm not taking your bed. I'll go sleep on the couch." She tried to move around him to get to the door.

He stopped her with his hands on her shoulders. "Wow, I forgot how stubborn you are. It's a bit annoying." He teased.

"Hey!"

"My house, my rules. Now, get in bed." He kissed her lightly on the lips and left the room shutting the door behind him.

Ashley stood there staring where he was a moment before. Her hand once again on her mouth where he had placed a kiss.

How am I supposed to sleep now?

...

Since Woody moved back to Dallas, he found himself making a list. Every restaurant he would go to or venue he would hear about, he would think to himself if she would like it.

He had waited almost a year to share these places, these experiences with her. Now, finally, he would get the chance. She was only here for this one night. Her flight would leave tomorrow afternoon, but he was hoping this was the beginning. The beginning of more visits. The beginning of more.

...

I know this chapter is a little bit of fluff, but I think it is a good start.

I have an idea where the story is going, and Ojjacobs is helping me as I go with ideas. Thanks Ojjacobs!

Thank you for reading! Please leave a review and let me know what you think.

Melanie