CHAPTER 2

A/N. Thank you all for the lovely reviews we got on the first chapter! Here's is the 2nd one out of 3.

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IWC

It's been a week since Norma had talked to Alex. It was him who called first and she knew he was probably mad at her for ignoring his call. As well as those other hundred calls he had made to her after. He even came by her house, twice. But she had pretended that she hadn't been home or has asked Norman to tell him that she was not feeling well.

What she was trying to prove by acting like this, she didn't know. Norma was the one guilty in this situation, she was the one who lied. But that night when she had met that redhead something had just clicked inside of her. It actually made her feel mad and betrayed in some way. And it was silly because Alex wasn't someone who belonged to her in a first place. They weren't even together, so who was she to control his love life?

It was Saturday evening when Norma decided it was finally the right time to go out and relax a bit. The entire situation between them was tiring and those thoughts had been stuck in her head for the entire week. If it continued, she swore to God she would go insane. So here she was, putting on her makeup, finding that little black dress that hugged her in all the right places, fixing her blond curls with her regular curling iron and finishing it all with a few sprays of her favourite perfume.

The local bar was stuffed with people, but what else could you expect at this time of the weekend? The music was playing way too loud for Norma's liking. A few people were dancing to some old rock'n'roll song. Norma went directly to the bar where she found a place to sit down.

"What is this pretty lady drinking tonight?" the bartender winked at Norma, who was now leaning on the bar.

"I would go with a glass of red wine, please." She replied not paying too much attention to the way the bartender was scanning her with his pleading eyes.

"Anything for you, gorgeous." he told her and turned around to pour the drink.

Norma was now sipping on her wine, glancing around the room.

"Are you waiting for someone?" a man's low, husky voice came from right next to her.

She turned around to see a middle-aged guy with blond hair and dark eyes curiously staring at her.

"Me? Oh no, no, just looking around." she chuckled, now turning her body to the guy next to her.

"I see. It's just strange seeing a beautiful woman like you all alone in here on Saturday evening." he said, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Nothing too strange, can't a woman have a night out alone?" she scoffed, having a sip from her glass.

"Of course she can. But maybe a bit of company wouldn't harm? Am I right?" The man said, leaning into her. "I'm Joe by the way, nice to meet you."

In the middle of a conversation with Joe, Norma realized she was beginning to feel a bit light headed, so she excused herself and headed to the bathroom to press a cold cloth on her forehead and to refresh her lip gloss a little. She was, who she was after all.

"Norma, wait up."

She recognized this voice immediately. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Norma tried to make it into the ladies room before he could reach her, but Alex just followed her inside and locked the door.

"What the hell are you doing? " Norma asked him with one eyebrow raised. Clearly annoyed with his behavior.

"So, you're just gonna keep acting like a child or are we gonna talk? " he leaned his frame against the door and crossed his arms over his chest. The sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up, showing off his muscular forearms. His piercing hazel brown eyes running up and down her body before landing on hers.

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Cut this bullshit, Norma." he said calmly.

"It doesn't matter. " she shrugged and turned to the sink to wash her hands and apply her lip gloss, once again. While Alex eyes never left her movements.

"What? " she asked annoyed and turned around.

"As I remember the last time we talked it was me you lied to and me who got mad and left. But I got over it, and tried calling you, multiple times and even came to your house a few time but Norman told me you hadn't been feeling well. And now I see you here? So why don't you just tell me what I did to piss you off? So I can at least get one slightest idea why you're acting like this?"

Norma let out a sarcastic laugh and continued on with fixing her makeup, trying not make eye contact as she felt his glare burning a hole in her back.

"You are acting really foolish right now, do you realize that?"

"Yeah, well you know, blondes tend to be pretty dumb, maybe I should consider the idea of coloring my hair red or something. " Norma spat out sarcastically and when she realized what she had just said it was already too late. In her mind she cursed at her lack of ability to control her mouth.

He scowled. Norma could see his face twist into confusion.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She stayed quiet, trying her best to make a face expression of something near neutral, like she didn't put any meaning to her words. Eyes still glued to the mirror, hoping he will just drop it and go away.

"Norma, what is it?" Alex repeated, louder this time, even though he was pretty sure she had heard him the first time.

Norma wished she could turn invisible and disappear from the face of the planet. Then she might just be able to work through the shame and anger burning through her.

"It doesn't matter." she mumbled, trying hard to resist the urge to storm out of a room and make it all obvious.

Alex pushed himself off the door and walked to her, pinning her against the bathroom counter, his hands resting on the granite on either side of Norma at her hip. He didn't touch her, but leaned in so his nose was just about twelve inches from hers.

"It does matter," he murmured.

"Why?" her heartbeat had just gone into overdrive and oh god, he smelled so good. Norma held her breath but still could feel her skin shiver.

"I need you to tell me what I did to piss you off so I can apologize." he leaned back, just a few inches, and his eyes traveled down her body leisurely.

She could feel the heat from his gaze making her skin warmer. His eyes traveled back up to Norma's face and he pinned her with his hot brown gaze. Her tongue flicked over her suddenly very dry lips. "Even though you look amazing in this little dress with your heels and your platinum hair all curly and messy around your sweetly mad face" his voice low.

"You're what? Drunk again?" she rolled her eyes as a reference to that time, when he was drunk at the motel and called her beautiful. Even though he was heartened by the amount of alcohol in his system, still sober enough to know what he was saying.

"God, you're stubborn." he sighed, shaking his head.

Maybe it was the wine that made it impossible for Norma to hold her tongue but again, words darted from her lips before she could think properly. Like most of the times.

"Oh, I'm sorry that my character does not suit you! But that's not a problem as you already have someone, "not so stubborn" person, at home. So no need to worry, Sheriff."

And then, there was that moment of silence. Norma bite her tongue so hard that she could actually taste the blood, but as always, it was already too late for that. She could see his face changing. Alex shook his head, a light laugh escaped his lips.

"Jesus, Norma, you're hilarious. So I guess you've met Rebecca. When? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, that's none of my business who do you sleep with and it's not that I even care, so." she spat out immediately, too fast to be believable.

"What the hell, Norma? We are not sleeping together, she's just a friend that desperately needed a place to stay for one night. That's it." he frowned.

"Oh, so maybe your "Sheriff's motel" count it as some special "facilities" , because she made it pretty clear that you had some fun just few minutes before I knocked on the door." her sarcastic voice ragged with anger she couldn't hide, despite her best efforts.

Alex eyes were studying her face.

"I still don't get it, so even if we are sleeping together, which we're not, what's the big deal, Norma? Wait. Wait, are you..? Oh my god." he leaned closer, wry smirk playing on his lips, "Are you jealous?" a teasing tone in his voice.

"Of what? Your new successful business? Yeah, I should probably include that stuff myself along with Wi-Fi and room service." Norma responded sarcastically and tried to pull back so she couldn't smell his musky scent. It was doing things to her. Things she could not explain. She was blaming her fuzzy head on the over-abundance of wine she had consumed with very little food.

Alex smiled softly and raised a hand to her face, tipped her chin up with his forefinger, making Norma look him in the eye. His dark amber eyes watched Norma lick her lips and when she bite her lower lip, he inhaled sharply, pinning her blue eyes in his gaze.

She was just lost in his eyes. She couldn't move. Her eyes dropped to his neck. She wanted to lick his pulse line. Norma kicked herself mentally, repeating 'You're drunk, Norma. You're just drunk.' over and over again as that was the only explanation to her thoughts about Alex. It also surprised her that this very little amount of alcohol made her mind go wild.

"So why are so mad then? Just tell me." he whispered concerned, his warm breath making her skin burn.

Norma couldn't understand why he was so determined to know the reason she was mad. Why would he even care after all? Especially after her lie? She was always pretty sure she was nothing more than a pain in his ass. One big walking problem he had to take care of as an impeccable town sheriff. Of course he helped her a lot and she was thankful for that but was it only her that Alex was helping so much? Apparently not. That Rebecca chick. Maybe he was so altruistic towards everyone. She was probably nothing special or exceptional in this case. Well, she never thought otherwise. Ok, maybe just once. Or twice. Still, slight of frustration rippled through her mind.

She found strength to pull away from him and stepped aside.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm talking about…" awkward laugh, "I'm probably way too drunk to think clearly." Norma rubbed her hands down her face, trying to clear that head of hers. "I had a rough week and there's a ton of problems going on with the motel and with Norman and I just had to cope with a lot of shit, that pretty much explains my anger and lack of time, I guess."

From his expression it was clear as day he didn't believe a thing she was telling him.

"Norma…" Alex murmured and stepped toward her. Despite the magnetic pull she felt, Norma took a step back. Trying her best to resist him.

"I should go back" she mumbled and left the room before he could say anything.

Joe was still sitting in the same place Norma had left him a few minutes ago. She didn't even like the guy. Talking with Joe actually meant him bragging about his oh-so-perfect life and it got on her nerves. But after that heated conversation she had had with Alex, Norma felt a need for a few tequila shots, just to calm her mind down, and any kind of company was better than none to be fair. At least in this case, she thought, as her peripheral vision noticed Alex getting back into his previous place by the bar.

What was supposed to be only few shots turned into a pretty impressive collection of empty shot glasses right in front of her.

"So yeah, as I said, everyone who ever got to know me, noticed my unique talent to generate ideas immediately, what is essential..." words coming from Joe's mouth made no sense to Norma. Not that they did before she was drunk. It was just nice having someone alongside, even though their conversation could be better described as Joe's monologue.

If she thought she was drunk before, she was oh so very wrong. A high amount of alcohol pulsing through Norma's veins made everything seem so funny. She started to laugh at whatever Joe was saying, even though she had no idea what he was talking about and it was probably not funny at all as he stared at her in confusion, a vertical wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows.

"Are you alright?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

"More than alright!" she exclaimed giggling drunkenly.

Suddenly she froze, face hardened in concentration before yelling with excitement.

"Oh my god, I fucking love this song!" and before anyone could react, Norma was already climbing up the bar, shot glasses falling down the tabletop.

"Miss, you are not allowed to do that, please get down…" the bartender warned in a rough voice, but Norma was already up, hands in the air, cheerfully slurring song words. Or at least trying to. Her dangerous looking drunk performance immediately drew everyone's attention. Including Alex's. His jaw dropped in shock when suddenly Norma turned to his direction.

"Ohhhh, it is with great pride that I announce the big daddy of White Pine Bay - Sheriff Romero!" she clapped before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. "And as a reward I dedicate this special dance to our stoic majesty!" She shouted out and started something that was supposed to look like stripping. A few loud applauds and cheers came from vile men satisfied with the unexpected performance.

Alex immediately stood up and tried to grab Norma by her arm. She took a step back and giggled.

"You can look but you can't touch!"

"Norma please stop. You're drunk and you're embarrassing yourself, come down." Alex said, trying to keep his voice down but still insistent.

"Oh, sheriff doesn't like it?" she made a sad face before bursting into laughter again.

"Norma. Come. Down. Now." Alex whispered through clenched teeth. There was no way he can let this miserable show go on. As there was still no reaction from Norma, he decided to take some serious actions.

Alex quickly leaned forward and finally managed to grab Norma's hand and pull her closer. Without hesitation, in one swift move he lifted her onto his shoulder and began carrying her off the bar. It wasn't that easy as Norma squirmed and turned, yelling at him along with angry booing and whistling coming from a displeased crowd as the entertaining show was suddenly cut off.

They got to his SUV and he set Norma down onto her feet, helping her into the passenger seat. After making sure she was sitting safe in a car, he locked the door and headed back to the bar, to pay for their drinks and the damage that Norma's little performance had caused. After few minutes he was back, he walked briskly around the car and folded himself easily behind the wheel, started the car and pulled out of the lot, speeding towards the road.

Norma sat there quiet, angrily peeking at Alex as he ignored her gaze and kept his eyes on the road. Unsatisfied with zero attention she then slapped his shoulder. Still nothing. Then decided to reward his arm with series of angry slaps she considered being painful, even though her drunk body had no strength whatsoever.

"Christ, what's your problem, Norma?! Don't make me use my handcuffs!" he yelled grabbing her wrist with one hand.

"You have no right to treat me like that and drag me out of a bar like some kind of criminal!" she shouted in anger. "Pull over! Let me out!" she reached for the car door only to find it being locked.

"In this case you're acting like an actual offender, so I'm treating you like one. And yes, you can thank me tomorrow, after getting sober and thinking more about that magnificent show of yours. I mean, if you remember anything." he stated before pulling in front of the motel.

Norma was about to protest before he cut her off.

"I don't think it's great idea for you to show up to your house in the state that you're in." his eyes running her up and down "and I still have the key from room 11, so it would be best for you to spend the night there."

Before Norma managed to say anything, Alex got out of his SUV, walked around the car to open the passenger's door to let one angry Norma out.

"Do I need to carry you again or..?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Norma mumbled, trying her best to get out of the car without smashing her face to the ground. Although she could barely control her own legs. The first time she fell right back to the seat, and on the second attempt her legs twisted together and she nearly hit the ground. Luckily Alex reacted fast enough to grab her by the waist before she could hurt herself.

"Yeah, sure you are." He chuckled, taking her into his hands and bringing her towards the room. Norma didn't resist this time, her arm sneaking round his warm neck, gaze locked to his lips, staring mesmerized.

After finally reaching the room, he set Norma on her feet but could feel her hand not leaving his neck.

Alex looked at her eyes, gaze still pinned to his mouth. Without him realizing, she crashed her lips to his, kissing him hungrily. She took a few steps back, lips still locked with his, until her back hit the wall.

Alex couldn't resist not to respond to her kiss. In one large, smooth move, his hand glided up her thigh, over her ass, to her back and back down again. She groaned and pushed her hands under his shirt, running them over his smooth, warm skin. He sucked in a breath and his stomach tightened, but as he got used to her touch, he exhaled and kissed the top of her head.

"You're amazing, you know that, right?" he kissed her softly on the lips again, gently teasing her tongue with his, and then nibbled his way down her neck and again to her ear.

"Alex," Norma griped his shirt in her fists trying to pull it over his head but he backed away.

"…but you're also drunk. And it's just not right. You can't think clearly right now and I can't do it. I can't because I don't know if you really want to do this. And I wouldn't stand the idea of you regretting it tomorrow morning and hating me when you have sobered up.. And we still need to talk about what happened on that porch."

Norma blinked at him, completely thrown away. She just stood there quiet, not saying a word. What was there to say anyway? He didn't want her. That was the only reason Norma could think of in this moment. She felt rejected by him. Any other man would have taken her right there and then, no matter if she was drunk or not. She was used to that. But Alex was no 'other man'. She found herself pathetic. Even disgusting. Alex had Rebecca, she knew that now. She fucking knew that. Perfect long copper red hair, curves, long legs, flawless skin. Every man's dream. She was totally opposite of that.

But why had she felt so relieved after he had told her that they weren't sleeping together?

Norma felt tears forming in her eyes as she stepped away from him, she turned around quickly, now with her back facing him.

"You can leave now." she whispered quietly.

Alex noticed her sudden mood change and it broke his heart. But she was drunk. It was the alcohol that had taken over her mind and her actions. He wanted to kiss her so badly it almost hurt him, but he couldn't. Because he wanted her to feel the same way he did. And that could probably never happen, could it? And still, doing it while drunk wasn't an option. At least not for him.

He hugged her tightly from behind, kissing the top of her head.

"Goodnight, Norma."