Page 54 of Justice for Samara

“Extremely nice guy. CruzLivingston. Works at the field office out of SanAntonio. Came here to investigate after TrooperPalmer’s murder. He helped us a lot. Carter wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for Cruz.”

Her smile was gentle. “That’s what he says about you.”

“I didn’t do anything, really. I just?”

“Michael, stop it.” She was surprised at the pinkness that spread across his cheeks. “You’re an amazing guy. Amazing. Your mother doesn’t appreciate you. Your old fiancée didn’t appreciate you. But Carter does. I’m pretty sure Gray does. And I do. You’re finally around people who know what kind of man you are, and they all highly respect you.”

It broke her heart to watch him as his head dipped and he stared at his hands. “And what kind of man am I?”

Samara slipped her hand under his chin and lifted his head until she could look in those gorgeous eyes. “The most amazing man I’ve ever met. Someone who is as smart and resourceful as he is gentle and kind. The man who makes me feel like a queen.”

“Because you are,” he whispered.

“And you… You are my king.” There was no point in holding back. If she didn’t get the words out, she was pretty sure she would explode, so she stared into the depths of those hazel orbs, took a deep breath, and sighed it out. “Michael, I love you. I know we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but I’ve never met anybody else like you. I can’t wait to see you every time my eyes open, and your smile takes my breath away.” She felt a tear as it rolled down her cheek, but she didn’t care. Her heart was full. If he didn’t feel the same way about her, she thought she’d probably die, but she needed to know for sure. “I love my family. I love my job. But you’re the most important person in my world, and I never want to live a single day without you.”

One hand rose to wipe the tear from her face and he tried to smile, but she could tell he was slowly losing his composure. “There are no words to tell you how much I love you, Samara. You’re everything to me.” The hand that had captured the tear cupped her cheek, and the warmth from it gave her a peace and calmness she’d never known. “I’m not going to lie to you. I’m terrified. Until I took this job, nothing I ever did came out the way I wanted. It’s been the first real success of my life. And it’ll be my best, unless I can win your heart.”

“It’s too late. You already have.” She leaned out and pressed her lips to his, and he deepened the kiss, breathing into her and making her his. There was no stopping the tears that slicked her face, and when she wrapped her arms around his neck, he pulled her in closer and kissed her a little deeper.

That made her cry even harder. He pulled back and their eyes locked. “Why are you crying?”

“Because I was so scared when I said that to you.”

He seemed surprised. “Scared of what?”

“That you wouldn’t feel the same way.”

“Why wouldn’t I? Baby, I fell for you the first second I saw you in the office, but I told myself that a woman like you would never pay any attention to a man like me.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because you’re beautiful and smart, accomplished, confident, strong. Why would I think you’d want to be around me?”

“You’re all those things and more. I’ve watched you, Michael. You may be a little hesitant in a social setting, but when you’re at work, you have a confidence that instills more confidence in everyone who works under you. And I can tell you this. I have never?never?felt safer around anyone than I do with you. When you’re around, I know nothing can hurt me because you’re watching. And if you told me to do something…” She chuckled a little. “I don’t take well to being told what to do, at least not in my personal life, but if you told me to do something, I know it would be because you were looking out for me, not trying to control me or manipulate me. I trust you, Michael. I really do trust you.”

The eyes that looked back into hers were clear and bright. “And I will never, never do anything to betray that trust, babe. I’m all yours for as long as you want me.”

“I want you forever. A very, very long forever.”

“Good.” Michael’s hands followed her arms to her hands clasped behind his neck, then separated her hands, brought them down, and held them in his own. “I’m gonna take this trash out and then we’re going over your map so I can see your game plan. After that, we’re going to bed and I’m going to show you that everything I just said to you is true.”

She stroked a finger down his cheek. “And I’m going to do the same for you.”

“Okay. Spread all that stuff out while I take out the trash.”

Thirty minutes later, he nodded as he looked through the paperwork. She’d covered every detail he could’ve thought of and some that he never would’ve. The map was folded up and put away, and the papers slipped into a folder. “So are you going to try to start the interviews tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Thought I would.” He was trying to say something, but she didn’t know what it could be. After watching him for a full minute, she finally said, “Okay. What’s going on in your head?”

“Would you please let me assign somebody to ride with you? I’m worried that?”

“No, Michael. No. I have to do this. Besides, I’m the only female deputy. If you assign one of the guys, the women won’t want to talk to me. I’ll be fine, I promise. Situational awareness is now my middle name,” she said and patted his hand.

“I just… Nothing can happen to you.” The brokenness in his voice surprised her. He really was worried.

“It won’t. If I see anything that looks wrong or out of place, I’ll call it in. I promise. Can we just forget about this for a few minutes and get ready for bed?”

“Of course. I’ll lock up and be there in just a minute or two.” When he stood from the table, she did too, and gave him a little kiss on the cheek before she wandered to the bedroom.

---