Page 22 of Samuel

“We’ve only been trying this couple thing for a month, Sam. How can you be so sure?”

“I’ve never been more positive about anything in my life. Are you saying this past month hasn’t been good for you?” he asks.

“How could it not be? You spoil me,” I answer honestly, my fingers going to the emerald pendant I’m wearing. Samuel bought it for me for Christmas. It’s an emerald heart that is surrounded by diamonds.

Samuel’s gaze drops to take in the way I’m basically petting the necklace. His entire face relaxes. I think I even see pride shining in his eyes. “You like it.”

“I love it,” I answer truthfully.

“It reminded me of your eyes. I couldn’t resist.”

“I guess I should give you my Christmas present now.”

Immediately, he looks surprised. “Izzy, I told you I didn’t want anything.”

“I think you’ll want this—or at least I’m hoping you do,” I counter, more nervous than I thought I’d be.

I know this is a big step, but it’s not like I’m a virgin. Our marriage might not be conventional, but this past month has been wonderful. I could make a huge mistake. A month isn’t a lot of time. Still, Samuel and I have spent every night together. We’ve moved up from just kissing to heavy make out sessions. When I went back to work, he started working at night so he could sleep with me throughout the day. We fit together. There’sno other way to say it. When I’m worn out from work, Samuel meets me at the door, takes me in his arms and takes care of me. I somehow make him relax when he’s stressed, make him eat when he forgets, and we always find time to unwind together. I even like his crazy family. He comes to the hospital to pick me up often. Watching him walk to me always makes me smile. A few days ago, he came in when Natalie was volunteering. When she walked up to him and tried to kiss him, I lost it. I grabbed her by her hair and pulled her away, telling her to keep her hands off my husband. I thought Samuel would be upset. He wasn’t. He crashed his mouth down on mine and kissed me until I almost begged him to take me right then and there. I didn’t care who was watching. That’s when I knew what I wanted. So, I asked my brother to help me. However, at this moment,I am really nervous.

“Izzy, I’ve never been much for holidays. If you want the truth, this is the first Christmas me or my uncles have celebrated since I was a small child. That I get to spend it with you is all I could ever ask.”

“Daniel and I never really did the whole Christmas thing, either. I’m glad my first one got to be with you, Sam.”

“Why don’t you grab the throw from the sofa and spread it out in front of the tree? Find one of those cheesy as hell Christmas movies you’ve been watching, while I get us both some wine. We can relax and enjoy the night together.”

“I’d like that,” I admit.

“Good,” he whispers, bending down to kiss me gently, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth and sliding his tongue over it, like he doesn’t want to stop.

I don’t want him to.

He stands, pulling me up with him. He kisses the top of my head and gives me a sly wink. “I’ll be back.”

I nod, spending the next few minutes fixing the blanket in front of the tree while grabbing the remote for the television. I don’t really want to watch a movie. I’d rather be in Samuel’s arms and talk. I flip the television to the freebie Christmas background that shows a raging fire on it, with the fireplace decorated in pine swags, holly leaves, and berries. I dim the overhead lighting, grab some throw pillows off the sofa, and settle in. Samuel walks into the room, holding two glasses, and offers me one before he sits down beside me. I grin and then reach over to the tree, sliding my hand under the pretty pale blue skirt we have around the stand. My fingers latch on the manilla envelope I had hidden there. I pull it out, handing it to Samuel. He looks confused, and I try to fight through my anxiety by plastering a fake smile on my face. “Merry Christmas.”

He carefully takes my wine, stretching to put the glasses on the coffee table. Then he takes the envelope. His face looks …annoyed.“Interesting wrapping paper, Izzy.” I shrug. What can you say to that? He looks at the envelope and then tosses it away.

“What are you doing?” I cry, already struggling to get up and fetch the damn thing. Samuel doesn’t let me. He pulls me back down before pinning my body on the floor with him over me.

“I’d hoped this last month you would have stopped being so damn stubborn. Seems that’s not going to happen.”

“Sam—”

“You’re mine, Izzy. I don’t care if it’s been a month, a week, or a fucking day. You’re mine.”

“But—”

“We’re married. You’re in my bed every night. I may not have been inside your body, but I know what it feels like to make you come. If you think I’m going to let you walk away and risk some other man having what belongs to me, you’re insane.”

“Damn it, Sam, the papers?—”

“I’ll fucking burn them, Izzy. I don’t know what you have in that beautiful but dense head of yours, but we are staying married.”

“Sam, you’re pissing me off,” I hiss, tugging on my hands he has trapped over my head.

“Good, because trying to give me divorce papers after the single best fucking day of my life has pissed me off. You don’t get to give me a taste of the life I’ve always wanted, then callously pull it away, Izzy. It’s not happening. You’re home for me. We belong together and if I must fuck you into submission, that’s what I’m going to do.”

“You’re being an asshole,” I growl, ignoring the way his words are setting my body on fire.

---