Page 45 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“You worked every bit as hard as I did. You put in the hours, Autumn. After school and on the weekend. This is your accomplishment.”

She smiled at Sam and they locked eyes. “That’s sweet of you to say. I haven’t exactly made this easy for you.”

Sam grinned. “I won’t argue with that.”

She chuckled, putting her head down, hiding her embarrassment from him. She was sorry for the way she’d treated him, a man just returning from serving his country. He’d spent all of his free time here, helping her make this one last Messina Family Fall Festival, the best one ever. They’d go out with a bang.

“What I’m trying to say is that, well… I’ll never forget it, Sam.” She rose up on tiptoes and just as she was aiming for his cheek, he turned a fraction of an inch and their lips met. It was a kiss of gratitude, of thanks. At least it started that way. She had every intention of backing away, but Sam cupped her face, a groan rising up his throat and she couldn’t move, couldn’t deny herself the pleasure of his lips caressing hers.

It was a beautiful kiss. The best one ever and she kept on kissing him, enjoying the joining of their mouths, enjoying the taste of him, her heart racing like crazy.

The kiss came to a natural ending, both parting at the same time. It left her breathless, wanting more.

He bent and their foreheads touched. “If that was a thank-you, I don’t think I’ve ever had a better one.”

“I’m… sorry. I meant to kiss your cheek,” she whispered.

“Maybe I’m glad you have bad aim.”

She smiled at that. “You turned your head.”

“You’re not wrong.”

She backed up a step, unlocking their foreheads and searched his eyes. “What are you saying?”

Sam sighed. “I’m saying… I’m saying—”

“Be honest with me, Sam. I deserve that.”

He nodded. “Yes, yes you do. I’ve hurt you once, Autumn. I don’t want to do it again.”

She lowered her voice to a whisper. “How can you be so sure you would?”

“I certainly don’t want to. It’s just that I have decisions to make. About my future and I’m not sure about anything right now.”

“Sometimes, emotions do the deciding.”

“And sometimes, they lead you astray.”

There was pain in his eyes, his expression too solemn not to recognize as regret. “You’re talking about Hilary. Do you… do you still love her?”

His answer mattered to her, too much. She didn’t want to hear it, not really, but she had to know. It was a personal question, maybe one she had no right asking. Sam hadn’t made any claims on her. He’d done quite the opposite. Except for an occasional kiss, he hadn’t made any real overtures to her. Heck, she’d gotten more from Jared Harmon, in that he’d told her his intentions. He wanted to date her.

“Do I still love Hilary?” The statement hung in the air. He thought about it much too long for her liking. “I don’t think so. It’s not easy being the one left holding the bag. Maybe it’s more my pride that’s bruised. My complete lack of perception. I didn’t see it coming.”

And maybe he was denying something that could be really great between them. But she wouldn’t press him. He must know how she felt about him. She was tired of chasing him. She was tired of him being just out of her reach. Maybe he wasn’t ready for another involvement. Maybe he’d never come to realize he had genuine feelings for her. And just maybe, they weren’t meant to be. That revelation took hold and wouldn’t let go.

“You know what? I should do one more check of the barn to make sure it’s ready for the dance.”

“We’ve checked it twice already, Autumn.”

“I want to plug in the lights and make sure they’re all working.”

“Okay, I’ll go with you.”

“No. It’s okay Sam.” She put up her hand. “I’ve got this. You should go home. Rest up. We’re gonna be really busy tomorrow.”

Sam looked her square in the eye. He was on to her. She was trying to get rid of him and instead of arguing, he let it go. He lethergo, like he always did. But she couldn’t think about that now. She had two days of festivities to deal with and thinking about Sam Russell always sucked up all her energy.

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