Page 53 of Surprised By Love

“Hey,” Sam says. There is a light in her eyes I haven’t seen before, and I can’t help but smile, knowing I’m the one who put it there.

“H… Hi,” I say, trying to form words. “You look…” I drag my eyes up and down, taking in her snug jeans and pale purple sweater that shows off all her curves. “You look gorgeous.”

“See, told ya. She’s a smoke show.” Amelia grins. She gives her mom a quick hug. “Bye Momma, have fun.” She turns and heads back into the kitchen, with Jenna right behind her.

“Hi, Josh,” Vicki says as reaches the bottom step. “You kids have a good night tonight. We won’t be waiting up.” She winks at Sam and grabs Becca’s arm, heading toward the girls.

Sam blushes. “I’m so sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. They’re just looking out for you.” I hold up the flowers. “These are for you. I wasn’t sure what your favourite flower was.”

She takes the flowers, and our fingers touch, sending electricity right through me. Damn. I don’t know how I’m going to be a gentleman tonight if I’m already feeling the sparks. I need to reel it in.This is a marathon, not your usual sprint.

She dips her head and inhales deeply, taking in all the aroma of the flowers. “These are beautiful. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like them.”

“I love them.” She smiles at me, making my insides all warm. “Be right back,” she says, but before she could turn and walk away, Vicki’s there with her hand out for the flowers. “Nicely done, Sergeant,” she comments and walks away.

“Well,” Sam giggles. “I guess that’s that.” She reaches for the pale grey peacoat I’d seen her wear the night Miles took her out. The thought of him with her makes me see red. I shake the thought from my mind as I hold the jacket open for her.

“Thank you.” She smiles, slipping her arms through and reaching for the buttons.

“I got it,” I say, buttoning up her jacket. It’s weird, but I like the feeling of taking care of Sam. It’s a feeling I think I can get used to.

Sam

Josh holds out a hand to me so I can slip on my boots. I chose a black leather ankle boot with a low heel. The snow isn’t deep out there, but I don’t want to fall and embarrass myself in front of Josh like last time.

I wobble trying to get the second boot on and he tightens his grip on my hand, bringing his other up and wraps it around my waist, holding me up.

He’s so sweet and if I’m not careful, I can totally see myself falling for him hard and fast and I want to take things slowly.

“Ready?” he asks, as I stand straighter.

“Sure am. Are you going to tell me where we are going yet?”

He grins. “Nope.”

He places his hand on my lower back as I open the door to leave. He closes the door behind me and takes my hand as we walk down the walkway to his SUV.

“It’s a beautiful night,” I say, looking up into the sky peppered with stars.

“It sure is. It works out perfectly for what I have planned for us.” He opens the passenger side door for me. I lift myself up to get into the vehicle, his hand resting on my hip as if he’s spotting me in case I fall.God, can this man get any sweeter?

I try to do up the seatbelt, but it won’t go in.

“Oh, sorry. This belt is acting up. I have an appointment to get it looked at. Do you mind?” He motions to the belt.

“Not at all.”

I suck in a breath when he reaches past me and grabs the seat belt, buckling me in. Even through this jacket, I can feel the heat from his hand as it brushes across my stomach, sending the heat to other parts of my body. Parts I’m not quite ready to be heated up yet. The date just started, for Pete’s sake.

“All set?” he asks.

“Uh-huh.” I respond, not sure I could say anything more coherent at the moment.

He walks around the front of the car, and I take him in. He is one handsome man. He walks with purpose and determination. As if he is in complete control and doesn’t have a worry in mind.

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