Page 95 of Surprised By Love

Usually, the thought of being in a relationship and having any feelings for a woman made my chest feel tight, and I never cuddle. Like ever. But I want to cuddle with Sam, and knowing she’s going to be here when I wake up makes me happy.

I kiss her again and then shift us so I’m on my back and she is resting her head on my chest. I lay here in bliss after the most amazing sex of my life.

My fingers play with Sam’s hair until her breathing slows and I know she’s asleep. I feel a tug at my heart and I look down at Sam asleep on my chest. I kiss the top of her head and realization hits me.

Could I actually be in love with Sam?

Chapter Thirty-Five

Josh

TheMillerfamilyUglyChristmas Sweater party is in full swing when I arrive. My parents brought Emily and Jake with them when I got a call I had to attend to. Sometimes being a Sergeant sucked, but I love my job.

We were about to leave when I got a call from Rich, a new officer I had hired six months ago when we had an opening. Rich and his wife Barb moved to town a year ago, and he was commuting to work in Pineridge. When I got the all clear to hire another officer, I jumped on the chance to have him transferred here. It makes it easier to have your officers live in town.

There was a disturbance at the Sunset Bar and Grill. Two male tourists were fighting over a female tourist they had both just met, and Rich needed a hand. In the end, the girl decided she didn’t want either of them and left with her friend.

“Hey,” Vicki says as she answers the door.

I step inside and sigh. “Sorry I’m late. Sergeant’s job is never done.” I pass her the gift in my hand and I take off my boots.

“Well, I’m glad it didn’t take all night, and you’re here now.” She signals to the tree where my parents are sitting with Emily, Jake, and Amelia playing on the floor. “Your parents and kids are over there, and Sam is in the kitchen.” She grins and walks over to the table where the other gifts are.

I walk over to the tree to say hi and let them all know I’m here. I bend down and kiss my mom on the cheek and ruffle Jake’s hair. Emily jumps up from her place on the rug and leaps into my arms for a hug.

“Daddy, you’re here!” She nuzzles into my neck. “Sam made so many yummy treats I had to try them all, but Gramma said I had enough,” she says, her bottom lip hanging out. “They’re so good I wanted more. You better have some before they are all gone.”

She pulls back and places her hands on my face and looks me in the eye. “Maybe… maybe you can sneak me some. They are reeeeally good,” she whispers.

I laugh. “Maybe I can talk Sam into packing some away for us to take home. How does that sound?”

“Yes!” she squeals, pumping her fist into the air.

I put her down and pat her head. “Let me go find Sam and ask her.” Emily nods and sits back down beside Amelia.

This little girl is going to be the death of me when she gets older. She already knows how to get what she wants. I’m going to need to make sure all her dates know I have a gun and I’m not afraid to use it. I chuckle at the thought.

I enter the kitchen and spot Sam right away. She is wearing the most horrific ugly sweater I have ever seen, but she is still the most beautiful woman I know.

She’s at the kitchen island, placing fresh gingerbread cookies onto a wire rack. There is a woman standing beside her, placing cooled cookies onto a tray. This has to be Jessica. She has the Miller look, short with pale skin and dark hair, not as dark as Sam’s, but I’d say a dark chocolate brown colour and I see some hints of red running through it.

Sam looks up, and I smile, walking over to her and wrapping her in my arms. “I’m sorry I’m late.” Her sister is watching us and I don’t care. I plant a chaste kiss on her glossy pink lips.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Hi,” I say, kissing her lips again.

Jessica clears her throat.

“Oh, sorry.” Sam steps back, her cheeks flushed. “Josh, this is my sister Jessica. Jess. This is Josh.”

“Nice to meet you,” Josh says, holding out a hand.

Jessica jumps off the stool and comes around the island and hugs me. “Sorry, we Miller’s are huggers. It’s so nice to finally meet the infamous Josh.”

“Infamous, huh?” I look at Sam.

She shakes her head. “Ignore Jess. She is the troublemaker of the family.”

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