For Sam: A new-girl small town cowboy romance

Chapter 21 Sam

The look Tommy gives me is downright comical. I’m still uncomfortable, but the edge has been taken off so I can think straight. I even added the meds to my shopping list so this doesn’t happen again. But he doesn’t know that. All he sees is that I’m now in a sweatshirt, which I was attempting to hide by staying under the blankets. However, I needed to pause the show I was watching so I could greet him and low-and-behold…a very non-robe-wearing-arm came right into view.

“You had one job,” he says with mock sternness.

“Actually, two jobs, and I did one of them,” I counter.

“You didn’t stay put. How did I miss that?”

“The meds kicked in about five minutes ago and I had to go to the bathroom. You were in the zone, so while I was gone, I changed for our date. You know, ‘slip into something more comfortable’ as the saying goes.”

He blushes.

“No, truly something comfortable!” I pull the blanket back and show him the oversized sweatshirt and my lightweight navy leggings that feel like I’m wearing nothing so there’s no added pressure on my abdomen. His gaze lingers a moment before he clears his throat.

“Alright then. You do look more comfortable. Not just clothes-wise,” he says. “Should we start the movie you picked out?”

I smile and nod as Tommy closes the curtain so we don’t have any glare. Then he settles in behind me on the couch.

This man.

“Is this okay?” he asks, resting a hand on my hip.

I nod against his chest, breathe him in, and snuggle close. Part of me wonders if I should be wary of how comfortable I am around Tommy, that his motives aren’t what they seem. But he’s never done anything that puts me on alert, the man has zero red flags, and I’ve never heard anyone in this town even hint at something negative about him. If anything, his consistency, openness, and kindness pull me in and wrap me up.

Twice during the movie, Tommy refills the hot water bottle and he kisses the top of my head when he returns to his spot behind me, pulling me close against him. He’s got a little layer of softness to him that feels incredible and if it wasn’t so early in the evening, I could totally fall asleep right here without a problem. I’m less and less aware of the rom-com I picked out and more and more aware of every place we’re making contact. These ridiculous cramps always hit several days before my cycle starts and I have a tendency to feel a little…more and Tommy’s presence is amplifying that.

His thumb makes lazy circles on my hip and when he settled in this last time, I might have let my sweatshirt ride up just a little. Which means those circles are tracing patterns directly on my skin, increasing my heartbeat as I try to hold perfectly still and pretend like I’m not ready to flip over to see what he’s really capable of.

The credits roll and he gives me a little squeeze. “Stay here and I’m going to put the rice in and dinner will be ready in just about ten minutes.”

He dips down to kiss me before giving me a lovely view of his cute butt in those not-too-tight jeans.

Tommy moves things around and calls out, “How are you feeling now?”

“If I’m curled up a little I feel good, actually.” I test stretching my legs out so I’m almost flat and immediately regret it. “Yep, if I stay like this I’m okay.”

Tommy comes back into view and leans against the end of the counter looking like he belongs here. One of my kitchen towels is casually tossed over one shoulder and his arms are crossed over his chest, accentuating his shoulders and waistline. Something about the sight has me feeling more confident than ever so I give him a dare that I want. “I dare you to kiss me without holding back.”

His jaw clenches and his Adam”s apple bobs as he swallows. “You forgot to let me pick truth or dare.”

“Would you prefer a truth?” I ask, nerves creeping in.

“I wouldn’t.” He grips the counter so hard that his knuckles are turning white. “You’re feeling up for that? Just kissing with you staying semi-curled up?”

Well now I want more than just kissing but I’m not about to push my luck and make these cramps ten times worse, so I nod.

The muscles in his jaw work once more as he pauses, his hands still glued to the counter.

“You’re sure?” His voice is rougher this time and I feel like we’re balancing on the edge of a cliff and I’m about ready to beg him to jump off with me.

“I’m sure,” I say, my heart pounding, my voice breathy.

And then he pushes off the counter. There’s a look of pure desire in his eyes as he strides over to me, tangles one hand in my hair as he leans down, and kisses me like I’m the first rays of sunshine he’s seen in a decade. He’s powerful and sure as he gently lays me on my back. Using his free hand, he hitches my leg around his waist so I’m not lying flat and uncomfortable. The way his mouth moves so smoothly with mine already has me shuddering with need.

Here I thought sweet kisses from Tommy Landen were the best thing in the world, but, oh my God, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. My fingers reach around and grip the back of his flannel shirt so I can pull him closer and get more of him.

Jesus, his tongue darts out against my bottom lip and I realize this is the first time he’s used it. For once, I don’t stop and wonder what the other person is thinking about me and I let my instincts take over, opening and allowing him to take everything.