Chapter Eleven #2
The server arrives with our appetizers and sets them in the center. “Anything else I could get for you at the moment?”
Luke holds up his whiskey. “Two more, please.” He looks at me. “I got you.”
“Thanks.” I smile, not expecting that. I haven’t taken but a couple of sips from this glass.
Steven and Luke dig into the appetizers. Sam leans into me slightly, her breast pressing against my upper arm. I try not to react, though every part of me is standing at attention. “Luke likes you,” she speaks softly in my ear.
“I like him too,” I whisper back.
We eat our appetizers, order dinner, and finish that. Time flies by.
“Let’s go across the street to On the Rocks,” Luke says. “Drinks on me.” It’s a cocktail bar with live music.
“Yes.” Steven leans against Luke’s arm. “It’ll be fun!”
I look at my watch, about to decline, when Sam speaks up for both of us.
“We have kiddos at home tonight. But let’s plan again and we’ll get a sitter. It was so much fun.” Sam steps up to Luke and pulls him into a hug. I see her speak something into his ear.
“Party pooper,” Steven says, hugging me. “But we’ll be fine.” He kisses my cheek. I know exactly what’s on his mind.
“Luke,” I say, walking up to him. “Thank you for the drinks. Next time is on me.”
“I’m just happy to have someone who drinks like me.” He surprises me by pulling me into a quick half hug. “This was fun. I needed it.”
“You two be safe,” Sam says, pulling away from her hug with Steven. “Call us if you need a ride home.”
“Uber, baby.” Steven winks, brushing Luke’s arm. “Ready?” They wave as they cross the street.
“Want me to drive?” Sam asks as we wait for the valet to bring the car around.
“I’m okay to drive. But if you feel more comfortable, then you can.”
Sam shakes her head. “I trust you.”
I like those words. Trust means a lot to me. “Thank you.”
The drive back is silent, but not uncomfortable. “How do you think the girls did?” I ask.
“Hmm?” Sam glances over, as if she hadn’t been paying attention. “Oh, I’m sure they did just fine. Olivia’s a good host. She loves your girls.”
My girls. That resonates with me. They will always be my girls from now on.
I pull into the driveway. We walk up to the porch together. The outside light comes on. Sam slides to the side of the door, away from the camera.
“I had a good time,” she says, leaning back against the house. “I wasn’t sure you’d be open to dinner with me, even though Luke suggested it.”
I move to lean against the house, next to Sam. “Why wouldn’t I be open to it?” I ask, genuinely confused. “I think we’ve had a good time hanging out lately.”
She studies me for a moment. “It’s been nice.”
“Thanks for asking me out through Luke,” I add. “You turned out to be a decent date.”
Sam chuckles. “You’re welcome.”
I roll my eyes and give a small shrug. Sam smiles, nudging my shoulder. I catch her hand and hold it, brushing my thumb over her skin. Her gaze drops to where we’re touching.
“I want to kiss you,” she says.
I place my hand on her hip and pull her closer.
Sam doesn’t hesitate, her hand cups my cheek as she presses her mouth to mine.
Her lips move against mine with an intensity that steals my breath.
She slips her fingers into my hair, gripping the back of my neck as her tongue meets mine in a slow, heated glide.
“Mom.” Olivia’s voice surprises us. Sam jerks away. “I thought I heard you. Why haven’t you come in yet?”
“Allie and I were just talking about the security system. Go inside,” Sam says, waving her in and following quickly behind. She glances at me before disappearing.
I take a moment to steady my breathing. My heart’s beating triple time.
Damn she can kiss. I’ve never meshed that well with someone before.
I step into the living room. Kara’s sitting on the couch eating popcorn while the movie Clueless is playing on the TV.
Maisie’s sound asleep in the recliner, curled up under a blanket.
“Can Kara stay the night, Mom? Please.” Olivia puts her hands together, begging for the right answer.
“You’re asking the wrong person, kiddo,” Sam says. “I’m good with it.”
Olivia looks at me shyly, while Kara pretends she doesn’t know what’s going on. I want to say no because Kara isn’t out of the woods yet.
“Sure.” I shrug, giving in. Thanks to Sam I’m feeling a little lighter about life.
Kara jumps off the couch, rushing toward Olivia. They squeal at the same time, holding hands and bouncing up and down. I can’t help but laugh.
“What’s going on?” Maisie sits up, startled.
“Nothing to worry about, sweetheart.” Sam sits next to her, brushing the hair from her eyes. I love how attentive she is.
“Kara’s staying overnight with Olivia,” I tell Maisie. “You’re stuck with me, kiddo.”
Maisie holds up her arms for me to get her. She hasn’t done that in a long time. I lift her up, holding her tightly. “Can I sleep with you?” she says, resting her head against my shoulder, her arms wrapping around my neck.
“Of course. You give the best cuddles.” I hold her close, thinking of Annie. She used to let me sleep with her anytime I wanted. I would have nightmares quite often as a kid. My big sister made me feel safe. I want the same for her babies.
“I’ll walk you out.” Sam steps closer to me.
“Be good, Kara. I love you.” I linger a moment longer, hoping she’ll say something back. My expectations fall short as she continues to ignore me.
Sam follows me to the car where I put Maisie in the front. I close the door, propping my back against the window.
“We should grab dinner one day this week,” Sam suggests. “The girls would love it.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
“Good.” Sam backs away slowly.
“Want my number?” I ask, unable to hide my grin.
“There’s a teenager in my house that belongs to you. I’ll have it soon.”
My smile is instant. “True.”
“Sweet dreams.” Sam waves as she turns to go inside. I watch her the whole way, more intrigued than ever.