Chapter 40
Iwake up the next morning with Sam’s arms still wrapped around me. I don’t think I’ve ever slept naked before, but I feel confident next to Sam. As I listen to his deep breathing, I allow my mind to drift to last night.
All of a sudden, I feel nervous. Here I am, lying naked in bed, Sam at my back, his arm around my waist, and last night he told me he loved me for the second time.
He was falling asleep as the soft, quiet words fell from his lips. I’m still not sure if he realized what he said. Again.
Why can’t he just say it in a way that feels like he knows he’s saying it?
But once again, I didn’t say it back to him. I’ve loved Sam for so long that none of this seems real. I almost want to be cliché and pinch myself, but I hold back that urge.
Should I say it back? I know in every fiber of my being that I love Sam. But can I say it? It feels too vulnerable. I have to tell him. I need him to know that I feel the same way.
I still can’t remember if I told Ethan I loved him during that last phone call, and I can’t let this be another moment I question or regret.
Sam’s arms tighten around me. He kisses my neck, and in a moment of bravery, I say, “Sam?” I peek at him over my shoulder.
“Hmm?” His eyes are closed, and he looks so comfortable. Content.
“Did you mean it?” Sam’s eyes pop open as he moves up onto one arm, his other still draped over my waist. “You love me?”
He chuckles softly, “Yes. I love you, Kat. Always have. Always will.” He lies back down next to me and stares at the ceiling, one arm under his head, the other between us.
My voice is quiet, unsteady, as I speak the words aloud, “I love you, too.”
He looks at me in surprise and gives me a small, shy smile. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I repeat.
That small smile cracks wide open.
Sam turns to his side, kisses my neck, and pulls me into his chest. My core heats as I feel his hard cock against my stomach.
Looking over at the clock on my dresser, I groan at the realization that I have to get ready for work. Catching the reason behind my groan, Sam plants a soft kiss on my lips.
“I wish today were Sunday so I could lie in bed with you all day.” He groans before adding, “This is a busy week for me, and I’m not sure I’ll have much time to woo you.”
“Stay the night with me then. If the only time I can have with you this week is to sleep in your arms, it’ll be enough.”
“You sure? I don’t want to overstay my welcome.” He looks shy, like I might turn him away.
“Yes. Please stay. Bring some clothes so you don’t have to leave early to go back to your dad’s house and get ready.”
“As you wish.”
I playfully smack his arm. “Don’t go all Westley on me, or we’re both going to be very late today.”
“Is that a promise, Buttercup?” His deep voice is seductive.
“I’m not going to let you seduce me right now, Harris.” My tone is playfully sharp.
He squeezes my ass and kisses my neck. “You sure about that? I am very good at seducing.” His hands continue exploring my body, and his mouth dips down to lightly bite my nipple.
“Sam… I… fuck… what was I saying?”
“Something about responsibilities, I think. But this beautiful body of yours is distracting me.”
“I have a client meeting I can’t be late for.” I groan as his mouth sucks and nips at my nipple. “Please promise you’ll come back tonight.”
“I’ll come back tonight,” he breathes into my ear, causing shivers to run down my spine. He kisses me on that very sensitive skin just below my ear. My core tightens in anticipation of his lips on other parts.
I groan and get out of bed, making my way to the bathroom.
He calls after me, “Guess I’ll have to work a little harder at my seduction next time.”
I laugh as I close the door behind me.
By the time I’m out of the shower and dressed for work, Sam’s made us coffee and oatmeal for breakfast. “I feel like I should have asked what you wanted for breakfast. You used to always eat oatmeal, but I’ve been making you eggs and pancakes.
” He runs his hand through his hair in the way he does to relieve his nerves.
I kiss his cheek and pick up the bowl of oatmeal as he hands me a mug of coffee.
I can’t hide the smile as I see he made my coffee just the way I like—lots of creamer.
“I still eat oatmeal almost every morning. But mostly because I don’t like cooking.
I love your eggs and pancakes. Thank you, Sam, this was incredibly thoughtful of you. ”
His shoulders visibly drop as he leans against the counter, his bright eyes twinkling as he watches me walk over to the bar.
“I love to cook, and I’m happy to make you breakfast every morning.
” My stomach flips at the thought of him making me breakfast every day.
I could definitely get used to Sam being around every morning.
I set my breakfast in front of me and slide onto the stool. Looking up at him, I see he’s still watching me. “You gonna eat? Or just stand there staring at me?” I raise my eyebrow in challenge.
“You are so breathtaking. I think I’ll just stand here staring at you.” Sam smiles smugly. My cheeks and neck flame as I look down to hide how my body reacts to his words.
“Such a smooth talker,” I tease.
“Not smooth, just the truth.” He picks up his food and joins me at the bar.
We finish eating and part ways, promising to see each other later that night.
Heading to work, my mind replays our conversation this morning. “I love you, Kat. Always have. Always will.”
I let his words sink into my soul and start to feel those old wounds, of feeling rejected by him, finally begin to heal.