by Lynn Hunter
“Karen is going to drive and bring me back.” Her mom gave her a gentle squeeze but Lily hardly felt it.
“Have a good time then.” She stood rooted to the spot as they started to leave.
As her mom swung open the door, Sam stood there with his fist poised to knock. There he was again. He wouldn’t leave her alone. She hated him. This was all his fault. Things were fine until she met him.
Sam couldn’t stay away. He had Rick and Dean watch the shop so he could check on Lily. He hated the way things went at the diner and that she drove home upset. He knew she wouldn’t be happy to see him but he wanted to try and apologize. Just as he was about to knock the door opened.
Sarah stood in the opening. “Sam. I didn’t know you were coming by,” she smiled and motioned him inside.
Stepping into the cheery kitchen, his eyes found Lily. Her face was tight with anger and her eyes shot daggers at him. Nice. He gave her a nod, knowing she wouldn’t cause a scene in front of her mother.
“Sam, this is Karen. She going to list the house for us.”
The woman, Karen, stuck her hand out and gave him an appreciative once over. He wasn’t interested. He only had eyes for one woman, who was currently trying to kill him with angry glares.
“What company are you with?” He asked.
“Falls Real Estate.” She smiled, probably thinking he wanted to catch up with her later.
Sam’s eyes went to Lily. Her hate filled look was still on him. If he left with the real estate woman, she would probably be thrilled to be rid of him.
“Well, we’re off,” Sarah announced brightly. “I’ll see you in a bit, Lily. Bye Sam.” He kept his eyes on Lily as the two women left.
They stared at each other for several seconds. His body started to tighten at the impending confrontation.
“I told you to stay away from me.” She practically growled at him.
What was wrong with him that he wanted this young woman so bad when she wanted to flay him and leave him out for wild animals to consume? He wanted her, though. He couldn’t seem to get enough of seeing her.
“I wanted to apologize to you about earlier.”
She blinked, not expecting his response.
“I know you’re only doing what you think is right.”
“It doesn’t matter what you think Sam. It’s none of your business. Please leave.” Her voice was soft, a complete contrast to the anger on her lovely face.
“I want it to be my business, Lily.”
“No. I have enough going on right now without you pressuring me,” she bit out.
He stuck his hands in his pockets. “Your mom is selling the house,” he said.
Her shoulders slumped and her face crumbled. He reached her in two long strides and pulled her to his chest. “Baby, it’s going to be okay.” He hated that he made her cry.
“No, it’s never going to be okay again.” She sniffed. Then suddenly she jerked out of his arms. “This is all your fault,” she accused, eyes bright with tears.
“Really?” His eyebrows shooting up to his hairline.
“Yes.” She stomped past him to the door and snatched it open.
“Out!” She snapped at him.
Lily’s spurt of anger faded when Sam approached her. At least, he was leaving. Then she could go to her room and wallow in her own misery until Johnathan got home from school. When he stopped a few inches from her, she let go of the door and stepped back. He gently pushed the door closed. Goosebumps broke out on her skin and she took another step away. Her heart beat wildly. He was so tall and strong. His muscular body so appealing to her. She was drawn to him even when she didn’t want to be.
“What do you want, Sam?” her voice sounded breathless to her own ears.
“I came here to apologize to you, Lily, and you’re not being very nice. Tell me,” he said calmly, “what is it about me that you don’t like?”
Her pulse beat with excitement. “What?”
He smiled slightly, “Why don’t you like me?”
At the moment, she couldn’t think of reason. “Um…because I asked you to leave me alone and you keep coming back,” she whispered.
“Yesterday when I came back you seemed to like me,” he pointed out. “In fact, you didn’t want me to leave. You kind of blow hot and cold, Lily. Do you think an attraction like this,” he motioned between then with a long finger, “happens all the time? Don’t you want to find out what it’s like to actually have a conversation? Maybe see where the attraction goes? I do. I like you and want to spend time with you.”
His words were calm but it only made her angrier. “You’re pushy. I would have contacted you if I was interested.”
He gave an unexpected bark of laughter and she jumped.
“I call bullshit on that.” His eyes twinkled with laughter and she actually found herself smiling back. He was so attractive when he smiled. He almost looked approachable.
His gaze landed on her lips and just like that her body overheated. She wanted the pleasure he gave her yesterday. Her body even started leaning towards him. His hand came up and touched her straight locks then trailed a finger down her cheek.
“You look pretty today.”
Pleasure heated her cheeks and she ran a hand over her dress. It wasn’t new but it was her favorite.
“Don’t straighten your hair. I like the curls.”
The pleasure of his compliment went up in smoke and her body stiffened. “I’ll straighten my hair if I want.”
He chuckled, “Like I said, hot and cold. You’re mad because I told you I like your natural beauty?”
“Yes! Everything you say makes me mad. It always sounds like an order.”
“I’m bossy,” he stated.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” She said sarcastically.
Her breath hitched when she saw a glint in his dark blue eyes. Suddenly he had her hand and pulled her with him to the living room.
“What are you doing?
“We’re going to sit and talk for a minute.”
“I don’t want to talk,” she cried.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Throwing her words back at her.
Lily glared at his back. What did he want with her anyway? He surely didn’t have a shortage of women to date. She saw the way the realtor ate him up with her eyes.
Reaching the big leather sofa, he turned and pressed her into a soft cushion. Then he settled down next to her with his arm stretched out behind her. The heat of his body seeped through her clothes warming her skin.
“Let me take you out tonight. We can get to know each other. If you decide then that you’re not interested, then I’ll leave you alone. As long as you’re honest.”
She stiffened and tried to stand. “You are unbelievable!”
Before she knew what was happening, she found herself flat on her back with him hanging over her. His expression tight and his eyes hard.
“No more games, Lily. Why do you pretend you don’t want me? I can see it. I’ve felt it,” he growled.
Her nipples tightened and her panties became wet. It was happening again. A whimper came out before she could stop it.
“I’m not used to this feeling. I’m not ready for it,” she admitted honestly “it’s scary.”
His face softened. “I’m not used to it either. I’ve never wanted anyone this much.”
His understanding tone brought tears to her eyes.
“I want to try, Lily. I can be good for you if you stop fighting me.” His gaze traveled from her face down her body. I like this dress, Lily. So pretty.” He touched the hem and fingered the material. His hard fingers grazed her thigh and it sent warmth to her core. He wedged his big body between her legs and gave her some of his weight.
He groaned deeply. “You feel so good under me.” He leaned down and brushed a soft kiss on her lips. “Does it feel good to you?”
“Yes,” she whispered, “it feels good.” She couldn’t help the upward tilt of her hips to put more pressure on her clit.
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“Yeah,” he adjusted so his hard shaft was pressing against her, “this feels better, doesn’t it?”
“Oh, yes,” she grabbed his shoulder and tried to grind upward.
“Tell me what you want,” he said in her ear then trailed his lips across her cheek to her lips.
She opened her mouth and kissed him frantically, unable to get enough of his taste. He lifted off her and knelt between her thighs
“Pull up your dress, baby.” His gaze riveted on her hips.
She grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up her thighs. The way he looked at her made her feel so beautiful and feminine. How had she attracted a man like him? He was so out of her league.
As excited as she was, things had to slow down. She licked her lips. “Sam?”
He put his warm hand on her knees. “Yeah?”
“Is this getting to know each other?”
His hands paused. “Do you want me to stop?”
“I think we should. I don’t know how I feel about this and, to be honest, you’re a little intimidating.” She said trying to be as honest as she could.
His jaw clenched and he gave her a dark look. “I’m not trying to intimidate you. I’m trying to make you feel good. You want me, I know you do.”
“I don’t know anything about you.”
He raised an eyebrow at her, “I tried to get you to spend time with me. This,” he motioned to their position, “seems to be the only thing I do that you seem to like.”
Oh no! He was right. She struggled to sit up.
Sam grabbed her flailing form and pulled her to him so she straddled his lap. “Stop!” He shouted when she kept struggling.
She froze instantly turning wide eyes on him. Sam held back his irritation. “There’s nothing wrong with you, dammit. It’s okay to want to be touched,” he paused “as long as it’s by me.” He didn’t want her to decide she liked being touched and let some other asshole besides him touch her.
Oh shit. He squeezed his eyes shut and dropped his head back on the sofa. He wanted her so bad he ached. He took a couple deep breaths to calm his body and was going to let her go when she rested her slight weight against him and tucked her head under his chin. He sat very still not wanting to ruin the moment. Slowly, he brought a hand up to stroke her back.
“I haven’t been touched in so long. It feels so strange sometimes.” She whispered.
She was actually talking to him. “Johnathan’s dad?” He asked hoping she would tell him something about herself.
“Yes.”
“Did you love him?”
“Yes. We were so young. I was seventeen and he was eighteen. I feel so old now.” She heaved a heavy sigh.
“What happened to him?” She was silent for so long he didn’t think she would answer.
“I killed him,” she said so faintly he didn’t think he heard her right.
“What?”
“I killed him.” Her voice was stronger now.
His hand stilled on her back. “Tell me what happened.” He would never believe she actually killed someone. She pushed herself closer to his body and started talking. She told him about John and the wreck. About her dad, the failing business, and her mom’s stroke. She talked for almost an hour and soaked his shirt through with tears. He held her close and rubbed her back. When she finally quieted, he said, “You don’t know what caused that wreck, Lily. It could have been anything. You can’t keep blaming yourself.”
She sniffed. “I’ll never forget his scream. He was terrified. All because I couldn’t control myself. I should have waited until I saw him in person. I called him and just…blurted out the news,” she sighed. “His mom won’t talk to me or see Johnathan. She says it’s too painful. She moved away.” She sat up at looked deeply into his eyes. “I ruined a happy family, Sam. His mother will never get over his death and she blames me.” Her beautiful brown eyes filled with fresh tears, “rightly so.”
“No. That’s her choice. She could have a family if she wanted one.”
Lily shook her head. “I didn’t want to do anything again without thinking it through. But since I met you, I seem to do all kinds of impulsive things. I know working at the diner won’t save the house but I just felt so frantic at the thought of leaving. I have to do something. If I don’t try, I’ll hate myself.
Sam studied her. “If you hadn’t met me, the house would have been put on the market anyway.” He pointed out.
She smiled a bit, looking a little chagrined, “I know, I guess it’s just easy to blame you.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
She shrugged her shoulders as though it made perfect sense to her. But, as long as she was sitting in his lap voluntarily, she could blame him for whatever she wanted.
He wiped a new tear from her cheek. “You’re quite a lady, Lily. You held your family together after your dad died. You’re young and took on the challenge while raising a son. Which, by the way, you’re doing an excellent job with.”
She smiled shyly. Making progress.
“All I want is for you to get to know me. I’m not as bad as I seem.” He watched her ponder his words while she played with a button on his work shirt. He wondered if she even realized she was touching him so casually.
Finally, she nodded. “Okay, Sam. We’ll try to spend some time together. But, I don’t want Johnathan to see me date.”
He felt his excitement take a dive. “You’re not hiding me from your son like I’m a dirty secret, damn it.”
“Sam-”
His anger spiked. “No, Lily. We’re not hiding anything from anyone. I’m too old to sneak around.”
Her eyes flashed at him. “You can’t tell me what’s best for my son. I don’t want him to get to know and like you then if things don’t work out he’ll be hurt.”
“So your solution is to lie to him and not let him have any kind of relationships?”
Her face flushed with anger and her hands pushed on his chest as she tried to scramble off his lap. He held her hips tightly knowing if he let her go the conversation would be over.
“Let me go.” She practically snarled.
With a heavy sigh, Sam forced his fingers to release her. He was about to lose any progress her made with her, but he wasn’t willing to compromise on this. He wouldn’t hide their relationship. He stayed seated while she jumped up and faced him with her fists clenched at her sides.
“I’m trying to protect my son from any unnecessary hurt.”
“You’re going to teach him that it’s okay to sneak around and that forming attachments is bad or wrong.” He tried to keep his voice calm.
Fury tightened her delicate features. “Fuck you, Sam. Get out!” she yelled.
That’s it. He had enough of her tantrum. He surged to his feet in one smooth movement and she fell back a step. He clasped her upper arms and pulled her resisting body to his chest. “There’s no reason to use that language, Lily. We were having a conversation.” He growled at her. She tried to rip herself out of his hands but he held her tightly.
“No, we weren’t. You were telling me how it would be and I’m just supposed to do what you say.” She said through clenched teeth “But I don’t want to do what you say, Sam, he’s my son. Not yours.”
He needed to get out of there before he did or said something he regretted. Damn, she pushed his buttons. He set her away from him and released her arms. “I would never talk to you the way you’re talking to me.” Her eyes grew wide as he stepped around her to walk to the kitchen. “I’m leaving. You have some thinking to do, and a little growing up to do.” He continued walking through the kitchen. She didn’t stop him, not that he expected her to. She was probably happy to be rid of him.
Unable to stop himself he turned back when he put his hand on the door handle. To his surprise, she was standing in the kitchen doorway, her face resigned. It made his heart stutter. This would probably be the last time he saw her. She already had her doubts about him but now he ruined his chance
s with how he handled the conversation about Johnathan. He briefly considered telling her he was sorry, but if he waffled now, she would think he wasn’t consistent for reliable.
“You know where my shop is if you want to talk.” Her shoulders relaxed a bit and her eyes dropped from his. Had she thought he never wanted to see her again? Sam gentled his voice. “You should go wash your face before Johnathan gets home.” She put a hand to her cheek and nodded before turning and walking away.
He pulled the door open and left the house and took a deep breath of crisp fall air. Even though the conversation had been less than ideal, he knew more about her and liked the way he felt when he was she was close. He never pursued women, but Lily would be worth it. She would have to come to him this time, though. He meant what he said to her. He wouldn’t hide their relationship. She had to trust him.
Just before climbing into his truck he felt a tingle on the back of his neck. He turned and scanned the upstairs windows and there she was watching him. He didn’t wave, just held her eyes before getting into his truck and pulling away from the house.
Chapter 8.
Dean and their part-time mechanic, Rick, greeted him. “Hey, Romeo’s back,” Dean announced. “How’d it go with your lady love?”
“She told me to fuck off,” Sam said easily.
Rick snorted in amusement and Dean looked flabbergasted. “Are you serious?” He shook his head. “I don’t believe it. She actually looked at you and said that?”
The corner of Sam’s mouth lifted. “Yeah.”
“What did you do to her to make her say that?”
Sam shrugged.
“I know what you did. You probably went over there and started bossing her around.” He paused. “Or you told her you were buying her house. That would do it.”
“I didn’t tell her about the house. She’s not ready to hear it yet.”
“Well, if she told you to get lost for being bossy, she’s probably going to shoot you when she finds out about the house,” he warned.
Just as Sam was about to agree, a thick southern accent yelled from the bay doors. “Hey, dumb ass!”
Willa Rae, their only female driver, looked like a pint-sized wild cat ready to take something apart. She was about five foot nothing, but she packed a lot of curves on her tiny frame. With wavy brown hair, dark brown eyes and tanned skin she was a knockout. Sam liked her. She kept the place lively with her over the top personality. Under all that sass though she was worked hard to be respected in a male dominated profession. She was only twenty-two and Sam worried about her out on the road but it wasn’t his place to say anything. She did a good job so he had no complaints.