Worth the Risk

by Jenna Byrnes

  “You’re a man,” Doug replied.

  “I am.”

  “We’ve been through all this.” Sarah touched her brother’s arm and smiled. “Just a little misunderstanding, but no problem.”

  Doug looked at Sarah. “But he’s a man.”

  “Yes, dear.” Bailey wrapped an arm through Doug’s. “We’ve got that all sorted out. Why don’t you and I go in and set out this food, while Sarah takes Sam up and shows him the loft?”

  “But—” Doug started to protest.

  Sarah handed her bag to Bailey. “Good idea. We’ll pop up and see the loft and be back in a flash.”

  “Great.” Bailey led Doug into Sarah’s house.

  Sarah turned to Sam. “Can I carry anything for you?”

  “No thanks, I’ve got it.” He picked up his bags again and followed her up the long row of stairs.

  Sarah had never felt self-conscious climbing the steps before, but knowing Sam was directly behind her, about ass-level, was unnerving. So far the libido was winning. She reached the landing and opened the door. “This is it.”

  “Great.” Sam smiled as he brushed past her and entered the front room. “Very nice.”

  She inhaled as he moved by. His scent was earthy and masculine. It was subtle, but it nearly bowled her over. She stepped in behind him. “I brought you some flowers. I, uh, thought you were a woman.” Sarah was embarrassed by the blunder, but a new feeling had crept in. Arousal niggled at her, and she clamped her legs together tight to suppress it.

  He set his bags down and leaned over the table to smell the bouquet. “I like flowers. These are lovely, thanks.” Standing up, he glanced around before smiling at her. “This place looks great. It has good karma.”

  She watched his ass as he bent over, then snapped her eyes back to his face. “It’s not very big, sorry.”

  “It’s fine, plenty big enough for my needs.”

  His needs. I have a few needs of my own. Good lord, everything the man said had her thinking double entendres. “The bedroom and bathroom are that way.” Sarah pointed, not wanting to venture in that direction. “The fridge is on, but there’s nothing in it yet.”

  “No problem, I can take care of it this weekend.” He looked around.

  Sarah watched him. He was like no librarian she’d ever seen. His thick, wavy ponytail dangled down his back. Sarah thought his hair looked longer than hers, maybe even longer than Bailey’s. It was light brown, though, where Bailey’s was dark and Sarah’s blonde. She wondered how it would look loose and flowing, maybe even falling in his face, as he rose above her. Sarah shook her head, fighting the unwanted titillating thoughts.

  Sam moved about the loft, and she continued to watch him. He was definitely different from any librarian the town of Perry had ever seen. Maybe he wouldn’t wear jeans to work, but Sarah suspected he might. His hair indicated to her that he pretty much did what he pleased. The women in town would have a heyday with a new hunk to admire. The library would see more traffic next week than it had all year.

  “Yes, I believe this place will work out just fine.” Sam turned to look at her. He got a strange expression on his face and took a step toward Sarah. “If you’ve changed your mind, it’s okay. I can still find that motel…”

  “Of course not.”

  “Your mouth says one thing and your eyes say another.”

  Sarah chuckled. “I was thinking what the ladies at the church will say about you.”

  He grinned. “What, about my hair and earring?”

  She glanced quickly at his ears and found the left lobe sporting a small silver hoop. “Oh geez, I didn’t even notice that!”

  “You’re still getting used to the idea that I’m a man.”

  Not just a man. A muscular, sexy knock-out of a man. Sarah shook her head. “I just expected Samantha.”

  “My graduating class in library science was ninety percent female. It’s a common stereotype, and with names these days, a common misconception.”

  Sarah laughed at that. “People mistake you for a woman often?”

  “No.” A devilish grin flashed across his face. “Definitely not.”

  His expression sent warmth coursing through her veins. Sarah groaned inwardly. She needed to get a grip on herself if this arrangement was going to work. “My brother brought dinner for us. Why don’t we go get something to eat?”

  “Your brother,” Sam repeated as he followed her out. “Now there’s another person who doesn’t appear happy I’m a man.”

  She chuckled and walked down the stairs, stopping at the bottom to face him. “Doug’s very protective of Mandy and me. It’s a long story, but he’s been the man of the family for quite a while. Now he’s got Bailey and the baby, and I want him to focus on them a bit more. Mandy and I can take care of ourselves.”

  Sam gave her a quick once-over with his eyes. “I haven’t met Mandy, but I’ve no doubt you’re right about that.”

  Sarah blushed. Her nipples hardened under his scrutiny, and she hurried towards the house. Unable to trust her body’s reaction, she wanted to get to the others as quickly as possible. “Come in.” She opened the kitchen door and looked around the room, where Bailey and Doug were setting out dinner. “Where’s Mandy?”

  “Not here, apparently,” Bailey replied. “Did she tell you she was going anywhere after school?”

  “Oh, yes. I guess so.” Flustered, Sarah wasn’t thinking clearly. The development with Sam being an incredibly sexy ‘Samuel’ rather than a comfortable ‘Samantha’ continued to throw her off-kilter. Her reaction to him terrified her. She was also concerned with what other people would say, and what her daughter would think. Mandy was shy around new people, and Sarah worried that Sam might make her uncomfortable.

  “Sam, have a seat.” Bailey motioned to the chair next to her. “We’re pretty informal around here.”

  “Sounds good to me.” He sat in the chair she indicated.

  “Hmmm.” Bailey looked over the plastic bowls on the table. “Did you get corn on the cob, Doug?”

  “Yes, dear, a dozen of them. Hope twelve’s enough for that hungry baby,” he muttered good-naturedly.

  Bailey pouted. “They’re not here.”

  “Well, crap.” He stood up. “Maybe I left a bag in the truck. Be right back.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled at him, and he went out the back door.

  Sam looked around. “Nice place you have here, Sarah.”

  “It’s not much, but it’s home.” She took the seat next to him.

  “You should stop doing that.”

  “What?” She blinked, flustered again and unsure what he meant.

  He leaned in and said, “You’re very self-deprecating. I complimented the loft and your house, and all you did in reply was put them down.”

  “I didn’t realise I was doing it.” In an effort to provide some distance, she shoved a box of fried chicken at him.

  He took it and smiled at her. “A woman as pretty as you ought to be able to accept a compliment, is all.”

  “Oh…” She was startled, and an appropriate reply eluded her again. He was going to think she was a stammering idiot. She looked at Bailey, who grinned widely.

  “Yeah.” Bailey nodded, her mouth full of chicken.

  “Found it!” Doug called, coming back inside. “Twelve ears of corn. One for each of us, and the other half-dozen-plus for my famished daughter.”

  “Stop it!” Bailey snatched the box from his hands and dived into the corn.

  Sarah smiled at the exchange and tried to avoid Sam’s gaze. She felt sure he was just being polite when he called her pretty. Guys who looked like him had their choice of women. Still, the compliment was nice, but it totally knocked her off guard. She busied herself passing containers around the table until everyone’s plate was full.

  “So you know the baby’s a girl?” Sam asked in the general direction of Bailey and Doug.

  “Yep,” Doug spoke up. “Sonogram confirmed it.”

&nbs
p; “I’ve read about cases where the sonogram was wrong,” Sam commented. “Surprised the heck out of the parents.”

  “Don’t even go there.” Doug made a face at Sam, who raised his eyebrows and shrugged as if wondering what he had said wrong.

  “We’ve already had this conversation.” Bailey grinned at her husband. “I told him not to paint the baby’s room pink, just leave it white and we’d decorate with coloured accents. But noooo, he had to paint the whole blasted room Cotton Candy Pink. So if the baby does turn out to be a boy, the first thing Daddy gets to do is repaint the nursery.”

  “It’s a girl.” Doug licked chicken grease from his fingers.

  “Boys can have pink rooms.” Sam shrugged. “Who says pink is just for girls? I have the coolest pink shirt.” He looked at Sarah. “I might wear it to church on Sunday just to get the ball rolling.”

  “You go to church?” she asked, surprised. She wasn’t sure why it surprised her, but she wasn’t sure about much tonight. The unfamiliar desires he roused in her had Sarah’s head spinning.

  “When I feel like it,” Sam replied.

  Bailey wiped her hands and shoved her plate away. “What ball are you talking about? I think I missed something.”

  Sam wiped his hands and pushed his plate back. “Sarah thinks the old biddies at church are going to be up in arms about their new librarian.”

  “I never said that!” Sarah insisted as the back door opened and Mandy slipped in.

  “Sorry I’m late!” She smiled at everyone around the table but stopped when she reached Sam and stared at him.

  “Mandy, honey.” Sarah stood up. “This is Sam Buchanan. He’s going to be working at the library while Bailey has the baby.”

  “You’re a man,” Mandy said to him.

  Sam chuckled. “I’m quite sure of it. If I wasn’t, coming over here has definitely reminded me.”

  “Just a little mix-up,” Bailey said. “But Sam’s getting settled in and everything is going to be just fine.”

  Mandy looked at her mother. “A man’s going to be staying in our loft?”

  Doug stood up. “Hey Squirt, I lived there for years, and last time I checked I was a man.”

  “You’re family, not a complete stranger,” Mandy said sullenly.

  “Amanda!” Sarah rebuffed her daughter. “There’s no need to be rude. Sam will be in his apartment and we’ll be here, same as when Uncle Doug lived there. I don’t see any reason for concern.” Except on my part. She envisioned staring out her window, looking to see if he was home—and alone.

  Sam looked at Sarah. “I can still check out that motel.”

  “Not necessary. She’s just surprised, like we all were. Once Mandy gets used to the idea and gets to know you, everything will be fine.”

  He stood. “I think I’ll be heading up to the loft then. Thank you for dinner,” he told Doug and to Bailey he said, “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “One more day.” She sighed and rubbed her stomach. “You have one more day to pick my brain, and then I’m crawling into bed with a box of chocolates and the TV remote control.”

  Sam chuckled. “So if I need help, a bribe of Hershey’s Kisses would not be out of line?”

  Bailey nodded solemnly. “I like the kind with nuts in the middle.”

  “Duly noted.” Sam took a step towards the door. “Thanks again for dinner. Goodnight.” He walked outside.

  Sarah followed him out, hugging the door frame to steady herself. “The keys are on the kitchen counter. I forgot to give them to you.”

  “Great, thanks. Hope everything works out with your daughter.”

  “It will. I’m sorry, Sam. You aren’t meeting any of us at our absolute best tonight.”

  “This was pretty good. I can’t wait to see your best.” He winked at her.

  She smiled. He had the nicest eyes, all warm and brown and crinkly around the corners when he smiled. She realised she was staring and was embarrassed to find him staring back. Blushing, she stepped into the kitchen. “Good night, Sam.”

  “Good night, Sarah.” He watched her for a moment longer before heading up the stairs to the loft.

  * * * *

  Fridays were a busy day at the water department, and Sarah was glad when quitting time rolled around. Mandy had already checked in with her and was on her way to a sleep-over at her friend Dee’s house. Doug and Bailey were celebrating her last day of work with a special dinner, so Sarah knew she was on her own for the evening. Pasta, wine and a bubble bath were on her mind as she headed home.

  For a moment she didn’t recognise the Jeep in her driveway until she remembered Sam. He parked and lifted a pizza box out as Sarah pulled in next to him. “Hi,” she said as they met on the sidewalk. I can handle this. She’d spent several hours alone in bed the previous night, convincing herself she was immune to the charms of her new tenant. She was a grown woman, and a mother, for goodness sake.

  “Hello there.” Sam looked her over slowly.

  Sarah shivered, searching desperately for her resolve, and her voice. “How was your day?”

  “Pretty good.” Sam nodded. “Only a few gawkers. I’m told it’ll get worse before it gets better.”

  “I’m sure it will. So, pizza for dinner.” What a stupid thing to say! It sounds like I’m asking for an invitation!

  “Yep, I’m too tired to hit the store tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe Sunday. We’ll see. Hungry?”

  “Yeah. No! I mean, I’m going to make some pasta and take a bubble bath…” Sarah trailed off. Why am I telling him this?

  “That sounds nice. Where’s your daughter this evening?”

  “Sleeping over at her best friend’s house.” She could have slapped her forehead. Might I possibly divulge any more unnecessary information to this man?

  “I see!” Sam’s eyes lit up. “So why don’t you make it pizza and a bubble bath? I’ll join you—for the pizza, I mean—” It was his turn to hesitate, a slow smile spreading across his face.

  Sarah laughed. “I think we both could use a glass of wine, and that pizza does smell good. Come on in.” She unlocked the kitchen door and motioned to the table. “Make yourself comfortable.”

  “Thank you. Wine sounds great.” He set the pizza down and kicked off his shoes, nudging them under the table.

  “I’m ready to do that too. Wine’s in the fridge, glasses up there.” She pointed to a cabinet. “Excuse me while I go change into some jeans.”

  “Take your time.” He headed for the fridge.

  Sarah went into her room. She couldn’t believe she’d invited him in—she had been looking forward to a nice, quiet evening. Now her heart beat so loudly, she thought he might hear it in the next room. She sat on the edge of her bed for a moment.

  What am I thinking? He probably just wanted to eat his pizza and go home. He’d never be interested in a woman like her, even if she was interested in him—which she was not. It’d been so long since an attractive man had entered her life, she’d almost forgotten how to act. What were they going to talk about? Maybe he wouldn’t stay that long. She might have to drop a few hints.

  After changing into jeans and a sweater, Sarah walked out to find Sam in the living room, spreading things out on her coffee table. He lit the candle she kept there and poured two glasses of wine. Two plates and napkins sat on top of the pizza box.

  “I hope you don’t mind.” He looked at her. “After sitting on hard chairs all day, I’m ready to get comfortable.”

  “This looks great,” she said sincerely. It did look inviting. She sank onto the farthest end of the sofa, away from him.

  “Good.” He settled himself at the other end then passed her wine and pizza. “This feels like the perfect way to end the day.”

  Surprisingly, Sarah thought so too. He had a natural way about him, and it didn’t take long until she was comfortable. Once they started talking, she realised she didn’t have to try to make conversation—it flowed naturally. He was easy-going and laid back, a
nice contrast to Sarah’s somewhat high-strung temperament. She relaxed as they chatted and ate, and before she realised it the pizza was cold and the wine bottle empty.

  “I can’t believe it’s nine o’clock already!” She set her plate down on the pizza box. “Here.” She reached for Sam’s plate.

  He handed it over. “Please don’t make me move.” He stretched out, kicking his feet up on the coffee table. “I just need to veg here for a few minutes.”

  “Oh geez, don’t rush off.” She waved a hand. “I’ve got nothing going on.” What happened to dropping hints for him to leave? She wasn’t sticking with her plan very well.

  He smiled over at her. “A bubble bath.”

  Sarah shrugged nervously. “Just a way to pass the time.”

  “I see.” He reached out and touched a strand of her hair that rested on her shoulder. “I like the way you say ‘geez’.”

  “It’s a habit, I guess. I don’t care for cussing.” She chuckled, slightly uncomfortable with the touch, but not totally. He was very easy to talk to. Sarah gazed at his mouth, biting her lip.

  “I thought that might be the case. Your brother works construction, I’ll bet he can swear with the best of them.”

  She laughed. “Bailey too. Every now and then when she doesn’t think I’m listening she lets it rip. She’s got quite a mouth on her.”

  Sam slid next to Sarah and let the hand holding her hair move to her cheek. He rubbed a thumb across her face, stopping at her lips. “I think you’ve got quite a mouth on you, Ms. Stevens.”

  “You think?” She looked at him, marvelling at how incredible his hand felt on her cheek.

  “I do.” He brought his face in front of hers.

  He hesitated long enough for Sarah to object or pull away if she wanted, but she didn’t budge. She surprised herself with how much she wanted his kiss.

  Sam’s eyes looked into hers so deeply Sarah thought he could see right through her. His hand felt hot where it caressed her cheek. She ached for more, for him to do anything, but he simply looked at her.

  Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah leaned forward and pressed her lips on his.