Promise Me

by Deborah Schneider

  “Oh Sam, why didn’t you tell me this before? If only...” Her voice trailed off and she wiped away the tears, then straightened her shoulders.

  “I’m not about to blame you for a deceitful woman’s death, Samuel Calhoun. I don’t care what other people believe, and I’m not going to allow you to waste time blaming yourself for a terrible accident. Despite what you think, we all create our own path in life. I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding your marriage to Elsbeth, but I believe you tried to take care of her. I also suspect you did so long after you stopped loving her.”

  A rush of relief washed through Sam. Amanda believed in him.

  “I’m tired of the lies, the mistrust, and the anger between us. I want a marriage based on trust. I can’t promise to forgive you for everything, at least not right away, but we can make a new beginning with a new pact.” She held out one hand, palm face out.

  Sam touched his palm to hers, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his. The heat of her blood warmed him.

  She gave him a small smile.

  “From now on, we’re going to be honest with each other. We don’t lie, or even pretend for that matter.” A challenge flickered in her eyes. “And we are equal partners in this arrangement.”

  Sam raised an eyebrow. “Equal?”

  Amanda’s chin thrust forward and her eyes blazed. “Equal, no secrets and no lies. That’s the deal, Samuel Calhoun.”

  Sam dropped his hand and wrapped an arm around her waist again. “Is that so? Shouldn’t a deal with such strict terms be sealed with a kiss, Amanda Calhoun?”

  Before she could object, he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. She reacted with surprise, but a moment later she relaxed against him, raising up on her toes and wrapping her arms around his neck. He deepened the kiss, letting his tongue slip between her lips, and she moaned. He didn’t need any more encouragement.

  His tongue slid into the sweetness of her mouth, exploring, linking with hers in a delicate, erotic dance, then plunging deeply to savor her taste. She was honey and spice. It was a ballet of desire, and blood rushed hot through his body, culminating in a hard thickening between his legs.

  He cupped her soft bottom, urged her closer to him, and he was relieved that this time she didn’t pull away. Instead, she welcomed his touch, reaching out one small hand to stroke his face softly.

  He lifted his lips briefly from hers, afraid she’d demand he step away. He would do so if she asked. He gazed down at her with a sensual hunger tearing him apart. The evidence of his lust pressed eagerly against her thigh; the padding of her dress and petticoats provided no protection against his rampant desire.

  “I want you, Sam. I’ve wanted you since the first moment we met, and the devil be cursed, I can’t seem to stop wanting you.”

  Her words swept away all of his inhibitions. His mouth claimed hers again in a deep, searing kiss. His hands were free to explore her body, to touch, to fondle and caress. She was his to treasure, and despite his need, he had no intention of rushing this lovemaking. It had taken too long to win her back, and all the precious moments of this night belonged to them.

  Taking a step away from her, he worked patiently to unfasten each of the black pearl buttons on her dress. His brow knitted into a frown.

  “When are you going to discard these widow’s weeds, Amanda? I want to see you in bright, beautiful colors. Wear something that will bring out the green of your eyes and do justice to this hair.” He ran his fingers through the smooth silkiness of her auburn locks, dislodging the last of the pins.

  She threw her head back and gave him a mischievous smile. “I haven’t been inclined to discard my dark, sad garb because it’s been a good match for my mood lately.”

  His fingers finished with the buttons, and he pulled the fabric of her gown apart, exposing the soft mounds of her breasts perched above the satin fabric of her corset. Her flesh was a feast for his eyes, and for a few moments he savored the view. His cock grew rigid.

  Amanda laughed softly. “I have a feeling that in a very short time, my mood is going to improve dramatically.”

  Sam leaned down and licked the deep valley of her cleavage, savoring the sweet taste of her skin.

  “It will if I have anything to do with it, madam.” He trailed kisses up over her shoulder, across her neck, to the gentle curve of her ear. He suckled one earlobe delicately, and she shivered.

  He pulled the arms of her jacket free, discarded it, and moved his hands to her waist. Giving her a gentle twist toward the bed, he impatiently unfastened the hooks of her skirt. It fell into a heap at her feet, and Amanda stepped away from the pool of dark crepe fabric. Sam felt drunk with the pleasure of seeing her undress, as if he were sipping a rich, delicious wine.

  Climbing upon the bed, she waved a finger in warning. “My turn now, Sam,” she said in a husky, sultry whisper.

  He stepped close enough to allow her elegant fingers to begin the painfully slow process of unfastening first his silk vest, then the small buttons of his linen shirt. When she finally separated the fabric, her lips rewarded him, moving sensuously across his skin, blazing a trail of fire down his chest, then to his belly.

  She looked at him from beneath her thick, dark lashes. Her emerald eyes sparkled while her tongue perched on the edge of lips still swollen from his kiss. When she reached for the buttons of his trousers, Sam stopped her.

  “By God, Amanda, if you touch me there, I’ll be finished in a moment.” He lowered his head and stroked the sweet curve of her breast with his tongue. “And tonight, I want for us both to be well- satisfied.”

  He briefly recalled what Father Mikelson had said about avoiding the conjugal bed in order to secure an annulment for Amanda, but the fever of desire overwhelmed his senses and drove the thought from his mind.

  With a gentle push, he set her back upon the pillows, then with eager fingers unlaced her boots. Flinging them aside, he traced the outline of her small foot before reaching beneath the starched cotton of her petticoats to unroll each silk stocking. It was like unwrapping a beautiful gift, and he wanted to savor every moment.

  He tongued the curve on her insole and trailed kisses from there, across her foot, nipping the inside of her ankle, then up the curve of her leg. He lifted her petticoat, cupped her bottom, and leaned forward to discover her sweet, hot core, flowing with the honeyed juices of her desire.

  His tongue flickered across the small rosebud of pleasure. She whispered his name as he elicited shivers from her.

  He inhaled her female musk and reveled in the taste of her. She was ready for him, he could tell, but the pleasure of the play held him rapt. He wanted to extend the minutes into hours of lovemaking, but he throbbed with a need to plunge himself deeply into her, to feel her tight, wet sheath surrounding him.

  He stood and made quick work of his trousers, kicking them aside. She gave him the smile of a cat well-pleased with the bowl of cream placed before her.

  “Come here,” she demanded, sitting up and letting her legs dangle over the edge of the mattress.

  He obeyed, unable to imagine doing anything else. She held him prisoner, with only the chains of passion to enslave him.

  When she wrapped her small, soft hand around him, fire exploded in his veins. Before he could do anything but throw back his head and encourage her with a deep, guttural sound, she took him into her mouth.

  It took every ounce of self-control to keep from exploding into the pliant softness. She suckled him, and he swore he felt the floor moving in waves beneath his feet. His breathing was ragged. She stroked, fondled, and nearly drove him insane with the pleasure she offered.

  Finally, he pushed her tenderly away, gazing down through a haze of desire. “Woman, you surely know how to drive a man out of his mind.”

  Her green eyes sparkled up at him. She stood and slowly and deliberately removed the rest of her undercl
othes.

  “I’m planning to make you beg for mercy before the night is over.”

  She took her time unfastening her corset, and Sam groaned. He wasn’t sure he’d survive.

  Her corset and then her petticoat fell to her feet. Sam envisioned his beautiful goddess standing on a cloud. He’d gladly burn in hell for this night with her, and nothing, no punishment, penance or retribution, would stop him from making love to her.

  She climbed upon the bed once more, spreading her legs and arranging her hair upon the pillows. Her gaze traveled the length of his body, her eyes widening at the hard length of his cock, then she gave him a slow, seductive smile.

  “You going to stand there all night, Sam, or do you have something else in mind?”

  Sam climbed upon the bed, positioning himself above her. “I’m just trying to collect my thoughts.”

  Amanda ran her fingers up his chest lightly, a tingling path scorching him from her touch. “We’ve spent too much time lately thinking. Let’s concentrate of what we’re feeling.”

  Sam lowered his lips to hers and pushed his tongue into the yielding moistness of her mouth at the same moment he thrust into her. They were both hot and eager, with no pretense of shyness. Their bodies entwined, and there was only the rhythm of their mating and the sweet, pure physical need, which ended in a trembling crescendo as they shuddered, cried out, and climaxed together.

  When Sam finally relaxed against Amanda, savoring the sweet moments after making love to her, a flash of conscience jolted him. She’d demanded honesty, and he’d agreed.

  But he couldn’t tell her the entire truth, because if she knew about his mission to Willow Creek, her life would be in even more danger. He had to protect her, and the only way he knew to keep her safe was to deceive her.

  It was a helluva deal, and if she found out he hadn’t been totally honest, their relationship would be over.

  She dozed beside him. Her face was soft and flushed from their lovemaking. Sam touched her cheek gently.

  “I love you, Amanda,” he murmured. It was better that she didn’t hear him. His love would only bring her more pain and sorrow.

  Chapter Fifteen

  It was nearly dawn when Amanda nestled closer to Sam, snuggling her head against his hard, firmly- muscled chest to listen to the soft cadence of his heart. His arm wrapped around her, tugging her even closer before he adjusted the quilt he’d pulled across their naked bodies after their last interlude of lovemaking.

  Closing her eyes, she inhaled his masculine scent mixed with the primal fragrance of their recent mating. She felt warm, relaxed, and safe

  Sam’s lips gently caressed the top of her head. “Thank you, Sam,” she murmured.

  He was silent for a moment, then chuckled deeply. “You’re welcome, Amanda. I’m grateful I could be of service.”

  She gave him a playful push and leaned on one elbow to gaze at him. He looked well-pleased with himself. His amber eyes glowed with what she might foolishly interpret as love if she didn’t know better. Sam had vowed never to love another woman. His heart was too damaged by his experience with Elsbeth to take a chance on being hurt or betrayed again.

  “Not for the, well, you know.” She gave him another punch when he grinned. “I want to thank you for sharing the story of your first marriage. For trusting me enough to believe I wouldn’t judge you for a terrible accident.” She drew her fingers gently across his chest. He inhaled a sharp breath, and she marveled that he reacted so immediately to her touch.

  The small chocolate flecks in his eyes grew darker. Her fingers continued to tease him, and she moved closer to better gauge his reactions. The quilt slid lower, exposing her breasts. Instead of covering herself, she shifted to permit him a better view.

  Her fingers moved upward, delighting in the hard line of his jaw. His teeth clenched when she tickled the outline of his lips.

  Sam grasped her wrist and raised an eyebrow. “Ready to play again so soon, madam?”

  Amanda sat up, tossing her hair in a playful motion. His hand moved up her arm, caressing one breast, then pausing to stroke her nipple. Ripples of pleasure swept through her. With the lightest touch, he sketched an outline of her womanly shape as though he wanted to memorize each curve and line of her body.

  Finally withdrawing his hand, he leaned forward to kiss her. Not with the hot, eager passion of their recent mating, but with a soft sweetness that brought tears to her eyes.

  “I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you, Amanda. I need you.” His voice rumbled with emotion. She thought he wanted to say more, and she waited patiently. She would wait a lifetime for the words she ached to hear.

  “But I think we should have some breakfast. I promise,” he said, lifting a lock of her hair and curling it around his finger, “there will be plenty of time for us to be together. Later.”

  A wave of disappointment washed over Amanda. She’d been hoping for other words. At the very least, she wanted him to say he cared for her. Most of all she wished to hear him say he loved her. Yet she knew they were words he couldn’t say because of his deep-rooted fear. Her heart ached with the sadness of it, a man so capable of deep, profound love, yet so afraid he would destroy anyone he cared about.

  “I’m famished.” She adjusted the quilt to cover herself. “Although I confess I’m reluctant to climb out of the warmth of this bed.”

  Sam dropped the curl he’d been toying with and matched her grin. “Then I’ll arrange for you to stay right here, enjoying the luxury of a nap.” His gaze lingered on her naked shoulders.

  Stretching her arms above her, she gave a deep, contented purr. “That sounds wonderful.”

  He leaned forward and caressed her bare skin with his lips, creating a trail of fire down her shoulder to one breast.

  “I’ll have Harriet fix us a tray, and we can have a picnic right here in our room.” The chocolate flecks appeared again in his eyes. “You won’t even have to bother getting dressed.”

  Amanda fell back upon the pillows and giggled. “That will save me the trouble of undressing later.”

  “Precisely my plan,” Sam said, climbing from the bed. His lean, heavily-muscled body ignited a fire deep within Amanda. Lust and desire. She couldn’t tear her eyes from his gorgeous posterior as he pulled on his trousers.

  He gave her a devilish grin as he buttoned his shirt. “You are well on your way to becoming a lascivious woman, Amanda Calhoun.”

  She curled her lips into a satisfied smile. “Then hurry up and get back here, Samuel Calhoun. I’m hoping you’ll be able to give me further instruction.”

  He answered her with a hearty laugh and leaned forward to kiss her. “It will be my pleasure, Amanda, I assure you.”

  “If you do it right, Sam, it will be a pleasure for both of us.”

  He laughed again before leaving the room.

  Amanda considered her circumstances. She was in love with her husband. Madly, completely, and foolishly in love. Despite all effort to ignore him and keep herself from him, she had eagerly returned to his arms at the first opportunity.

  Lifting her eyes to heaven to beg for help, she recognized another truth. Despite all of his efforts to erect a wall around his heart, Samuel Calhoun was in love with her, too. Now she just needed a way to prove it to him.

  ***

  Later that day, Amanda considered playing at her game of public disdain for her husband. Her pretense of a chilly, silent meal at noon dissolved the instant Sam grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth. Nibbling gently on her fingers, he joked about how sweet she tasted, and she dissolved into a fit of laughter.

  She knew they were being observed, yet she couldn’t bring back the icy demeanor after a blissful night of making love, then sleeping wrapped in each other’s arms.

  Harriet gave them a warm smile when she came to the table. “It’s about time the two of
you patched things up.” She looked pleased with herself. “I knew you were perfect for each other right from the start. It does a matchmaker’s heart good to see folks settle in the way they oughta.”

  “So you planned this whole thing, did you?” Sam said.

  “Well, I figured where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I mighta helped you two along some, but”—she settled her hands on her hips—“I guess that priest managed to outdo me in the matchmakin’ department, didn’t he?”

  Sam and Amanda joined her in laughter before ordering.

  “I’m feeling a little queasy this afternoon. Just tea for me, please.”

  Harriet stared at her sharply, and Amanda tried to reassure her friend. “I’m sure it will pass soon, but I haven’t felt well for a few days.” She adjusted the white lace cuffs on her dress. When she looked back up, Sam’s eyes reflected concern.

  “Perhaps I should try to get more rest.”

  She nearly giggled as deep red crept up Sam’s neck to color the tips of his ears.

  “I’ll plan to tuck you in early this evening, madam.” A lilt of amusement shaded his voice.

  Harriet’s mouth curved into a smile. “Seems to me you two might have some other kinda catchin’ up to do, eh?”

  Sam and Amanda dissolved into another fit of laughter. Unfolding the linen napkin onto her lap, Amanda grinned. “I’m afraid we’re destined to be a public spectacle wherever we go in Willow Creek, Sam.”

  “What are your plans when you’ve finished with the work at the Miners’ Benevolent Association?” he asked.

  His question caught her off guard. Lately, she’d been living from day to day, almost from moment to moment. She’d given no thought to where she would live or what she would do when her work was finished in Willow Creek. Was he telling her they could have a life together? “I, well...” She blinked in confusion. “I’m fond of Willow Creek. And there’s so much to be done here, for the families of the miners and for the town. I guess I’ll be staying here for some time now.”