She pulled her hair out of the pony tail and fluffed it. She’d been in the kitchen for almost eleven hours and was looking forward to kicking back and relaxing in the bar with Nick and the others as they did on most nights. Her lips curled into a smile at how easily she’d already fallen into a comfortable routine.
She’d moved in with Nick after the first week. Tessa had pointed out that since she slept there almost every night anyway, it was the most practical thing to do. Of course, the word ‘slept’ wasn’t totally accurate, but there were other benefits to living with Nick that were just as appealing as what they did when they weren’t sleeping. Like waking up snuggled next to him and visiting Nacho every morning, riding the horses at night, or just hanging out with Nick’s friends—now her friends. They treated her like she’d been hanging around with them for years, and Sam finally had that feeling of acceptance she’d always longed for.
In the bar, several of them were seated with drinks in front of them and a pile of money on the middle of the table.
Sam stood beside Nick who was already seated. “What are you guys betting on now?”
“Whether or not Beulah and Hargrove get hitched.” Donnie raised a brow at her. “You in?”
Sam reached into her pocket and threw a twenty on the table. “Oh, yeah. I’ve seen the two of them together. Definitely getting hitched.”
Tessa cocked a brow at Sam. “Maybe this won’t be the only bet we have on someone getting hitched this year?”
Sam flushed as she slid into the chair next to Nick. “Well, let’s not move too fast.”
Nick remained silent, but the way he grabbed her and curled his fingers through hers before resting them on his thigh told her he might not be opposed to the idea. Sam wasn’t ready for that yet, though. Things were going good the way they were, and they had plenty of time. They had their whole lives together.
“I’m just glad you’re in Sweetrock now. I can wait a while for a wedding.” Tessa winked at Sam and Sam realized that she owed a lot to her.
Tessa had tried to push her and Nick together from the start, finagling it so that they danced at the bar that first night, and Sam even suspected the trail ride emergency that Tessa had conveniently timed perfectly for Nick to take Sam for a ride wasn’t such an emergency after all. It had also been largely due to Tessa’s intervention that she and Nick didn’t part ways after their misunderstanding. If it wasn’t for Tessa, Sam might be back in Boston right now, living her old, empty, shallow life.
But something lurked behind the spark of happiness in Tessa’s eye. A hint of sadness. And Sam knew why. Even though Tessa put on a tough act, she was a softy underneath. Her heart was as fragile as finely blown glass, and it had been shattered by that asshole she’d dated. Even now, five years later, she could still see the shadow of his betrayal in Tessa’s eyes.
But hearts were resilient. Even though Tessa didn’t trust anyone now, Sam had a sneaking feeling that her friend would come around, even if she had to give her a little push in the right direction. Sam wanted Tessa to feel the same joy with someone that she felt with Nick.
She owed Tessa that.
Tessa’s annoying meddling had brought Sam and Nick together, and Sam planned to do the exact same kind of meddling for her friend. After all, payback was a bitch.
She settled back in her seat and sipped the beer Nick had ordered for her. The sweet, savory taste of hops coated her tongue, and her body relaxed, her foot tapping lightly to the muted music coming from the speakers. Funny what a difference a few weeks could make.
When she’d first come to Sweetrock, her life had been a mess, and now she had everything she ever wanted. A stake in a restaurant, a boyfriend she adored, and she was finally putting down roots. Even her parents had approved. Her father especially was excited about her returning to Montana where his mother—Sam’s grandmother—had lived in early years. Fitting, really, since her grandmother’s chili recipe had brought Sam out here in the first place.
“Let’s drink to Nick and Sam!” Chase hefted his beer bottle, and they all clinked. Then Chase looked at Sam. “I’m glad Nick met you. He was getting to be a grouchy old bachelor. Glad you straightened him out.”
Everyone laughed, and Nick scowled at his friend. “Hey, I was not.”
“Maybe not,” Rena added. “But he is much happier now, and that’s due to you.”
Sam’s cheeks heated. Nick squeezed her hand. “Sure is.”
“And I’m glad you’re here,” Melina said. “But I don’t know. Sweetrock is kind of low-key. Are you sure you won’t miss home? The big city? Fine dining? Bright lights? Great shopping? I know I would.”
Sam snuggled into Nick, who dropped a kiss on the top of her head as she considered the question. She didn’t have to think long.
“Nope, I’m exactly where I want to be. I’m home.”
The End.
_____________
Book 2 in the Sweetrock Cowboy Romance Series “Too Close For Comfort” is coming June 2016 - Get on my VIP readers list for an email notification as soon as it is released and to get it at the lowest price:
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About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Leighann Dobbs has had a passion for reading since she was old enough to hold a book, but she didn’t put pen to paper until much later in life. After a twenty-year career as a software engineer with a few side trips into selling antiques and making jewelry, she realized you can’t make a living reading books, so she tried her hand at writing them and discovered she had a passion for that, too! She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix, Mojo, and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Find out about her latest books and how to get discounts on them by signing up at:
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Also by Leighann Dobbs
Contemporary Romance
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Reluctant Romance
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Regency Romance
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The Unexpected Series:
An Unexpected Proposal
Dobbs Fancytales:
Dobbs Fancytales Boxed Set Collection
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Western Historical Romance
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Goldwater Creek Mail Order Brides:
Faith
American Mail Order Brides Series:
Chevonne: Bride of Oklahoma
___________________
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
WRITING AS LEE ANNE JONES:
The Rockford Security Series:
Deadly Betrayal (Book 1)
Fatal Games (Book 2)
Treacherous Seduction (Book 3)
Calculating Desires (Book 4)
___________________
COZY MYSTERIES
Mooseamuck Island Cozy Mystery Series
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A Zen For Murder
A Crabby Killer
A Treacherous Treasure
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Mystic Notch
Cat Cozy Mystery Series
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Ghostly Paws
A Spirited Tail
A Mew To A Kill
Paws and Effect
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Blackmoore Sisters
Cozy Mystery Series
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Dead Wrong
Dead & Buried
Dead Tide
Buried Secrets
Deadly Intentions
A Grave Mistake
Spell Found
<
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Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series
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Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set Vol 1 (Books 1-4)
Or buy the books separately:
Killer Cupcakes
Dying For Danish
Murder, Money and Marzipan
3 Bodies and a Biscotti
Brownies, Bodies & Bad Guys
Bake, Battle & Roll
Wedded Blintz
Scones, Skulls & Scams
Ice Cream Murder
Mummified Meringues
Brutal Brulee (Novella)
This is a work of fiction.
None of it is real. All names, places, and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real names, places, or events are purely coincidental, and should not be construed as being real.
Some Like It Hot
Copyright © 2016
Leighann Dobbs
http://www.leighanndobbs.com
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner, except as allowable under “fair use,” without the express written permission of the author.
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Some Like It Hot (Sweetrock Cowboy Romance Book 1) Page 16