Sam Men of Clifton, Montana Book 7

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  All of them tugged on the straps and finally, they managed to get the mare to her feet but she continued to nip at her stomach. Tessa rubbed the mare's belly hoping to ease the beast’s discomfort.

  "The shot should be helping soon. Wyatt, do you think you could walk her a little?" Tessa smiled when he nodded then gently led the mare from the stall. She glanced at Sam to see him staring at her. Their gazes met and held.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Olivia and Gabe leave the stall. Tessa felt her cheeks growing warm. She bent down, picked up her medical bag, and then felt Sam beside her. Tessa gazed up at him.

  "You love what you do…don’t you, Tessa?"

  "Any vet would do the same,” she whispered, trying to resist his presence because being so close to him had her hormones raging.

  Sam shook his head. "You really care about the horses. It's not just a job to you. You love it." He tugged on her ponytail. "I saw it in your eyes, the fear of possibly losing the horse and the determination not to. It was amazing to watch."

  "You've seen me do it before, Sam. I helped your horse," Tessa reminded him.

  "My horse wasn’t nearly as bad as this mare. Mine just had a small cut on his leg. This horse was down less than a few minutes and she could’ve died."

  "All horses are different. Some take longer before they go down and some don’t go down at all." Tessa shrugged. "Any good owner knows to get the horse up before it starts rolling, twisting the intestines, and harming its internal organs."

  "See? You love it."

  Tessa smiled. "I do. I've always loved horses."

  "And yet, you don't have one of your own. Why is that?"

  "In case you’ve forgotten, I live in an apartment. I can't keep a horse there."

  "You could keep one at my place. I have plenty of room."

  Tessa widened her eyes. She had thought of boarding a horse, but hadn't looked into it yet. Now Sam was offering her a place to keep one. Tessa was about to tell him she’d think about it when Wyatt led the horse back toward her.

  "She seems better already, Doc," Wyatt said smiling at her. Olivia and Gabe stood beside him, nodding. Olivia held a baby monitor in her hand.

  "I'm glad. Just keep the food and water away from her, and I'll be out tomorrow to check on her." Tessa rubbed the mare's nose. "You be a good girl, Coco. I'll see you tomorrow.” Turning back to face them, she smiled at Olivia. “I wish Caleb was awake so I could see him."

  “Next time,” Olivia told her before giving her a hug.

  After saying good-bye, Tessa and Sam headed for her vehicle. Tessa stopped before she got in and glanced over her shoulder to see Sam talking with Wyatt. They shook hands and Sam strolled toward the passenger side. Tessa almost groaned watching him move. He was so sexy. The tight jeans cupping his sex left little to the imagination along with his khaki shirt fitting tight across his chest and the short sleeves wrapped tight around his biceps. Dear God, the man had a body. The black Stetson sat low on his forehead and his sunglasses hid those incredible eyes. Stubble covered the lower half of his jaw making her lick her lips and her fingertips tingle at the thought of caressing his cheek.

  Tessa climbed into the SUV and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her racing heart. She wanted him. She wanted him so much so, that she wiggled in her seat. Her wanting him, desiring him was wrong—so very wrong. Her life was far too complicated and living a lie was something that if he found out about, he’d hate her and that scared her to her very core. Tessa glanced over when he climbed into the seat beside her. Sam looked over and smiled at her. When she didn't smile back, a frown marred his forehead.

  "Are you all right?"

  Tessa nodded and started the vehicle then pulled out of the Stone's ranch without saying another word. After a silent ride back to town, she parked by the back door of the hospital. Staring straight ahead, she wrapped her fingers tighter around the steering wheel. She knew Sam was looking at her and he was probably wondering what in the hell was wrong with her. Taking a deep breath, she glanced over to him.

  "Thanks for going with me, Sam," she said in a low voice not too much louder than a whisper.

  "It was no problem, Tessa," he said in a low tone of voice and not making a move to exit the vehicle.

  Tessa cleared her throat. It was now or never. It was only dinner. "Would you…would you like to come for dinner tonight, instead of going out tomorrow night,” she said then added quickly, “as a way to thank you.”

  "No. But I will come to dinner…for dinner," Sam told her.

  Tessa looked over to him and smiled. "All right. After your shift?"

  Sam nodded. "As long as nothing major happens, my shift should end around seven tonight. Mark’s on vacation. Is that too late?"

  Tessa wanted to tell him she didn't care if he showed up at midnight. "That's fine. The hospital closes at six."

  Then she saw Sam shake his head. "You know what? It might be better if you come to dinner at my place. How’s that? I'll have to go home and shower after my shift anyway." He grinned. "Who knows? I may have to round up more pigs before the day is over."

  Tessa laughed and nodded. "All right then. What time should I be there?"

  "Seven thirty? I'll call you if something comes up." Sam smiled at her and climbed out of the vehicle.

  Tessa watched him stride over to his cruiser with her eyes instinctively going to his butt. She bit her lip to stop the groan bubbling up in her throat, and then climbed out and stood alongside her SUV. She watched him drive away then entered her hospital, all the while thinking about meeting him tonight and hoping to have the courage to come clean about who she was, and her life before Clifton, Montana.

  Chapter Six

  Tessa pulled onto Sam's road and drove up to his house. She thought she'd be more nervous than she was but she was just happy to be seeing him again. After parking, she sat there for a few minutes. What are you doing? This is so wrong. Someone is going to get hurt.

  Probably both of them because she was so close to falling for the man but if he fell for her, and learned the truth...she shook her head. It was best she just not get involved with him then there was no reason for her to tell him the truth at all. It was only dinner, two friends, or rather two people becoming friends, and she could handle that—she hoped. She stepped out, carrying a bottle of wine and walked up to the house. When she knocked on the door, she smiled at hearing Bo barking.

  The door opened and when she saw Sam, she nearly forgot to breathe. His hair was still damp from his shower, his feet were bare, and he didn’t have a shirt on. He smiled at her as he opened the door wider.

  "I'm running a little late, Tessa. Come on in."

  Tessa smiled and strode past him. The aroma from the pan simmering on the stove was mouthwatering. At least she thought it was until she turned to tell Sam she’d brought wine, and he was right behind her. His scent, clean, masculine, and sexy surrounded her and her hand instinctively went to his chest, and they both froze. Tessa slowly raised her eyes to his and watched as Sam slowly lowered his head. She knew it was to give her time to move away if she wanted and even as her internal voice screamed at her to move, she couldn’t.

  When she didn't, he pressed his lips to hers and Tessa's head tilted back as he deepened the kiss. His tongue entered her mouth slowly touching hers. Tessa moaned and ran her hand up his chest around his nape and into his damp hair. Sam’s hands moved to her hips and pulled her against him and she could feel his erection pressing against her belly. They jumped apart when Bo nudged between them. Sam lifted his head slowly and those sexy lips lifted into a smile. Tessa grinned and then glanced down at Bo.

  "We're not going to be friends if you keep doing things like that," she scolded even as she was glad the dog had interrupted the embrace.

  Sam chuckled. "I second that, Bo."

  The dog sat down and gazed up at both of them with adoration in his eyes since he was now getting their attention. Tessa cleared her throat.

  "I brough
t wine. I wasn’t sure what you were fixing, so I just picked up a nice Chardonnay."

  "That's fine. I made spaghetti."

  "One of my favorite foods," Tessa said with a grin.

  Sam stepped back from her and pulled his T-shirt on over his head. "I'll be right back. I need to put my boots on."

  "Or I could take my shoes off," Tessa suggested.

  Sam halted in mid-stride and turned to face her. "Sure, if you want."

  "Why not? We'll be more comfortable." Tessa pulled a chair out from the table and took a seat, then toed off her sneakers and tugged her socks off, wiggling her toes as she smiled up at Sam.

  "Red toenails, huh?" Sam folded his arms over his chest as he gazed down at her feet. "Sexy."

  "One of my many secrets," she teased then realized just how many secrets she was hiding from him and looked away.

  "How many more do you have, angel?" Sam crouched down in front of her, lifted her foot, and put it in his lap then massaged it slowly. "I'd love to know all of them."

  Tessa took her bottom lip between her teeth, and then crooked her finger at him as she leaned toward him. Sam moved closer.

  "I like sexy bras and panties," she whispered then laughed when Sam groaned.

  "I saw some of those sexy panties. How about we just skip dinner?" Sam suggested even as she felt the heat of a blush rush over her face remembering how he had seen her panties that night in her apartment.

  "Oh no, Sheriff…you promised me dinner."

  She almost changed her mind when Sam kissed her again while his hand wrapped around her ponytail. "I want to see this down."

  "Hmm…maybe you will," she said against his mouth.

  "Promise?"

  She gazed into those amazing blue eyes and wished she could promise him that but she knew she couldn’t.

  Sam stood, his eyes not leaving hers so she dropped her gaze only to see his erection straining against the zipper of his jeans. She glanced away even when she didn’t want to then lifted her gaze, and smiled up at him. He put his hand out to her and helped her stand.

  "You go sit in the living room and I'll bring dinner in when it's ready. I don't need you here distracting me."

  Tessa laughed softly. "All right, Sheriff. Let me know if you need help with…” She couldn’t resist giving a quick glance at his fly then back to his face. “Anything."

  Sam growled making her stifle a laugh. "Go."

  Blushing, Tessa headed in the direction Sam pointed her and entered the living room with Bo on her heels. Taking a seat on the large sofa, she picked up the remote, turned on the television that hung above the red brick fireplace, and then glanced around the room. It was definitely a man’s home. A large overstuffed brown plaid recliner faced the matching sofa. On the mantel sat photos of Sam and his sister, Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn and her daughter, Sadie. There were also pictures of his parents, and all of them at Kaitlyn and Riley’s wedding. Scattered rugs covered the cherry hardwood floors. It was a very comfortable looking home.

  You shouldn’t be here! I know! She tried to quiet her inner voice, and had just about convinced herself to leave when Sam carried two plates in, piled high with spaghetti. After setting them on the coffee table, he walked back to the kitchen and returned with hot garlic bread. The smell of it made Tessa's stomach growl so she decided to stay. After Sam sat down beside her, they both dug in and Tessa couldn’t help but moan when the flavors hit her tongue.

  "Oh Sam. This is fantastic."

  "My mother thanks you. She taught me how to make it years ago. Other than steak, this is about all I cook."

  "Well then you must eat a lot of spaghetti and steak,” she said leaning back to stare at him. "You sure don't look like a starving man."

  "Oh, I'm a starving man all right, darlin’…just not for food." He stared at her, and she knew exactly what he meant.

  Tessa's eyes met his. "Sam…"

  "I love the way you say my name." He leaned forward and kissed her, tasting of spice, tomatoes, and garlic…he was nearly as delicious as the food on her plate. "I want you so much Tessa," he whispered against her lips.

  "It’s not that I’m not interested… Sam, I just don’t think it’s a good idea."

  “Well, I think it’s a hell of an idea.”

  “I’m not looking for a relationship, Sam…although, you’re very tempting.”

  Sam stared into her eyes. "Glad to hear it."

  Tessa leaned away, looked back at her plate, and then continued to eat even though her appetite had abandoned her. She couldn’t do this, the idea of having sex with Sam was something she just couldn’t do, no matter how badly she wanted him. If she thought she could keep it simple, casual it would be one thing but there was something so special about him. One minute she had herself convinced to go for it, to tell him about her past, and then the next she was too afraid to do anything.

  Taking a deep breath, she chewed her food while her inner voice pleaded with her to tell him the truth. What if she did, would he hate her. Had she waited too long now so he would think she was leading him on? Just then, she realized he was staring at her so she turned her head, and looked into his eyes stifling a groan.

  "Your eyes are beautiful, Tessa. Your eyes were one of the first things I noticed about you. After that it was your beautiful face."

  "Do you know what I first noticed about you?" Tessa tilted her head at him.

  "I believe it was my badge."

  Tessa laughed. "Okay. The second thing I noticed."

  "What?"

  "How gorgeous you are."

  Sam snorted. "I'm just a man, Tessa."

  Tessa laughed. "Ha! If you look up tall, dark, and handsome in the dictionary, I have no doubt that your picture would be there."

  Sam shook his head and chuckled. "If you say so."

  "I say so, and so does every other woman in town. Sam, you shave every day, don't you?"

  Sam frowned at her with an expression of confusion. "Yes. Why?"

  "Obviously, you have to look in the mirror." Tessa shrugged. "You have to see how good-looking you are."

  "Good-looking? A minute ago, I was gorgeous," he said in a teasing tone.

  Tessa narrowed her eyes at him. "You know what I mean. You are gorgeous, you're so tall, that dark hair, your body is perfect, you have such sexy lips, a gorgeous smile, and those blue eyes are killers."

  Sam shrugged. "They're just blue, Tessa, and how are my lips sexy?" He frowned as he picked up his wine. When she didn't say anything, he glanced over to her. She stared at him and lifted an eyebrow at him. "What'd I say now?"

  Tessa burst out laughing. "Oh my God, you're humble too. Christ, Sam. You're perfect."

  "I am not perfect," Sam growled making Tessa laugh harder. He set his plate on the coffee table, stood, and strode to the fireplace.

  "I'm sorry, Sam. I didn't mean to make you angry," Tessa said softly, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Now might be a good time to leave.

  Sam huffed. "You didn't. It's fine." He turned to look at her. "But I'm far from perfect, Tessa. I'm just a man, nothing more."

  Tessa shook her head and stood. "You’re a good man, Sam. You're nice, very good-looking, and you have a great sense of humor. You're hot and your lips are beyond sexy…"

  Sam strolled over to her. Stopping in front of her, he tilted his head as he gazed down at her. "How are my lips sexy?"

  He had asked her that question before and now, as she stared up at him then looked at his mouth, she smiled thinking of just how perfectly sexy his lips were. Setting her plate on the coffee table alongside his, she came to her feet and stepped around it to stand in front of him.

  "They’re perfect," she said putting her hand over his lips when he started to say something. "You may not think you're perfect, but these lips are." Tessa ran her fingertip over them tracing their shape. "Perfect," she murmured. "This upper lip…” She caressed it with her fingertip. "Is bowed just right, and then this lower lip," she murmured continuing as her eyes traced along wi
th her fingertip, "makes a woman want to nibble on it."

  "Do you want to nibble on it, Tessa?" Sam whispered, making her insides flutter and flip with nervous excitement.

  "Oh yes, I do, Sam." She stood on her tiptoes, took his lower lip between her teeth, tugged on it, and then nibbled.

  Sam groaned and put his hands on her waist then he moved them around to her butt, and pulled her closer to him.

  “And you go to the left,” she said against his lips.

  “What?” He pulled back from her, looked down at her, and raised his dark brows in question.

  Tessa smiled up at him. “Most men lean to the right when they kiss.” She shrugged. “You go to the left.”

  “You’ve kissed so many that you know this for a fact, huh?”

  “Enough.”

  “I’d rather not talk about how many men you’ve kissed. Just keep kissing this one.”

  "Sam…" she whispered. Now is the time to tell him.

  “God, what you do to me when you say my name. Stay with me tonight, Tessa,” Sam said as he kissed his way across her cheek and down along her neck sending delicious shivers over her skin.

  No! Tell him now!

  Tessa pulled back from him. “I-I can’t, Sam, not until I…” She swallowed, her courage escaping her. “Please give me time to think about this.”

  Sam took a deep breath and blew it out. “All right, but I’m not giving up.”

  Tessa smiled. “I hope not. I’d better go. We both have to work tomorrow.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” He picked up the plates, and she followed him to the kitchen.

  Once in the kitchen, she pulled a chair out and sat down to put her socks and shoes back on. When she stood, Sam took her hand in his, walked her out to her vehicle, and kissed her softly.

  “Thank you for dinner and for helping me earlier today.”

  “Anytime for both. Go home before I do whatever it takes to keep you here.”

  “Against my will, Sheriff?” She smiled raising her eyebrows.